Although not as extensive as the redesign of the MT-09 for 2021, Yamaha has also made changes to the 2021 MT-07, as described in detail in the following press release. Highlights include a new LED headlight, larger front brake discs, wider handlebar and Michelin Road 5 tires.
The 2021 MT-07 will be in U.S. dealers next January priced at $7,699. Here is the press release from Yamaha:
MARIETTA, Ga. – November 3, 2020 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the 2021 MT-07 as the new model in the company’s Hyper Naked motorcycle segment. With features such as distinctive next-generation MT styling with a signature LED headlight, updated inverted LCD dash and larger diameter brake discs, the new MT-07 is the ultimate Hyper Naked middleweight.
The Dark Side of Japan
Yamaha’s focus is on the future, and by the end of the first decade of the 21st century the company’s product development teams were on a mission to create a new generation of future icons. To make a difference it is necessary to take a risk, and some of the company’s greatest designs have been those bikes that defied convention and dared to be different. So, when Yamaha’s designers and engineers set about creating a new breed of motorcycles, they made the conscious decision to break all the rules and take a whole new direction.
The next key decision in the development of this new generation of bikes was that they would be distinctly Japanese, with a unique look and feel that set them apart from every other brand. Playing with a variety of Japanese influences, including Tokyo’s motorcycle subculture, the development team’s focus would be on crafting a bike with a unique, thrilling and enjoyable riding experience, achieved primarily through the delivery of linear torque and easy agility. The look would be naked and mechanical, to give this new breed of bike a pure and muscular image. Every piece of technology would be there to serve the rider and create a more engaging, rewarding and satisfying riding experience.
Inspired by Japanese Subculture and created by some of the most visionary designers in the business, the MT-07 arrived shortly after the very first MT-09 was launched. The motorcycle world was changing, and Yamaha was leading the way with two of the most significant new models to be launched by the company in its long and illustrious history. With its unique package of price, performance and engine character, the MT line is proving to be one of the most successful product ranges ever produced by Yamaha.
New MT-07
Featuring distinctive new bodywork that reflects its pure, next-generation MT DNA, the 2021 MT-07 represents the progressive evolution of one of the world’s favorite naked bikes. A range of upgraded features include an engaging and character-packed engine, more powerful front brakes, Michelin tires, new LED headlight with LED turn signals and position lights, and LCD instruments, as well as tapered handlebars.
New colors and refined detailing reinforce the bike’s MT family DNA, and with an extremely competitive price point, the MT-07 is ready to maintain its leading position as the bike that works for everyone by offering the best balance of performance and value in its segment.
Next-generation design
The 2021 MT-07’s next-generation bodywork reflects the ongoing evolution of the MT family and gives the Hyper Naked bike a more refined and distinctive look with a quality feel. Key to the new look is a compact and minimalist new LED headlight assembly whose position lights and headlight deliver a signature look of the next-generation MT family. By tightly compacting the new bodywork, radiator and seat around the machine’s CP2 engine, the mass-centralized layout projects a real sense of torque and power. Many details – from the headlight accents and fuel tank covers to the engine stays and footpegs – enhance the overall feel of quality, underlining the MT-07’s winning combination of outstanding value with a premium specification.
LED projector lighting
Modern, compact and lightweight, the new bifunctional LED headlight features a centrally located high/low projector lamp that underlines the pure MT DNA it shares with the new MT-09. As well as giving the MT-07 a bold and distinctive new look, this compact projector headlight produces a powerful beam with well-defined edges that provide excellent forward visibility during nighttime riding. New left and right side LED position lights give the MT-07 its signature face and reaffirms its close family ties with the MT-09.
689cc CP2 engine
The latest 689cc 2-cylinder CP2 engine features a revised air intake duct design and optimized fuel injection settings, as well as a new 2-into-1 exhaust and new ECU. These changes give a more linear engine response and deliver a smoother torque/rpm curve for thrilling acceleration. The 2021 engine also features new Crystal Graphite engine covers as well as a new silver-colored exhaust pipe and new muffler and exhaust protectors. The crossplane concept engine’s 270-degree crank gives an uneven firing sequence with a more characterful exhaust note that emphasizes the torque feeling during acceleration with a more linear torque delivery for outstanding response at all engine speeds.
Larger diameter 298mm dual front discs
One of the most significant technical upgrades on the MT-07 is the new larger diameter front brake discs. Front dual disc size is increased from 282mm on the previous model to 298mm on the new bike, giving more stopping power and greater controllability. Together with the 245mm rear disc, the new system offers increased performance – and with the fitment of the new Michelin Road 5 tires, the increased stopping power is especially apparent in wet conditions. ABS is standard as well on the MT-07.
Wider tapered aluminum bars
Following numerous evaluations of clay models and many test rides using riders with different physiques, Yamaha designers have fine-tuned the new MT-07’s riding position in order to achieve added comfort and better controllability. The 2021 model is fitted with new aluminum tapered handlebars that are 32mm wider to give a more assertive riding position as well as a little extra leverage for easier maneuverability at slow speeds.
New LCD instruments
The 2021 MT-07 now features a higher specification LCD meter. The inverted dashboard and its compact and lightweight multifunction display with larger displays for the clock, gear, trip meters and tachometer provide clear information. The use of spot color gives an accent for the high-rpm range display – and new handlebar switches enables the rider to operate the meter more easily and efficiently.
LED turn signals
Along with the new LED headlight, the 2021 MT-07 is also equipped with new LED turn signals at the front and rear. Lighter and more compact, they complement the next-generation style of the bike and reinforce the premium specification of this best-selling Hyper Naked.
Latest generation tires
The latest Michelin Road 5 tires – 180/55-17 at the rear and 120/70-17 at the front – provide excellent levels of traction, sporty handling performance, and excellent wet weather handling qualities, making the MT-07 the ideal choice for both new and experienced riders.
New colors, graphics and finishing
For 2021, the new MT-07 is available in the latest color schemes and graphics that reinforce the MT family connection and give a premium feel to this outstanding middleweight. New black levers give the MT-07 a refined look.
2021 MT-07 Key Features
• Next-generation body design with pure MT family DNA
• New LED projector headlight with LED position lights
• 689cc crossplane technology CP2 engine
• 270-degree crank for linear torque delivery
• New 298mm dual front wave-type discs
• New wider aluminum tapered handlebars
• More comfortable and assertive riding position
• New inverted LCD meter
• New LED turn signals
• Latest generation Michelin Road 5 tires
• New colors and graphics
The 2021 Yamaha MT-07 will arrive at authorized Yamaha dealers beginning in January and will be available in Storm Fluo, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black color schemes for $7,699 MSRP. To learn more about the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/hyper-naked/models/mt-07.
Sorry to say but the Yamahas just seem to get uglier each year. When will this end? Ha, I’ll probably be dead when it does. (I’m 106 and I still ride every day Mr. Yamaha)
My $0.02 any way
I owned a 2015 FZ-07 and currently own a 2020 MT-03.
I feel this 2021 MT-07 looks better than either of my other bikes, and there’s even a chance I’ll end up riding this bike next spring.
Depends on what I feel like doing more than anything as the MT-03 is very fun, too.
Since there are more comments on looks than anything:
If I had my wish, the air inlet scoops would disappear as would the whole “Dark Side of Japan” theme and be replaced with a modern, light-weight-looking styling job like I know the factory could produce.
Just goes to show that they’re designing the bike for other parts of the world that apparently like that stuff.
Whine all you like, but you nailed the point here: the USA doesn’t matter in the motorcycle world. We don’t ride enough (or buy enough) to make decisions any more.
Perhaps. Perhaps not. The U.S.A. is not the only factor the mfg’s consider when building bikes, but we are still a factor. The factories are still trying to sell bikes here.
Like the 09, I need to see it in person.
On paper, if I am deciding to buy a new entry-level-mid-weight bike that I am not going to talk the dealer down on, it would be the Triumph.
as for Triumph… you just need to find a dealer.
Ok. Admittedly I am old. But is that a headlight or a fat flashlight? I don’t think it is style, and a tiny bright spot of light is difficult for oncoming drivers to figure out how far away you are. Safety first?
“Inspired by Japanese Subculture and created by some of the most visionary designers in the business…” didn’t some companies have design centers in the US to make it more appealing to this market? Just sayin…
I own a 2020 MT-03 which has the same kind of headlight.
It’s anything but a tiny bright spot of light as it actually works very well for riding at night.
This was proven to me again just last night on my ride home from work – it was a very fun ride home.
It likely lights up the road well at night, but i was referring to the way other drivers see you. A small spot of light is harder for others to judge your distance and speed. It would be nice if manufacturers would factor that into their “designs”.
Make sure you add some accessory lights on the front for your own safety!
I see your point.
I believe the side running lights beside the main light are there to help with that, as well as add more lighting on the road.
The front turn signals are also running lights.
I am interested at taking a look at this bike once it hits the showroom.
Nice and naked. I’ll take the all black one.
The overall bike looks much the same and the headlight is hideous. How does that get past the lead design team? I rode one of the older ones and the throttle was laggy and suspension was mush.
Well, I guess I have aged out of the purchase demo for this bike. It strikes me as fugly.
Meh! I’ve seen fuglier…
As much as I like a 270 degree vertical twin, the Triumph 120 degree triple has a unique soul which never gets old, especially if intake sound is opened up. What a wonderful set of choices, including the V-strom still.
This thing makes the Trident look positively gorgeous.
Probably EU versions? The turn signals we get are US DOT driven.
Same for me. Yamaha’s technology is beyond question. Styling is quite different matter. Tell me what is more important.
ask KTM
Any word yet on the MT10 for 2021? Are they gonna give it the cyclops treatment or continue on with the dual projector beams of death? I swear they could increase sales of the 10 by at least 15 percent if they make it look less Lego.
The last two Tuesdays Yamaha revealed the new MT-09, and then the “new” MT-07. I suspect they will reveal the new MT-10 next Tuesday, on November 10 (coincidence?). My guess is they will use the same headlight on it they have put on their other new releases; so yes, cyclops. The MT-10 is I think the only one that has never been given an update, so it’s time.
Has Yamaha finally run out of their orange “pumpkin” turn signals? I thought the day would never come.
Here we are: $7700 for the MT-07 and $8000 for the new matching little Triumph. I’m in a minority here but I like all the MT’s mechanical things clearly visible. When something breaks, it’s easy to reach. When something leaks, it’s easy to see. My only wish is for clear covers to see any pump impellers.
When something breaks, when something leaks? Seems somewhat pessimistic.
If you only buy new, and only keep bikes a few years, and pay others to work on them, it sounds pessimistic. If you buy used, or keep bikes for a long time, or work on them youself, it is quite rational and realistic.
I buy only used and aside from an 02 SV650, have kept all of my bikes for 5-14 years. Nothing ever broke or leaked and aside from tire changes, none have ever had a screw turned at a dealership on my watch. Honda’s are as reliable as claw-hammers.
Sad, hit with the same ugly stick as the MT-09. I’m not a “looks” diva, but this design language is not gonna age well.
I like the MT-07 as a package but I think the new Trident just kills it on paper, particularly if the paper includes a photograph. I hope losing market share to the Trident nudges Yamaha into putting their CP2’s into Tracers for the US. The Tracer would kill off the Versys I think.
This! I have been whining for Yamaha to bring the 700 Tracer to the States since it’s Euro introduction.
I think it was Phil Irving who first suggested you could make a vertical twin, act like a V twin by just twisting the crank to have 270° firing. Yamaha is keen to make their MT bikes attractive and inexpensive. I dont care for the contrasting wheel colors, but all the new motorcycles coming out today, make everything else look old, except for a few outstanding machines. The all black version would be my choice, but I still have my CB1000R, in black. That this sells for under 8K is unbelievable. I would love to look at all the engines internals.
It doesn’t “act like a V-Twin.” Just gets the same firing order as one. It still needs inertia increasing balancing to avoid annoying gruffness and vibes up high; still annoyingly vibrates rather than excitingly shimmers; and is still an engine in front of you. Rather than between your legs and with the heaviest part (crank case) right where you’d put the bar when dead lifting. Instead of half a foot forward and higher up.
Ptwins do allow for shorter wheelbases for any given length of swing-arm, though. Which, at least in my personal opinion, just ends up making upright bikes like this a bit shorter and more pitchy than I prefer. But no doubt does aid in making handling potentially quicker and wheelies and stoppies easier.
It acts like a v-twin in the sense that the pistons trade inertia the same way a v-twin does. This has always been the biggest difference between v-engines and flat-crank inlines.
I’ve never measured but I can’t see how the crank could be any closer to the rider’s feet with a v-twin because the gearbox can’t be placed above the crank on a v-engine the same way as an in-line due to the rear cylinder/s being in the way. This creates the space for the more desirable longer swingarm and forward weight bias.
It’s really the other way around: Because straight twins _can_ be placed further forward, they almost invariably _are_ placed further forward (NC being the most notable exception). Strictly dynamically, the longer swingarm/shorter wheelbase this allows, does more good than bad.
Because inlines are wider, they are more awkward to place between riders legs than v-twins, but for a midweight, it wouldn’t be insurmountable. But Yamaha, like everyone else, instead moves it forward, I order to shorten wheelbase.
I personally, rather prefer the slightly longer wheelbase of the SV for an upright bike. As well as the somewhat more rearward weight bias, for creeping around at walking pace, if nothing else.
While piston inertia may be the “biggest” difference between a 270 straight and a 90 degree twin, primary balance, hence suitability for balancer shaft free design, is noticeable as well. If it wasn’t for packaging and cost, they’d all be 90 degree Vs….. And, since I actually prefer the packaging the V encourages…….: Best of both worlds….. (VStrom 650 may be too long for a 650, though; although both Tracer and Versys are too darned short……….NC about perfect…. Just my take.)
For grins, I went out in the garage and measured a few bikes. SV1000 – crank centerline to footpeg centerline ~ 14″. RF900R/ZX600E ~ 16-17″. It’s a small sample, but there is some basis to the comments. Obviously, footpeg placement is a huge factor. A V-twin with mid/forward controls will have the pegs closer to the crank, while a vertical P-twin with racesets will have a larger distance.