YAMAHA

MT-07 YAMT: the same easy and accessible motorcycle as always. With a responsive engine, it's fast and agile, and takes a technological leap

More than a decade has passed since Yamaha gave life to a new generation of naked sport bikes, under the motto "Dark Side Of Japan". What began as a statement of intent has become a philosophy for a line that has always been a benchmark in its respective categories.

The first to be revealed was the Yamaha MT-09, launched in 2013 with its powerful three-cylinder CP3 engine. A year later, its smaller sister, the MT-07, arrived at a presentation in Milan, where the master of ceremonies, incidentally, was the then MotoGP rider, Jorge Lorenzo. This already led us to believe that it would not be just another motorcycle in Yamaha's catalog.

The numbers prove this hypothesis, since, since its market launch, it has consistently remained among the best-selling motorcycles. A sales success month after month, rivaling even 125cc scooters, becoming the best-selling mid-displacement naked bike in Europe since its launch, with almost 200,000 units sold and capturing 30% of the entire market in its category.

The essence of this successful model remains eleven years later. Now, in its fourth generation, introduced in 2025, it has been completely renewed. Taking advantage of the implementation of the new Euro 5+ homologation, Yamaha has given its mid-displacement naked bike more than just a facelift, with internal and external changes that make it the most modern, safe and well-equipped MT-07 ever. And it is also available in a second version equipped with the innovative Y-AMT system.

Automatic transmissions have a long history in the two-wheeled sector, but traditionally they were reserved for urban vehicles, such as scooters or mopeds, or premium versions of large touring models. The Yamaha MT-07 is the first motorcycle in its segment to offer this type of automated transmission.

The Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) system is innovative in its essence, as it was designed specifically for sporty and dynamic motorcycles. It debuted on the brand's three-cylinder models and has since been incorporated into other models in the Hyper Naked (MT-09 and MT-07) and Sport Touring (Tracer9 and Tracer7) lines.

This innovative technology completely changes the operation of the gearbox. In fact, two elements inextricably linked to a motorcycle, the clutch lever and the gear lever, disappear and are replaced by servomotors driven by electric motors located on both sides of the engine. These servomotors act on the clutch and gearbox, under the control of a computerized system.

The Y-AMT transmission allows the user to choose between a fully automatic (AT) gear shift mode and a manual (MT) mode. In the first mode, the system makes decisions at all times based on various parameters, such as speed, throttle position, and engine RPM; while in manual mode, gears are shifted up and down using paddles located near the left handlebar grip.

Electronics and Riding Modes...The latest version of the Yamaha MT-07 has received an update with a new electronic throttle (ride-by-wire), the addition of switchable traction control, and riding modes. Furthermore, this Y-AMT version comes standard with cruise control, allowing speed adjustment via the switch assembly on the left handlebar, further reducing effort and enabling relaxed highway riding.

The automatic transmission (AT) offers two riding modes: D and D+. The D+ mode provides a more relaxed ride, while the D+ mode offers a sportier ride, operating at higher engine RPMs. The manual transmission (MT) offers three driving modes: Street, Sport, and Custom, with the Custom mode being customizable by the user.

What remains virtually unchanged is the CP2 twin-cylinder engine, apart from emissions updates. Its base continues to be that of a 689 cc inline two-cylinder engine and the crossplane crankshaft technology so characteristic of Yamaha.

The engine specifications also remain unchanged, with a maximum power of 54 kW (73 hp) at 8,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm, although the torque in the mid-range has been increased to improve response in this rev range. In addition, there is a 35 kW (47 hp) version for drivers with an A2 driving license (also available with Y-AMT transmission), a crucial factor in its commercial success as the first large-displacement motorcycle.

One of the features Yamaha sought in this communion between motorcycle and rider is the engine sound. To achieve this goal, the intake noise was directed to the rear of the fuel tank, with openings that amplify the sound, reaching the rider directly without increasing the decibel level outside the vehicle, thus making the riding experience more engaging and immersive.

Renewed and improved...The Yamaha MT-07 boasts a more minimalist look with its LED headlights, which add a lot of personality and are inspired by the "Dark Side of Japan". The bodywork has also been modified, becoming more aerodynamic and aggressive, free of superfluous accessories that do not contribute to the riding experience.

The ergonomics have been revised, placing the rider in a more dominant and aggressive position. The handlebars are 18 mm wider, 22 mm lower and 9.3 mm further back; the footpegs have been lowered by 10 mm. The central section of the fuel tank has been narrowed, maintaining the same 14-liter capacity and the same 805 mm seat. The seat has also been redesigned, now consisting of two pieces with different sizes, shapes, and padding for the rider and passenger.

The same tubular structure has been maintained in the chassis, which weighs the same as its predecessor, just under 15 kg, but offers greater torsional rigidity thanks to modifications in the diameter and thickness of the steel tubes and the reinforcement plates between them. All this is complemented by a new rear swingarm with an asymmetrical design that enhances the bike's agility.

In conjunction with the stiffer chassis, the Yamaha MT-07 debuts a new 41 mm inverted front suspension. Completing the suspension package, the rear shock absorber features an optimized articulation system, thanks to the greater adjustability that now allows preload and rebound adjustments. Both the front suspension and the rear shock absorber offer 130 mm of travel, enhancing their sporting capabilities.

Another important point is the improvement in the braking system, which now features two large 298 mm front brake discs, combined with 4-piston radial-mount calipers, offering greater rigidity and power, while maintaining the 245 mm rear brake and two-channel ABS.

The wheels are 480g lighter than the previous version and feature a 4% reduction in inertia on both axles compared to the previous model. All this thanks to Yamaha's patented SpinForged technology, which produces thinner and lighter wheels without compromising strength. As for tires, the model comes standard with Dunlop Sportmax QSA.

Another great new feature of the Yamaha MT-07 is its instrument panel, which now features a large 5-inch color TFT screen with four different display options, as well as connectivity and navigation.

It can be connected to a smartphone via Yamaha's free MyRide app, which enhances the riding experience, allowing you to listen to music and view notifications of calls and messages received on the screen. It also features complete maps and navigation with the free Garmin StreetCross app, which comes pre-installed.

Everything is controlled by the left handlebar switch set, which functions as an onboard computer and has a central joystick for navigating the screen menus, activating cruise control, shifting gears, and using the paddle shifters. The right handlebar switch set houses the button to select the two transmission systems (automatic and manual) and the different driving modes.

The new turn signals now have automatic cancellation and offer a lane change function with three flashes. Another new feature is the emergency stop signal, which automatically detects sudden braking and activates the turn signals to alert other road users.

The Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT is sold in three colors: Ice Storm (gray), Icon Blue (blue), and Tech Black (black), with a starting price of €8,299, representing an increase of only €500 compared to the version with standard transmission.

Y-AMT yes or no?...That's the big question, given that the Yamaha MT-07 is such a versatile motorcycle that it has attracted thousands of riders, both beginners and experienced. The choice will ultimately depend on the rider, as the differences, besides the €500 price difference, are that the Y-AMT system adds only 2.8 kg compared to a fully manual transmission. In other words, the motorcycle weighs less than 186 kg.

In the city, the automatic transmission becomes a great ally, as you can forget about the clutch lever and gearshift lever all the time. The system takes care of everything, finding neutral at traffic lights, managing the clutch when starting, and preventing the engine from stalling.

On the road, it also provides extra comfort, in conjunction with cruise control, and if you want to add a sporty touch on winding roads, you can feel like you're in a video game using the paddle shifters. Remember that you will change gears faster, more safely and more efficiently than with conventional quick-shift systems.

By introducing the Y-AMT automated transmission system, Yamaha recalled the Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy, which is based on the pleasure the rider gets from becoming one with their machine and thus controlling it in the most effective way. This opens up a new dimension of sensations and training in two-wheeled riding, allowing the rider to focus on other tasks such as body position, brake control, throttle control and trajectory selection, for faster and safer riding.

There is no reason to believe that the Yamaha MT-07 will cease to be the best-selling motorcycle it has been so far. It remains an easy and accessible motorcycle, fast and agile, with a responsive engine, and it takes a technological leap. Now, it is more advanced, better equipped and safer; and with the option of an exclusive automatic transmission that elevates the "Dark Side of Japan" attitude to a new level.

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