First Look: 2025 Yamaha MT-07
Middleweight twin gets chassis and tech upgrades, plus new Y-AMT automatic gearbox option
The Yamaha MT-07 has been part of the firm’s most successful model line-up in recent years, giving it a strong entry in the middleweight class, and a base for several other models.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
The naked roadster’s basic parallel twin engine and steel tube chassis package has been developed into the R7 sportsbike, Ténéré 700 on/offroad machine, the XSR700 retro and Tracer 700 adventure tourer – all great pieces of kit.
And now for 2025 the Japanese firm has unveiled the latest version of the MT-07, with a host of upgrades to the chassis and tech setup, as well as the option of the new Y-AMT automatic gearbox.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
Starting with the chassis, there’s an updated steel tube frame, which claims to give more rigidity and strength while reducing weight – it’s the same 14.8kg mass as the previous generation MT-07 despite being 12-13% stiffer.
A new swingarm pivot design is responsible for much of the improved performance, and the 2025 bike also features a new swingarm design, with a little less weight and slimmer lines.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
There’s new suspension units to go with that tweaked frame: revised 41mm USD front forks with a set of new die-cast aluminium yokes, saving 500g, and a new rear monoshock and linkage, with adjustability for preload and rebound damping.
In addition, the forks now have radial mounts for new brake calipers, upgrading the MT-07 stoppers from old-school radial-mount units to sportier radial-mount four-piston calipers.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
Finally, on the running gear front, Yamaha’s given the MT-07 its SpinForged wheels, which use a special production technique that gives a thinner, lighter rim, with the same strength as normal cast wheels. They’re nearly half a kilo lighter than the old bike’s wheels, and come fitted with Dunlop Sportmax Q5A rubber.
Styling-wise, the MT-07 has new bodywork, with sharper lines and a redesigned bi-functional LED headlight unit. The riding position is also changed, with a narrow waistline and seat height of 805mm.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
The handlebars are 18mm wider and 22mm lower than before, and pulled back 9.3mm. The footpegs are 10mm lower, giving more relaxed accommodation. A new two-piece seat design claims to make it easier for the rider to mount the motorcycle and support the movement of body weight while riding, as well as making it easier to grip the tank with the knee while riding in a sporting manner.
The basic 690cc 270° parallel twin engine is largely unchanged for 2025, but there are some changes to the ancillaries: it gets a new assist/slipper clutch, and a tweaked intake/airbox setup to improve the engine sound for the rider.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
Finally, the MT-07 gets a ride-by-wire throttle setup as seen on bigger MT models for the first time. That allows more precise control of emissions, as well as better-integrated rider aids. There’s three preset YRC rider modes as well as switchable two-level traction control, and an up/down quickshifter.
The Y-AMT automatic version also has cruise control as standard. The extra electronics are accessed via a new 5” TFT colour LCD dash and updated switchgear design.
2025 Yamaha MT-07
Yamaha’s also offering the Y-AMT automatic transmission on the MT-07, as seen last month on the MT-09. It’s the same basic setup, with a robotic gear shift and computer-controlled clutch, with no manual levers at all.
The rider can select full-automatic D or D+ modes, or a manual override, with a bar-mounted paddle switch allowing gearchanges up and down.
The new MT-07 and MT-07 Y-AMT will be available in three colourways: Ice Storm, Icon Blue and Tech Black. Both variants will be available in early 2025, pricing is still to be confirmed: expect to hear final details at the NEC show in November.
2025 YAMAHA MT-07 – TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Y-AMT option with Cruise Control
Compact new styling with new riding position
Redesigned bi-functional LED headlamp unit
New 5” full colour TFT screen with smartphone connectivity and navigation
Electronic rider aids including traction control and three power modes (STREET, SPORT, CUSTOM)
Customisable riding experience with Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings
New frame and swingarm optimise rigidity and enhance handling
Handlebar and footpeg position modified for a more engaged riding experience
New dual four-piston radially mounted front brake calipers
New 41mm inverted front fork and rear suspension unit
Optimised aural experience with acoustic amplifying technology
Latest 690cc, two-cylinder, four-valve DOHC liquid-cooled, EU5+ CP2 engine
Lightweight SpinForged wheels with Dunlop Sportmax tyres
A&S clutch for smoother down changes
New switchgear and auto-cancelling turn signals with emergency stop
Signalling
