YAMAHA has unveiled the 2018 MT-07 on the eve of EICMA.
The model is the Japanese manufacturer’s best selling motorcycle over 125cc, with 92,000 units having sold since launch in 2014. In fact, in 2016, the MT-07 accounted for 36 per cent of all sales in its category.
So Yamaha is onto a winner with the middleweight hypernaked, and this new model is no exception.
The new MT-07 features an all-new body design, inspired heavily by its bigger brother, the MT-09. A bold headlight, newly designed fuel tank and MT-09-esque air intakes lends a sharper, more mature and altogether more imposing look, while a new seat and separate black side panels highlight the front-heavy design.
This seat hasn’t just improved aesthetics. Wrapping around the rear of the fuel tank it also promises to be significantly more comfortable over the previous guise.
Suspension has been uprated for 2018, while retaining the comfortable, progressive and predictable performance, which allows the model to excel in various conditions.
There’s 130mm travel at both front and rear, with the front forks featuring revised settings to provide a sportier feel. The rear, meanwhile, boasts a new rebound damping adjuster, which allows for the ultimate adaptability, to suit the rider’s style.
Under the seat sits Yamaha’s 698cc CP2 crossplane engine. Making 74.8hp (there’s also a lower powered A2 variant available), this engine reportedly produces strong, linear torque, which Yamaha believe is the secret behind the 182kg MT-07’s success.
Of the new model, Yamaha said: ‘With its characterful and torquey crossplane engine, compact chassis, low weight and agile handling, the Yamaha MT-07 is one of the few motorcycles that appeals to all kinds of riders. Male and female owners of all ages and with varying levels of experience have come to love and appreciate the multi-faceted character of this best-selling Hyper Naked – and with a 35kW version also available, the MT-07 is extremely popular with riders who hold an A2 licence.’
The new model is expected in dealerships from March, and will be available in colour options of Light Fluo, Yamaha Blue and Tech Black.
