I'm 68 and have had so many bikes that I can't count. This bike is such a gem. I'm on a 2021. It never disappoints me in the grin factor. I now own 5 bikes ( 2017 Harley Street Glide Sp.,2018 Harley 1200 Iron, Yamaha XT250, and a 1965 Triumph TR6) and this is still my favorite. I can afford any bike I want and I just love this bike.
I hear you friend. I’m in the same position, and indeed I’ve owned many exotic and powerful bikes, but I’ve learned and come to appreciate that the MT07 and MT09 range of bike is where the most fun can be found
I got my motorcycle licence at 23 here in Australia and initially got a KTM 390, unfortunately that one got written off following an accident (I wasn't at fault in the incident). After that accident I went straight to the MT-07 (the LAMS version which is slightly de-tuned here in Australia to comply with the learner licences). Without a doubt the MT-07 is a great affordable middleweight bike perfect for commuting with impeccable reliability and decent fuel economy. I used mine to get to and from university whilst I was studying, and the cost of maintenance, fuel and insurance is really affordable even on a low income. I've done nearly 40,000 km on mine over two years and nothing has broken or gone wrong with it.
Had my MT07 nearly 3 years now as my first bike, I still love it, has bags of character, huge fun factor everytime i ride it, it's the rare yellow so it gets plenty of looks. I'm a shorty at 5"4 and I'm comfortable with my feet on the floor. Would recommend to anyone, but especially as a first bike
VeeFour had the demo today of the 2018 MT07, great bike, and it’s a lot of fun, trouble is I demo’ed the Ducati 797 Monster and I’m torn between which to get 🙈😕. New MT07 or ex demo of the 797, got a good deal on one today.
Brilliant review! I’ve just bought one in Yamaha Blue. I’m new to the riding world (even though I’m in my 40s) and was very unsure as to witch bike to buy. Between your review, other reviews and speaking to the guy in the shop(Wigan Yamaha) I definitely think I’ve made the right choice.
I test rode a blue one of these the Saturday of that same weekend, considering what to part exchange my 8 month old MT-125 for when I've saved those extra grands. Loved this bike - the seat and riding position felt more comfortable than my bike. It pulls nicely lower in the revs (didn't get chance to get above about 7k rpm because of Saturday traffic), exhaust actually sounded a lot better than I'd expected - quite throaty but in a strangely subdued way (like it really needs the Akrapovic to warn people you're there). Those mirrors must be the same across the whole MT series - they look exactly like those on my 125. I'm very much the target market you described - turning 28 late June, had my licence a month. Used to drive cars but can't afford both so it needs to be alright for commuting and fun for the weekend. Perhaps some forays into Europe since the Channel Tunnel and Dover are both within single digit miles of me. Thought I wanted the 09 but after riding the 2018 MT07, I really don't need anything extra for me. It would take too long to save the extra grands to buy and insure the 09 too. It was difficult to find any real faults with this bike too. The position of the horn caught me out several times too. The instrument panel on my MT-125 is a bit further forwards and I can see it in my periphery when looking at the road ahead, but on this bike it's a bit closer to where I was sitting and I felt I had to take very deliberate downward glances to check it properly. The headlight unit is a bit bland and uninspired relative to the overall aesthetic of the bike and compared to some of the others in the series.
Insouciance Incarnate It sounds to me that you've found you're next bike. I'm rapidly becoming a fan of the 270 parallel twin engine andvthis one has real character. Good luck with the piggy bank, I hope you get one soon 👍
I've been riding bikes for over 30 years, owned 2 R1s ('04 & '12) Bade ('10) Street Triple Rx, Tuono, a couple of CBRs and a load more. I work in a motorcycle dealership where I am privileged to ride all the latest bikes for extended periods. I'm only telling you this so you know I'm not a novice! My favourite in the MT range by far is the 10. My next favourite is the 07 and the 09 (including the SP) comes in a distant last place. The 09 has the worst handling and I can't have proper fun on it like I can on the 07 and 10. There seems to be something just "wrong" with the geometry.
You sound like a chap after my own heart, with plenty of the right stuff to know your onions, so your opinion is highly rated. I wasn't given long enough on the 07 to really have a play, as it was a guided MT event, so I can't give much of an opinion on the handling at the more fun end. The MT 10 I really loved myself, but it's an absolute gas guzzler and as I do full days out with lots of miles this was a deal breaker for me. I bought the 09 SP in the end because it's an utter hoot to ride, does great fuel mileage. Handling wise I understand where you're coming from, but I personally really like the flighty feel of it's handling, as I've learned that once you trust that the front won't actually tuck on you, it's a real adrenaline generator. I found the oem tyres to be horrible, but swapping them out for a set of Pirreli Corsa 3's and setting the suspension up for my weight and style made a massive difference. I also found that it prefers more weight shift and less angle of lean to really drive out of corners, whereupon that lovely light front end just wants to lift. I'm in love with my 09 SP, but it's horses for courses I suppose. Thanks and ride safe
Great stuff, I've made use of the butty van at Chorley Yamaha riding school myself a few times and watched the training. I'm glad I didn't have to go through all that :)
Personally for me I'd take the Yamaha. They are both great bikes, and the Kawasaki is maybe the better looking bike, but the Yamaha's big bang firing order makes for a much more enjoyable engine character over the Ninja's 180 degrees firing order (which makes it sound like a ride on lawn mower)
Nice review. I'd just like to add for balance that I'm approaching 63 and was looking for a lighter machine to supplement my 2002 XJR 1300 (NOT replace it!). So I too accepted the "Dark Side" Easter invitation from Yamaha on Good Friday. Horrendous monsoon rainy cold weather down here in Southampton, but I went to Deardens near Marchwood and was well looked after. I tried the MT03, which was fun, but slow, and the MT07. Absolutely loved it!! Plenty of go, light weight, lovely looks. I'm getting one! So, it's not only suitable for the new bikers but for the older farties too!! Got totally soaked and my gloves were ruined BTW.
The 07 will be a great scout bike for your XJR, that's what I like about my 09, it compliments my excellent but hefty Tiger 1200 perfectly. I tested the 03 too and there will be a vid up for it soon.
P.S. I like this bike. It’s just that I am 6 feet tall with a long torso and 30 inch inseam and I look and feel like a giant on the bike and I wonder if I am too big for it and should get an mt-09? Looking for a bike to ride for fun. No touring.
dry509 The 09 is a bit roomier no doubt, plus as good as the 07 is (and it is good), if you have the means to buy the 09 then I'dbe getting that. I love my 09 SP and it's rapidly becoming the most fun bike I've ever owned, and that's saying something comsidering I've had an Aprilia Tuono V4R 👍
No it isn't for some reason and plenty of potential American customers are asking for it. I think that I would feel broadly the same about the standard MT, because the meat of the bike is in its engine and that is exactly the same
Excellent Review Dave as usual. Yamaha seems to have a great line of motorcycles in the MT range, and a lot of accessories for that line. They seem like great multipurpose motorcycles. I was asking myself how Dave is going to fit in the walk around in this review, very nice video editing. Also liked that you thanked and recommended Chorley Yamaha at the end of your video. Was wondering if more reviews are coming from “The Dark Side of Japan” event?
Minnesota Vikings I like how the MT range are just good affordable bikes that are attainable by anyone, and they prove that bikes can be fun, stylish and exciting whilst still being reliable and useable everyday. I've one more ride from this event coming soon 👍
dry509 That's about what I weigh and it was fine for me. You can pretty much do a track day on any bike within reason, and although this wouldn't be an ideal bike, and you certainly wouldn't break any records, you could ride this on track
It is for riding solo on 'L' plates, but if you're riding in company with a qualified instructor for the purposes of a lesson, then you can ride any size. In a nutshell if you are taking your test (and you have attained the requisite age) and you want to pass your direct access to be able to ride unlimited powered bikes, then the bike you learn on, and take your test on must be at least 33 HP. Any less than 33 and you can only attain the A2 licence which restricts you to less than 33 HP. So the MT 03 will make a very good A2 licenced bike 👍
Best value amongst the MT series no doubt. Yamaha is probably the only Japanese bike that are still Made in Japan in 2019. Honda being Thailand, Suzuki : India, Kawasaki : Thailand, India, Philippines. Can't go wrong with this bike 100%
Would you recommend 125cc experience before trying to get my a2 licence? I'm not yet 19 or have a CBT but by the time it's after winter I'll only have a couple months cbt time. What do you think?
Absolutely. It's the best way to learn in my opinion. I spent 2 years on a 125 before I rode anything bigger, but that was because you couldn't ride anything else until you passed your full test back in the olden days. Don't ride an automatic scooter, but get something with gears. That way with only a couple of months experience under your belt, you'll have developed enough fully unconcious clutch and throttle control, that your transition to a bigger bike and learning to pass your test will be so much easier 👍
@@VeeFour Thank you so much for the fast reply, I'm really looking forward to getting on two wheels. Hoping my CBT won't be too much of a struggle and hope my experience with a car will help a tad with the clutch
SOLD!!! ha ha ha. Excellent review my friend. I was gonna upgrade my MT-03 660 for a 2nd hand Dorsoduro but now I think I will have to go test ride yan o these.
I love bikes that sound like this - same with the shiver and monster - just a fun sound - no matter what engine type it happens to be. I’d buy it for sound alone haha.
in London when you are a new rider more than look at the bike you fancy you look at the price of the bike's insurance to check which one you could afford. I love the ST 675 but no way I'm gonna pay 2.3 k £ for the insurance(fire and theft) so I have to buy a different bike, maybe the MT 07 which for some reasons should be half of that price to insure
Hi, update from Yam UK. This is part of the reply I received via email following my request for a definitive delivery date. “We have in this instance referred your enquiry to our Sales Department, who have advised, that whilst our allocation of the Night Fluo 2018 MT-07 models are currently being delivered to our dealers, our allocation of the 2018 Tech Black and Yamaha Blue colours, are scheduled for delivery the week commencing the 23 April.” I was interested to read the bit about the Tech Black, when your test bike was the very same. So anyone who has ordered a Fluo will be lucky enough to get theirs very soon, the rest of us will have to wait at least another 2 weeks. Poor show me thinks. The bike had better be worth the bloody wait 🤔
Ian Hughes The only upside I think, is that the spring weather has been bloody awful so far, so you've not missed much. I hope you get your wheels soon 🤞🤞
I know it's weird isn't it. I remember looking at 750s when I was first starting out, and they were the biggest scariest things ever, and now people learn to ride on them
you raise a good point there. I know from personal experience that Givi tank bags tend to fasten to a proprietary ring that is attached to the fuel filler, but you might struggle with a generic universal bag. If it's an issue that's important to you, I'd search some MT07 forums for a definitive answer 🤔🤔
Beginner bike? Most of the reviews I saw last year said that the fz-07 (phased out, I understand, for the mt-07) had so much torque in 1st and 2nd that it could quickly become unmanageable for the novice. Of course, with you coming from larger classes, maybe you don't see it that way. Or maybe 2018 has seen some "refinements"...
Kevin Phillips A lot of riding schools in the UK use the 07 as training bikes for beginners. Generally they will assess people on a 125 for a day then move them on to a bike like the 07 for the rest of their training. I found the power and torque to be very manageable 👍
I went from 2k miles on a 125cc and then used the training schools unrestricted MT07. It’s a nice bike, the only comparison I have is the Ducati 797 and I had that as a demo after I passed my test. I’m still weighing up my options for my first big bike. Considering the GSX-S 750 as well. Good review 👍
Richard Collins Between the 2, I'd be going for the Suzuki. The inline 4 will feel super refined, smooth and sporty, plus it'sa great looking bike too and is a nice step up from what youve been trained on 👍
I think Yamaha should have used the speedo from the MT07 with the MT09. This is a much better speedo, nice size, more info spread out not all bunched up.. If I bought the MT09 SP, I would look for a MT07 speedo to swap it over..
Now that I own the 09, I really like the look of the dash. It's minimalist just like the rest of the bike, but still tell me everything I need at a glance. The only thing it really needs is a remote control on the left bar 👍
yes, excellent review thank you! I cannot wait to get my grubby little paws on one. Yamaha will be doing a demo day near me next week and this is the top of my list for test riding. In America the dealer delivery date is sometime March 2018, well here we are in April and still nothing! Cannot find a single bike in stock. Oh well! Thank you again for the honest review! Maybe i'll strap a GoPro to my helmet and do a first impressions video
To be honest, I am getting sick of waiting for my new MT07, which I ordered early Feb. No-one can give me a straight answer as to when I can expect delivery. I emailed Yamaha UK yesterday, they came back today asking which dealer I ordered from, I replied, but still nothing back today. After the press launch we were led to believe it would be mid March, contacted dealer at the end of March and they said could be mid April. It is rather annoying that the bike being tested here has only done 29 miles, clearly Yamaha see it fit to get dealer demo bikes out there before satisfying customer pre-orders. In over 35 years riding, I have never been in this position when buying a new bike.
VeeFour , totally agree. The dealer I placed my order with is the very same you are testing with here. In no way am I pointing the finger of blame at the dealer. It is Yamaha themselves who need to get themselves sorted. For about £300 less I could be riding a 3 yr old Triumph Street Triple 675 with just over 1k miles. Ok, not a 2yr warranty, but likely to hold its value better !
Fantastic video, you’ve gained a subscriber in me! Can I ask a couple of questions...? I’m 23 (turn 24 in November 2018) and live in Suffolk in the UK. Am seriously thinking about getting a motorbike licence but don’t fully understand the requirements for each stage. The MT-07 is something I am considering as a first bike, how would that work? What would I need to undergo to be able to ride this bike?
Tom Newstead Thanks, welcome aboard. To ride this as your first bike, you'll need to wait until you're 24 so that you can ride this unrestricted. Before the age of 24 you can only hold an A2 license which restricts you to a bike of 47 horse power or less, and is a bit of a complicated process to obtain. If ypu wait until you're 24, you do your compulsory basic training (CBT) which allows you to ride on road (On a 125cc bike on L plates, or on a riding school bike under supervision), and after that you do a Direct Access Scheme (DAS) where you learn with a proffesional riding school on one of their 500-600 cc bikes. You will train on private roads (usually a local school or car park) before moving on to public roads. The test is a 2 part affair and also involves a written exam. Google Motorcycle Direct Access for all the info you need 👍
When you've ridden bikes at around 70 kg with 10 hp for 30 odd years this bike is a big heavy and fast monster. The changes to the suspension on the 2018 MT have been well received, although I think my money would go on an SV650, I just wish they'd sort the seat out. The MT has the option of a comfort seat, and in fairness to Suzuki there's a roll top optional seat available for the SV too.
In all my miles on bikes, the only seat I found uncomfortable was on my KTM950 Adventure, so I bought one of those expensive pads (forgotten the name) to place on it and sit on. Big mistake. I felt remote from the bike. Put it in a pannier and carried on to Portugal on the stock seat. By the time I got there, I'd broken it in and never felt uncomfortable again. The return ride was fine. I have never bought an aftermarket seat.
That bit about being remote from the bike was the reason the handling engineer at Suzuki gave for giving the SV such a thinly padded seat, I still think he made it just the wrong side of comfortable. I'm used to the big comfy seat of a Honda ST50.
I think that you've hit on something there. That could be reason why so many bike seats feel hard these days, to aid the feeling of connectivity with the bike. Nice point
SV650 seat and subframe seems to be crafted for a skinny butt these days. I've owned the former generations SV650S and the current seat is hard as a plank and just about as narrow.
It's because these days you're taught at a more mature age (in the UK) how to ride bigger bikes safely, and it's built into your license training. Back in 'the olden days' we just jumped on a 125 at 17 and were given no formal training until you reached an age where you could afford to do lessons for your test on a 125cc, and after that you were on your own. It's much better and safer these days because you learn how to ride a bigger bike properly from the off. So entry level now means a bike that you can use to pass your direct access on.
Well. Nice review, but not sure I agree with you in regard to the Mt07 being a good first bike . It way to powerful for a inexperienced rider. Sure it easy to ride, but I would never recommend this bike for a beginner. It’s not as radical as a Mt09 (also tried - lovely but too” hooligan” ), but too powerful for someone who has no experience. Maybe adequate for someone upgrading from a mt03 etc, but never as a first bike. .I’ve been riding for 30 years and had many, many bikes (the last one a FJR1300). I test rode a MT07 and to be perfectly honest it was the most fun had for years...so much I bought one to go along with my XT600E and Sw-t 400. Half the insurance, half the tax, twice the ease of riding and the fun, lots of torque, more then enough fun and very economical choice. With all the radars and speed trap, I found myself never riding more then 10/20 kms/h above the speed limit. Why have a 1300 for that? So, not only for novices, more then enough for long time bikers looking for something more nimble, light and easy to ride. Love it!
Vasco Pais Brandão The riding school near me uses the MT07 as beginner bikes to train people for the direct access scheme. You do a day on a 125 to learn the basics, then it's onto a MT for the rest of your tuition. It has power yes, but it's such a broad spread delivered in a very linear and predictable manner (unlike the 09 which kicks you in the pants), that beginners cope with it very well. The riding instructors that I've spoken to seem to prefer teaching on these or the Kawasaki 650 twins
I'm 68 and have had so many bikes that I can't count. This bike is such a gem. I'm on a 2021. It never disappoints me in the grin factor. I now own 5 bikes ( 2017 Harley Street Glide Sp.,2018 Harley 1200 Iron, Yamaha XT250, and a 1965 Triumph TR6) and this is still my favorite. I can afford any bike I want and I just love this bike.
I hear you friend. I’m in the same position, and indeed I’ve owned many exotic and powerful bikes, but I’ve learned and come to appreciate that the MT07 and MT09 range of bike is where the most fun can be found
I got my motorcycle licence at 23 here in Australia and initially got a KTM 390, unfortunately that one got written off following an accident (I wasn't at fault in the incident). After that accident I went straight to the MT-07 (the LAMS version which is slightly de-tuned here in Australia to comply with the learner licences). Without a doubt the MT-07 is a great affordable middleweight bike perfect for commuting with impeccable reliability and decent fuel economy. I used mine to get to and from university whilst I was studying, and the cost of maintenance, fuel and insurance is really affordable even on a low income. I've done nearly 40,000 km on mine over two years and nothing has broken or gone wrong with it.
There you go ladies and gentleman, 40k km of hassle free riding. You can't argue with rider endorsements like this!
Good job mate, ride safe
Had my MT07 nearly 3 years now as my first bike, I still love it, has bags of character, huge fun factor everytime i ride it, it's the rare yellow so it gets plenty of looks. I'm a shorty at 5"4 and I'm comfortable with my feet on the floor. Would recommend to anyone, but especially as a first bike
This is a first-rate review. Glad I stumbled across you on here. I subscribed yesterday, and you have got me really interested in the MT-09 SP.
Thank you, and you're very welcome on board
I’ve just grabbed a 2020 mt07 from Chorley Yamaha, great guys, picking it up Saturday
Oooh very nice, happy new bike day. They're a good bunch at Chorley 👍
Passed my A licence a month ago on an MT07, nice bike, due for a demo on the new one this week. Considering it as my first big bike. 👍
Richard Collins It'd make a perfect first bike, and will keep you happy for years too with that v twin like engine 👍
VeeFour had the demo today of the 2018 MT07, great bike, and it’s a lot of fun, trouble is I demo’ed the Ducati 797 Monster and I’m torn between which to get 🙈😕. New MT07 or ex demo of the 797, got a good deal on one today.
Go with the heart when all other considerations are equal 👍
Brilliant review! I’ve just bought one in Yamaha Blue. I’m new to the riding world (even though I’m in my 40s) and was very unsure as to witch bike to buy. Between your review, other reviews and speaking to the guy in the shop(Wigan Yamaha) I definitely think I’ve made the right choice.
It's never to late to start, and you've picked a great bike to start (and continue) with 👍
Have you test-ridden a KTM 790 Duke with parallel Twin? If not, would you consider adding a review, and comparison? Thank you.
I haven't but I'd love to as it looks like a cracking bike. Alas the KTM dealer that I had a good relationship with has closed down :(
its cool ithe mt07 comes with a 180 rear tire i find that pretty awesome
I agree, fat rear tyres will always look cool, end of!
I test rode a blue one of these the Saturday of that same weekend, considering what to part exchange my 8 month old MT-125 for when I've saved those extra grands. Loved this bike - the seat and riding position felt more comfortable than my bike. It pulls nicely lower in the revs (didn't get chance to get above about 7k rpm because of Saturday traffic), exhaust actually sounded a lot better than I'd expected - quite throaty but in a strangely subdued way (like it really needs the Akrapovic to warn people you're there). Those mirrors must be the same across the whole MT series - they look exactly like those on my 125.
I'm very much the target market you described - turning 28 late June, had my licence a month. Used to drive cars but can't afford both so it needs to be alright for commuting and fun for the weekend. Perhaps some forays into Europe since the Channel Tunnel and Dover are both within single digit miles of me. Thought I wanted the 09 but after riding the 2018 MT07, I really don't need anything extra for me. It would take too long to save the extra grands to buy and insure the 09 too.
It was difficult to find any real faults with this bike too. The position of the horn caught me out several times too. The instrument panel on my MT-125 is a bit further forwards and I can see it in my periphery when looking at the road ahead, but on this bike it's a bit closer to where I was sitting and I felt I had to take very deliberate downward glances to check it properly. The headlight unit is a bit bland and uninspired relative to the overall aesthetic of the bike and compared to some of the others in the series.
Insouciance Incarnate It sounds to me that you've found you're next bike. I'm rapidly becoming a fan of the 270 parallel twin engine andvthis one has real character. Good luck with the piggy bank, I hope you get one soon 👍
I've been riding bikes for over 30 years, owned 2 R1s ('04 & '12) Bade ('10) Street Triple Rx, Tuono, a couple of CBRs and a load more. I work in a motorcycle dealership where I am privileged to ride all the latest bikes for extended periods. I'm only telling you this so you know I'm not a novice! My favourite in the MT range by far is the 10. My next favourite is the 07 and the 09 (including the SP) comes in a distant last place. The 09 has the worst handling and I can't have proper fun on it like I can on the 07 and 10. There seems to be something just "wrong" with the geometry.
You sound like a chap after my own heart, with plenty of the right stuff to know your onions, so your opinion is highly rated.
I wasn't given long enough on the 07 to really have a play, as it was a guided MT event, so I can't give much of an opinion on the handling at the more fun end. The MT 10 I really loved myself, but it's an absolute gas guzzler and as I do full days out with lots of miles this was a deal breaker for me.
I bought the 09 SP in the end because it's an utter hoot to ride, does great fuel mileage. Handling wise I understand where you're coming from, but I personally really like the flighty feel of it's handling, as I've learned that once you trust that the front won't actually tuck on you, it's a real adrenaline generator.
I found the oem tyres to be horrible, but swapping them out for a set of Pirreli Corsa 3's and setting the suspension up for my weight and style made a massive difference. I also found that it prefers more weight shift and less angle of lean to really drive out of corners, whereupon that lovely light front end just wants to lift.
I'm in love with my 09 SP, but it's horses for courses I suppose.
Thanks and ride safe
I did my DAS at Chorley Yamaha and learnt on a mt07. Great video mate. Might see you out and about. Ride safe. 👍🏻
Great stuff, I've made use of the butty van at Chorley Yamaha riding school myself a few times and watched the training. I'm glad I didn't have to go through all that :)
This or the ninja 650 2020?
Personally for me I'd take the Yamaha. They are both great bikes, and the Kawasaki is maybe the better looking bike, but the Yamaha's big bang firing order makes for a much more enjoyable engine character over the Ninja's 180 degrees firing order (which makes it sound like a ride on lawn mower)
Funny how things change! I've ended up with an MT09 instead. loving it, but sadly the XJR had to go to make it happen.
Great vlog, strange to think of a 600 + cc as initiation level.
Ian Lawrie Yeah, 600 bikes were classed as 'big bikes' back in my day
Excellent review! We want more! :)
Thanks, but I'm running out of dealers to approach for test rides as I think they all suspect me of being a tire kicker xD
that is a really nice bike for the price. i have Portuguese reviews on the MT series. regards
SpitfirePT I'll take a look. I love riding in Portugal, you have some excellent riding roads 👍
VeeFour anytime you are in lisbon say someting. Regards
Nice review. I'd just like to add for balance that I'm approaching 63 and was looking for a lighter machine to supplement my 2002 XJR 1300 (NOT replace it!). So I too accepted the "Dark Side" Easter invitation from Yamaha on Good Friday. Horrendous monsoon rainy cold weather down here in Southampton, but I went to Deardens near Marchwood and was well looked after. I tried the MT03, which was fun, but slow, and the MT07. Absolutely loved it!! Plenty of go, light weight, lovely looks. I'm getting one! So, it's not only suitable for the new bikers but for the older farties too!! Got totally soaked and my gloves were ruined BTW.
The 07 will be a great scout bike for your XJR, that's what I like about my 09, it compliments my excellent but hefty Tiger 1200 perfectly. I tested the 03 too and there will be a vid up for it soon.
P.S. I like this bike. It’s just that I am 6 feet tall with a long torso and 30 inch inseam and I look and feel like a giant on the bike and I wonder if I am too big for it and should get an mt-09? Looking for a bike to ride for fun. No touring.
dry509 The 09 is a bit roomier no doubt, plus as good as the 07 is (and it is good), if you have the means to buy the 09 then I'dbe getting that.
I love my 09 SP and it's rapidly becoming the most fun bike I've ever owned, and that's saying something comsidering I've had an Aprilia Tuono V4R 👍
VeeFour Thanks. I am not sure if the SP version of the MT-09 is available in the USA. Would you feel the same about the standard MT-09?
No it isn't for some reason and plenty of potential American customers are asking for it. I think that I would feel broadly the same about the standard MT, because the meat of the bike is in its engine and that is exactly the same
Excellent Review Dave as usual. Yamaha seems to have a great line of motorcycles in the MT range, and a lot of accessories for that line. They seem like great multipurpose motorcycles. I was asking myself how Dave is going to fit in the walk around in this review, very nice video editing. Also liked that you thanked and recommended Chorley Yamaha at the end of your video. Was wondering if more reviews are coming from “The Dark Side of Japan” event?
Minnesota Vikings I like how the MT range are just good affordable bikes that are attainable by anyone, and they prove that bikes can be fun, stylish and exciting whilst still being reliable and useable everyday.
I've one more ride from this event coming soon 👍
What about 6 feet, 215-220 with gear? Too much for this bikes suspension or ok? Could I take it to a track day at this weight?
dry509 That's about what I weigh and it was fine for me. You can pretty much do a track day on any bike within reason, and although this wouldn't be an ideal bike, and you certainly wouldn't break any records, you could ride this on track
VeeFour Thank you for the response.
Thought maximum for learning was 125?
It is for riding solo on 'L' plates, but if you're riding in company with a qualified instructor for the purposes of a lesson, then you can ride any size. In a nutshell if you are taking your test (and you have attained the requisite age) and you want to pass your direct access to be able to ride unlimited powered bikes, then the bike you learn on, and take your test on must be at least 33 HP. Any less than 33 and you can only attain the A2 licence which restricts you to less than 33 HP.
So the MT 03 will make a very good A2 licenced bike 👍
Best value amongst the MT series no doubt. Yamaha is probably the only Japanese bike that are still Made in Japan in 2019. Honda being Thailand, Suzuki : India, Kawasaki : Thailand, India, Philippines. Can't go wrong with this bike 100%
Well, I didn't know that. Thanks for the factoid, everyday is a school day :)
Yamaha, made in Malaysia.
one of these or a 675 striple?
Striple every day of the week 👍
Another honest review Dave and thanks
Thanks, I just call them as I see them and there's just so many good bikes out there these days
Would you recommend 125cc experience before trying to get my a2 licence? I'm not yet 19 or have a CBT but by the time it's after winter I'll only have a couple months cbt time. What do you think?
Absolutely. It's the best way to learn in my opinion.
I spent 2 years on a 125 before I rode anything bigger, but that was because you couldn't ride anything else until you passed your full test back in the olden days.
Don't ride an automatic scooter, but get something with gears. That way with only a couple of months experience under your belt, you'll have developed enough fully unconcious clutch and throttle control, that your transition to a bigger bike and learning to pass your test will be so much easier 👍
@@VeeFour Thank you so much for the fast reply, I'm really looking forward to getting on two wheels. Hoping my CBT won't be too much of a struggle and hope my experience with a car will help a tad with the clutch
Did you find that it's a bit small for someone of your height?
Good Deeds Everyday A little bit, but not uncomfortably so
Ok cool. I love everything about the bike but I'm wondering if I'll regret not getting a physically larger bike. I'll have to test ride the Tracer.
SOLD!!! ha ha ha. Excellent review my friend. I was gonna upgrade my MT-03 660 for a 2nd hand Dorsoduro but now I think I will have to go test ride yan o these.
This or the heavier SV650?
Jesus MLG For me this one, but I'm a Yamaha head. Try them both before you make a final decision
I love bikes that sound like this - same with the shiver and monster - just a fun sound - no matter what engine type it happens to be. I’d buy it for sound alone haha.
That's a 270 degree crank for you, they sound much more throaty than a traditional 180 degree 😎
in London when you are a new rider more than look at the bike you fancy you look at the price of the bike's insurance to check which one you could afford. I love the ST 675 but no way I'm gonna pay 2.3 k £ for the insurance(fire and theft) so I have to buy a different bike, maybe the MT 07 which for some reasons should be half of that price to insure
Yes, I hear that insurance inside the M25 is getting utterly ridiculous. I know I wouldn't take one of my bikes down there
Hi, update from Yam UK. This is part of the reply I received via email following my request for a definitive delivery date.
“We have in this instance referred your enquiry to our Sales Department, who have advised, that whilst our allocation of the Night Fluo 2018 MT-07 models are currently being delivered to our dealers, our allocation of the 2018 Tech Black and Yamaha Blue colours, are scheduled for delivery the week commencing the 23 April.”
I was interested to read the bit about the Tech Black, when your test bike was the very same.
So anyone who has ordered a Fluo will be lucky enough to get theirs very soon, the rest of us will have to wait at least another 2 weeks. Poor show me thinks. The bike had better be worth the bloody wait 🤔
Ian Hughes The only upside I think, is that the spring weather has been bloody awful so far, so you've not missed much. I hope you get your wheels soon 🤞🤞
VeeFour, ha ha, yes totally agree with that one. Plus the sweeteners my dealer is giving me is making the delay easier to swallow too.
how did you get all black?
Devin Rex All the demo fleet at this particular dealership seem to be black
Lol how times have changed a little 700cc
I know it's weird isn't it. I remember looking at 750s when I was first starting out, and they were the biggest scariest things ever, and now people learn to ride on them
is the tank still plastic?
Robin R Well the external cover is plastic as it is on a lot of bikes these days, but the actual inner fuel tank appears to be metal
VeeFour So its not possible to attach a magnet tankbag?
you raise a good point there. I know from personal experience that Givi tank bags tend to fasten to a proprietary ring that is attached to the fuel filler, but you might struggle with a generic universal bag. If it's an issue that's important to you, I'd search some MT07 forums for a definitive answer 🤔🤔
VeeFour Thx alot 👍
I secure one with a velcro strap up front by the steering head, to the rear corners by straps to frame bracketry.
Not ideal, but passable
Nice review - thanks for that!
You are very welcome 👍
Very informative / Thks
Beginner bike? Most of the reviews I saw last year said that the fz-07 (phased out, I understand, for the mt-07) had so much torque in 1st and 2nd that it could quickly become unmanageable for the novice. Of course, with you coming from larger classes, maybe you don't see it that way. Or maybe 2018 has seen some "refinements"...
Kevin Phillips A lot of riding schools in the UK use the 07 as training bikes for beginners. Generally they will assess people on a 125 for a day then move them on to a bike like the 07 for the rest of their training.
I found the power and torque to be very manageable 👍
I went from 2k miles on a 125cc and then used the training schools unrestricted MT07. It’s a nice bike, the only comparison I have is the Ducati 797 and I had that as a demo after I passed my test. I’m still weighing up my options for my first big bike. Considering the GSX-S 750 as well. Good review 👍
Richard Collins Between the 2, I'd be going for the Suzuki. The inline 4 will feel super refined, smooth and sporty, plus it'sa great looking bike too and is a nice step up from what youve been trained on 👍
I think Yamaha should have used the speedo from the MT07 with the MT09. This is a much better speedo, nice size, more info spread out not all bunched up.. If I bought the MT09 SP, I would look for a MT07 speedo to swap it over..
Now that I own the 09, I really like the look of the dash. It's minimalist just like the rest of the bike, but still tell me everything I need at a glance. The only thing it really needs is a remote control on the left bar 👍
yes, excellent review thank you! I cannot wait to get my grubby little paws on one. Yamaha will be doing a demo day near me next week and this is the top of my list for test riding. In America the dealer delivery date is sometime March 2018, well here we are in April and still nothing! Cannot find a single bike in stock. Oh well! Thank you again for the honest review! Maybe i'll strap a GoPro to my helmet and do a first impressions video
Yamaha don't seem to be serving the US market very well at all, they don't even send the SP versions of the MT-09 and MT-10 (FZ) over there.
yeah I don't even know what it means! lol I thought it was just a UK thing
To be honest, I am getting sick of waiting for my new MT07, which I ordered early Feb. No-one can give me a straight answer as to when I can expect delivery. I emailed Yamaha UK yesterday, they came back today asking which dealer I ordered from, I replied, but still nothing back today. After the press launch we were led to believe it would be mid March, contacted dealer at the end of March and they said could be mid April. It is rather annoying that the bike being tested here has only done 29 miles, clearly Yamaha see it fit to get dealer demo bikes out there before satisfying customer pre-orders. In over 35 years riding, I have never been in this position when buying a new bike.
That's not good service at all, and with so many good bikes out there in the competition's catalogues, they need to do better
VeeFour , totally agree. The dealer I placed my order with is the very same you are testing with here. In no way am I pointing the finger of blame at the dealer. It is Yamaha themselves who need to get themselves sorted. For about £300 less I could be riding a 3 yr old Triumph Street Triple 675 with just over 1k miles. Ok, not a 2yr warranty, but likely to hold its value better !
Fantastic video, you’ve gained a subscriber in me! Can I ask a couple of questions...? I’m 23 (turn 24 in November 2018) and live in Suffolk in the UK. Am seriously thinking about getting a motorbike licence but don’t fully understand the requirements for each stage. The MT-07 is something I am considering as a first bike, how would that work? What would I need to undergo to be able to ride this bike?
Tom Newstead Thanks, welcome aboard. To ride this as your first bike, you'll need to wait until you're 24 so that you can ride this unrestricted. Before the age of 24 you can only hold an A2 license which restricts you to a bike of 47 horse power or less, and is a bit of a complicated process to obtain.
If ypu wait until you're 24, you do your compulsory basic training (CBT) which allows you to ride on road (On a 125cc bike on L plates, or on a riding school bike under supervision), and after that you do a Direct Access Scheme (DAS) where you learn with a proffesional riding school on one of their 500-600 cc bikes. You will train on private roads (usually a local school or car park) before moving on to public roads. The test is a 2 part affair and also involves a written exam.
Google Motorcycle Direct Access for all the info you need 👍
VeeFour thanks for making the time to reply. Very helpful!
Sound advice.
When you've ridden bikes at around 70 kg with 10 hp for 30 odd years this bike is a big heavy and fast monster. The changes to the suspension on the 2018 MT have been well received, although I think my money would go on an SV650, I just wish they'd sort the seat out. The MT has the option of a comfort seat, and in fairness to Suzuki there's a roll top optional seat available for the SV too.
Seats are a fumy issue, I found it comfortable but I suppose that it's impossible to make the one seat that fits all
In all my miles on bikes, the only seat I found uncomfortable was on my KTM950 Adventure, so I bought one of those expensive pads (forgotten the name) to place on it and sit on. Big mistake. I felt remote from the bike. Put it in a pannier and carried on to Portugal on the stock seat. By the time I got there, I'd broken it in and never felt uncomfortable again. The return ride was fine. I have never bought an aftermarket seat.
That bit about being remote from the bike was the reason the handling engineer at Suzuki gave for giving the SV such a thinly padded seat, I still think he made it just the wrong side of comfortable. I'm used to the big comfy seat of a Honda ST50.
I think that you've hit on something there. That could be reason why so many bike seats feel hard these days, to aid the feeling of connectivity with the bike. Nice point
SV650 seat and subframe seems to be crafted for a skinny butt these days. I've owned the former generations SV650S and the current seat is hard as a plank and just about as narrow.
It's basically a supermoto w cornering and highway capabilities
It doesn't feel very Supermotory....Supermotoary?.....Supermotoish?.....Supermoto-esque?....to me. Just naked street bikery....bikish?
At first, 125s were starter bikes, then it was the 250/300s, and now even 700s are considered entry level bikes...
It's because these days you're taught at a more mature age (in the UK) how to ride bigger bikes safely, and it's built into your license training. Back in 'the olden days' we just jumped on a 125 at 17 and were given no formal training until you reached an age where you could afford to do lessons for your test on a 125cc, and after that you were on your own. It's much better and safer these days because you learn how to ride a bigger bike properly from the off. So entry level now means a bike that you can use to pass your direct access on.
Well. Nice review, but not sure I agree with you in regard to the Mt07 being a good first bike . It way to powerful for a inexperienced rider. Sure it easy to ride, but I would never recommend this bike for a beginner. It’s not as radical as a Mt09 (also tried - lovely but too” hooligan” ), but too powerful for someone who has no experience. Maybe adequate for someone upgrading from a mt03 etc, but never as a first bike.
.I’ve been riding for 30 years and had many, many bikes (the last one a FJR1300). I test rode a MT07 and to be perfectly honest it was the most fun had for years...so much I bought one to go along with my XT600E and Sw-t 400. Half the insurance, half the tax, twice the ease of riding and the fun, lots of torque, more then enough fun and very economical choice. With all the radars and speed trap, I found myself never riding more then 10/20 kms/h above the speed limit. Why have a 1300 for that? So, not only for novices, more then enough for long time bikers looking for something more nimble, light and easy to ride. Love it!
Vasco Pais Brandão The riding school near me uses the MT07 as beginner bikes to train people for the direct access scheme. You do a day on a 125 to learn the basics, then it's onto a MT for the rest of your tuition.
It has power yes, but it's such a broad spread delivered in a very linear and predictable manner (unlike the 09 which kicks you in the pants), that beginners cope with it very well.
The riding instructors that I've spoken to seem to prefer teaching on these or the Kawasaki 650 twins
please stop dividing bikes for beginners and non beginners , there are many experienced riders who choosed 250cc
michal s I do actually explain that this bike is good for any rider of any level
You sound like you’re eating and stuffing your your face with food. So appreciated not! Mouth annoying sounds isn’t something I want to listen to
Then don’t listen to it, no one’s forcing you