2025 Yamaha MT-07 updated – less weight, ride modes

Going on a diet, the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 is now lighter, has a new face, new front suspension and is loaded with electronics. There will be three colour options in 2025 – Ice Storm, Icon Blue and Tech Black while in Malaysia, the MT-07 last had a recommended retail price of RM38,888 in 2019.

The 2025 MT-07 should really be called a new model as the list of upgrades and changes is long. Starting with the engine, the Crossplane 2 mill now comes with customisable riding modes and a model variant with the Yamaha Y-AMT automatic gearbox.

Displacement is still 690 cc, with liquid-cooling, DOHC and four-valves per cylinder while emissions is now EU 5+ compliant. The sound of the engine is enhanced with the use of four openings in the tank cover that amplify engine sound, channeling it towards the rider.

The six-speed gearbox on the MT-07 is now fitted with an assist and slipper clutch reducing the amount of force required to pull in the clutch lever by around 22%. The clutch inhibits the amount of back-torque and excessive engine braking which can be generated when changing down the gears, allowing for more consistent and accurate corner entry.

As for the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT) system, the rider can choose between D and D+ modes when in automatic transmission (AT) mode. D mode delivers a balanced shift for everyday riding, while D+ offers a more sporting ride with upshifts coming higher in the rev range.

The MT-07 Y-AMT also features cruise control, offering a more relaxing ride on longer highway journeys. There is also MT (Manual Transmission), developed to put the rider fully in command. Gear changes are activated through a see-saw switch using the thumb and index finger to upshift with the plus lever, and downshift with the minus lever, or opt for a single-finger operation for sportier riding.

Big changes in braking and suspensions as well for the MT-07 with dual four-piston radially mounted brake calipers delivering stronger and consistent braking power. Suspension is revised, now with 41 mm diameter upside-down forks and a die-cast triple clamp, a first for a large capacity Yamaha, reducing overall weight.

The chassis for the MT-07 is all new from the headstock back. Despite looking similar to the previous frame, the chassis now weighs 14.8 kg, while offering between 12 to 13% increased torsional, longitudinal and lateral rigidity.

New spin-forged wheels are added into mix for the MT-07, which are 480 grams lighter than those on the previous MT-07. This gives a 4% reduction in inertia at the front and rear which the resulting improvement in handling agility.

For the first time in the MT-07 is ride-by-wire, giving three YRC (Yamaha Ride Control) settings – Sport and Street, with a third Custom setting – which change the power characteristics to suit the rider’s preferences and road conditions. This also allows for switchable two-level traction control, Y-AMT transmission and the optional equipment quickshifter.

Everything is controlled via the 5-inch TFT-LCD screen with new multiple function switchgear on the left handlebar pod. The turn signals now have a ‘three flash’ function that blinks the signals three times for lane changes while self-cancelling is standard as well as the Emergency Stop Signalling system that flashes the signals on hard braking.

The riding position on the MT-07 has changed, with the handlebar position now 18 mm wider, 22 mm lower and 9.3 mm further back while footpeg position is 10 mm lower. Seat height is set at 805 mm with the new fuel tank cover is narrower allowing for the rider to grip the fuel tank with their knees while capacity remains the same at 14-litres.

The new two-piece seat assembly comes with revised size, shape and padding for both rider and passenger. These combine to make it easier for the rider to mount the motorcycle and support movement of body weight while riding.

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