Text: Ole-Andreas Isdahl
Photo: Yamaha
Starting price: 124,900 for the standard model, the Y-AMT version costs129,900.-
Y-AMT is a completely newly developed gearbox that can be driven as an automatic or as an electrically controlled manual gearbox. The gearshifts are operated with so-called “paddle gearing” on the left handlebar. Brand new, incredibly fun and well-functioning. Yamaha is at the forefront of this technology, which represents something completely new.
With this and other important upgrades, the MT07 will become a leader in this important class that represents large volumes and a lot of driving pleasure.
The Yamaha MT07 has now been in production for more than 10 years and over these years the model has produced large amounts of riding pleasure for thousands of happy owners. The model has been gradually developed and improved over the years and is definitely one of the reasons why Yamaha has topped the sales statistics for long periods of time. Already when the model was launched in 2014, the CP2 engine was in a class of its own and delivered festive performance and crazy fun for less than 100,000 kroner. As far as I remember, the model cost around SEK 97,000 in 2014 and was both competitive and sought after as an entry-level model for the nude segment. This year’s model has received a significant boost and will “top the game” by many many notches.
What’s so special about the 2025 model?
There are many good reasons why this year’s model will appear quite different, if not completely new. The 2025 model is built on the foundation of a
10-year-old success, and the changes that are now being made are also to be regarded as significant. The first visual impressions are already evident in the new design, which is a further development and refinement of the older model, led by a new front reminiscent of the front of the MT09 and a smoother flow in the transitions between body panels, seat and tank. This looks really good.
Taking a closer look at the technology platform, the MT07 is the lightest and most powerful model in its class with a wet weight of just 183 kg and a power to weight ratio of 2.49. We compare the MT07 with the Honda CB 750 Hornet, Suzuki GSX-8S, KTM Duke 790 and Triumph Trident 660. A pretty hefty and capable bunch really.
The big change
The model comes in two versions, a standard version priced at 124,900 with a manual gearbox that can be supplied with a quick shifter and blipper (up and down shifting without a clutch) and a Y-AMT version with the new gearbox that is a fantastic combination of an automatic and a manual gearbox. AMT is an abbreviation for “Automatic Manual Transmission” and this version costs just 129,900, which is actually very reasonable considering the whole package.
In 2024, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time getting to know the new Y-AMT technology that was then launched on the MT09.
You can read more about this test here https://hubriding.no/2024/10/19/yamaha-har-utviklet-en-ny-thrill-maker-som-gjor-deg-rusavhengig/ or here https://hubriding.no/2024/10/29/en-uke-med-yamaha-mt09-y-amt-hyper-naked-wohow/
An ingenious combination of a gearbox that can be used as an automatic and manual instrument, controlled by electric gear switches on the steering column. The gearbox offers many more options and much greater and more festive variations than a traditional manual gearbox and simply has to be tried. Shifting is effortless, seamless and lightning fast and you’ll never be able to shift as quickly and precisely with a pedal-operated quick shifter. I had to think a bit at first because there are so many possible combinations to be controlled by the fingers of my left hand, but once my brain and fingers were trained, it was like playing a rock concert on a cool instrument. Fun and addictive, not to mention a whole new way to ride a motorcycle. Yamaha’s new AMT technology outperforms the competing alternatives from Honda, BMW and KTM – by far because the system works so well and because there are so many options. Among other things, Yamaha differs from the others by having the free position at the bottom where we normally find the position of the first gear. My recommendation is crystal clear:
- JOIN THE TECHNOLOGY JOURNEY,
- DARE TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGY,
- YOU WILL FEEL MASTERY AFTER SOME TRAINING
- DRIVING EXPERIENCES BECOME MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE
- YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU DRIVE WITH MUCH BETTER FLUIDITY
Yamaha is making a quantum leap with this technology that makes the quick shifter and blipper seem so ass-backwards and old-fashioned and I was simply delighted when I saw that the MT07 also comes with this technology. With the low weight, better dampers and a slightly stiffer frame and swingarm, this is going to be a blast. We’ll be able to ride the MT07 like we’ve never ridden it before and we’ll all be laughing out loud inside the helmet as we really get to grips with this menagerie of a technology bomb. To top it all off, the price is almost as hilarious compared to the competition.
Gearbox adaptations to increase functionality
To ensure faster and more seamless shifting, Yamaha has added 6 meshes to the gears of first and third gear compared to 5 previously. This change is to ensure that the transition between gears is faster and smoother and therefore perceived as better.
In addition to this, there are a large number of important upgrades
The 2025 model has finally received new up/down dampers that are also lighter. In addition, it has a new, better and lighter headset, which is important for the ergonomic improvements that link the rider’s seating position better with the steering position and the ability to experience good contact with the front wheel while riding. This is actually a very important change for the rider’s experience of the bike’s balance, mobility and steering geometry.
New and lighter wheels
New production technology has contributed to new wheelsets being better and lighter, weight reduction on wheels is an important contribution to improving the bike’s cornering characteristics and mobility and is noticeable with a relatively small weight reduction on the wheels.
Other technical data
New packages
Already during the launch of the new MT07, Yamaha is simultaneously presenting three different packages for the model, which is something that is rarely ready for launches. The additional packages normally come much later and gradually, but it’s really great that Yamaha is doing it this way.
In summary
With these and other important changes, the MT07 probably represents one of the most important innovations we will see in our market this year. The MT07 technology platform has now become so complete and good that it will be able to compete with much more expensive bikes in other classes. I personally believe that the MT07 hits a sweet spot that is all about low weight, an optimal power output that is accompanied by a sophisticated technology package at a low and very competitive price.
driving performance + reliability + driving experience
____________________________________________ = Quality
Acquisition cost
If I use my own definition of quality, the MT07 comes out extremely well. Of course, I have to make the reservation that I haven’t yet ridden the model, but based on my familiarity with the old model, the AMT technology and the new technical capabilities, I can’t help but get excited. The MT07 will be one of my most important test projects this year and I promise to come back to confirm whether the bike can really live up to my analysis and expectations, which are clearly high.
This weekend you can see the standard model at the dealerships and the Y AMT edition will arrive in a month’s time. Hopefully we’ll be on two wheels again.
