In most respects, the MT-07 is a conventional middleweight naked bike. It uses a compact tubular backbone frame. Its rear monoshock unit is placed horizontally within the subframe to give a shorter wheelbase, to save weight and to lower the centre of gravity. The front forks are conventional telescopic items, whereas its 3-cylinder sibling, the MT-09, has inverted forks. The anti-lock braking system is available as an option on 2015–2017 models, but became standard equipment in 2018. Both the MT-07 and the MT-09 are base models, from which a range of derivative bikes is intended to follow in due course. For example, Yamaha commissioned designer Shinya Kimura to create a café racer special based on the MT-07. In June 2015, Kimura revealed the machine, which he called "Faster Son". Motorcycle News said that they expected Yamaha to announce a production version based on "Faster Son" in late 2015.
The MT-07's parallel-twin engine has a 270° crankshaft, whose two cylinders in the engine fire at an irregularinterval. This format helps to harmonize the inertia forces inside the engine, resulting in a more responsive and "torquey" sensation for the rider, a feeling not unlike that of a V-twin.
Reception
The MT-07 received positive reviews from motorcycling journalists. In The Daily Telegraph, Roland Brown rated the bike at five out of five stars, praising the engine, handling, value for money and overall riding experience, while criticising the front brake, calling it "adequate but less powerful than is suggested by its superbike-style specification of twin discs and four-piston Monobloc calipers". Motorcycle News awarded five stars also, praising the light weight and engine response, although noting that "at high speed it will start to get breathless". Motorcycle Consumer News declared the engine response "remarkable for its smoothness"; and their dynamometer tests showed rear wheel horsepower of @ 9,200 rpm, and torque at @ 6,600 rpm. They measured a top speed of, time of 12.13 seconds at, time of 3.80 seconds and time of 10.51 seconds; but braking performance was "disappointing" at in with ABS activated. Motorcycle Consumer News suspected the poor braking was down to the Michelin Pilot Road 3 tyres; and they recommended buyers to wait until Bridgestone BT023 tyres were OE items.
