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Yamaha MT-07 in the 50,000 km endurance test

The bestseller acts without any problems

It is already the best-selling Yamaha and test winner anyway. And during the endurance test, she was also a little bit Queen of Hearts. Now the question arises, what remains of the Yamaha MT-07 after 50,000 kilometers of endurance test.

There are motorbikes that can steal your nerve. But not by bitching and airs. But by simply functioning. The best example: the Yamaha MT-07. Just march through the endurance test as if nothing had happened. Then you sit there as an editor and ask yourself, what should I complain about now, what should I report? The only thing that helps is to wait for it to be dismantled and see whether there are any interesting findings. Because the only thing to say about the 50,000 kilometers is that the MT unwound the distance so nothing to me, nothing to you. Spectacular incidents? Left it to others with genteel reluctance. Defects or abnormalities during the two and a half years that you spent in the long-term test fleet? Barely. But somehow it was foreseeable.

Yamaha MT-07 in the 50,000 km endurance test

The bestseller acts without any problems

75 hp are quite sufficient

Already in the mid-term review there was little to report. The most sensational occurrence up until then: the gear indicator of the Yamaha MT-07 refused to show the sixth gear, and the battery cable of the positive terminal was replaced as part of a recall during the 20,000 inspection. The rest was assiduously collecting kilometers.

And of course, the Yamaha MT-07 also garnered praise from all directions. For their reliability, the lively engine and the lack of any flair. And that it sometimes also shows you that 75 hp is quite sufficient for everyday use. Sure, for the fast stretch of the motorway or if you want to go on vacation quickly and fully packed over long distances, a little more power would be welcome. But that’s not what the MT-07 claims.

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Video of the Yamaha MT-07 in the endurance test

Lovelessly coordinated spring elements

mps photo studio

The chassis has been improved with parts from the accessories.

Nevertheless, the Yamaha MT-07 also completed longer trips in the endurance test, including two autumn trips. They ennobled panniers and luggage rack for a topcase from the company’s own range of accessories with a touch of travel suitability, which the author also appreciated on a trip to the Tauern. With a more comfortable seat, the otherwise relaxed posture in the saddle could be better enjoyed even over longer distances. Nevertheless, she completed the majority of her kilometers on short weekend trips and as a good pack animal between the editorial office and her home.

And the Yamaha MT-07 garnered a lot of sympathy. Simply because, with its agile chassis, relaxed seating position and lively engine, it was such a good-mood guy that you couldn’t take anything wrong with. Not even the lovelessly coordinated spring elements. A criticism that mainly affects the shock absorber, which largely lost the bit of damping that was given to it on the way over the course of the kilometers.

The interim endurance test showed quite clearly that the investment in an accessory shock absorber is an extremely worthwhile one. It helps the handling of the Yamaha MT-07 enormously.

Yamaha MT-07 is absolutely reliable

The numerous letters from our readers also show that our Yamaha MT-07 long-term test is not an isolated case. They report in unison about the fabulous maneuverability, the lively twin, the – apart from the long-distance comfort – a pleasant seat. But above all of absolute reliability. The primary virtue that made Japanese manufacturers so successful.

Of course, word of these qualities quickly got around. The Yamaha MT-07 has long since blossomed into the best-selling Yamaha with a clear lead. In the 2016 registration statistics, it even ranks second behind the BMW GS.

In the correspondence it was rather small things in the periphery that attracted attention and which partly coincided with the experience of the editorial team. The gear indicator was often mentioned, which, like our test Yamaha MT-07, did not work reliably. A problem that is known at Yamaha and should be eliminated with a more reliable sensor (see "Yamaha takes a stand").

Patience at the pump

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Picture gallery: Endurance test final balance of the Yamaha MT-07.

The fact that patience is required at the pump when the tank is to be filled to the brim and the scarce tank volume is to be used was reflected in the letters to the readers as well as the rather pessimistic fuel gauge on the Yamaha MT-07 . Otherwise, readers often complained about the permanently uncomfortable seat, the rather subdued sound, the soft chassis and the first tires in the form of the Bridgestone BT 023 M..

Basically, the small Yamaha confirms a trend that was already apparent in the last endurance tests: The mechanics seem to be mature in the meantime, problems with the drive are in the absolute minority and on the decline. If so, then the trappings are noticeable. Every now and then the electronics muck. Although our Yamaha MT-07 seemed to pay tribute to the endurance test on the drive side towards the end of the test. The switching work has increasingly got a clunky note. Also, increased play in the drive train seemed to take the suppleness from the load changes.

"Feels pretty worn out," read the logbook promptly. Did the Yamaha MT-07 carefree package run out of steam in the end? That fueled the speculation before dismantling in the workshop. Especially since it had lost a tiny bit of performance. In the end, the low cost price is at the expense of durability?

To anticipate: The Yamaha MT-07 may be cheap, but it is not fragile or even unsound. Despite slightly notchy gear changes, the shift dogs and tooth flanks of the transmission gears had not been damaged. And apart from slight wear marks on a shift fork, there is nothing to report when it comes to the transmission.

Motor convinces after endurance run

bilski-fotografie.de

The Yamaha engine is in good condition after the end of the test.

The entire crank mechanism also performed well. The somewhat uneven contact pattern of the crankshaft bearings is not a problem. The bearings are still within the installation tolerance. As with the connecting rod bearings, Yamaha does not specify an operating tolerance. Their tracks may be considered normal given the running time.

However, because they are outside the installation tolerance, they must be replaced (see "Yamaha takes a stand"). In addition, a piston pin and the associated connecting rod eye show somewhat stronger tracks. But even these are classified as harmless by Yamaha.

The positive balance continues further up in the engine of the Yamaha MT-07. The condition of the pistons and cylinders is excellent. One looks in vain for larger tracks. Notable combustion residues on the piston crowns in the form of oil carbon as well.

Purchase and maintenance are cheap

cook

Rusty screw heads: the low price becomes visible somewhere.

The combustion chambers also look correspondingly clean. At best, the scorch marks on the slightly widened exhaust valve seats, which are also the cause of the slightly lower compression at the end of the test, are to be criticized. Grind in valves once and your head is fit for many more kilometers. Because the valve stem clearance is also in the green area. The all-clear can also be given for the camshafts: the cams are dimensionally accurate, their running surfaces undamaged.

If there are any abnormalities, then it affects the surrounding area. Rusty screw heads or the flaking paint on the swingarm, which come from the rather mediocre surface quality, should ultimately also be due to the low cost price. Because one thing is beyond doubt: hardly any other machine currently offers so much motorcycle for the money. And having fun with the Yamaha MT-07 is not only cheaper to buy, but also to maintain. The average consumption of 4.4 liters is the second lowest among all long-term testers. And therefore just as enjoyable as the economical use of inexpensive wear parts. The low inspection costs also fit into this picture, which ranged between 187 and 260 euros without wearing parts. Only the 40,000 servicing, during which the valve clearance was checked for the first time – readjustment was not necessary – is an outlier at 608 euros.

So comes what has to come: the BMW R 1200 R was only able to celebrate its place in the sun in the endurance test statistics next to the Honda CBR 600 F. The Yamaha MT-07 now takes it.

Balance after 50,000 kilometers

  • Cylinder head: An exhaust valve is slightly leaking, the exhaust valve seats are only slightly widened with scorch marks, the intake valve seats and the valve stem clearance are OK.
  • Cylinder / piston: The cylinders do not show any abnormalities, the pistons run fine, and only a little oil carbon has deposited on the piston crowns.
  • Crank drive: A piston pin and the corresponding piston pin boss show stronger tracks. The contact pattern of the crankshaft bearings is somewhat uneven. The connecting rod bearings show normal tracks, but should be replaced according to the factory specifications, as the radial play is outside the installation tolerance.
  • Power transmission: A shift fork has discreet run-in marks, the gear wheels and shift claws show no abnormalities. The clutch shows hardly any signs of wear.
  • Frame / chassis: The coating of the frame and the swingarm shows some peeling, slight traces of corrosion can be found on some screw connections. Swing arm and steering head bearings are OK.

Yamaha takes a stand

Katrin Sdun

The Yamaha ambassadors Ralf Keller (left) and Karlheinz Vetter (2nd from left) delightedly take a look at the well-preserved innards of the two-cylinder.

… to the worn connecting rod bearings. Yamaha attaches great importance to absolute precision when it comes to engine mounts and therefore does not offer any wear tolerance in this sensitive area. Here the installation clearance is considered a measure of wear, and therefore the red area begins almost immediately.

… to the tracks on a piston pin. We consider the tracks on the piston pin / connecting rod eye to be uncritical. The parts can be reused without hesitation.

… the traces of corrosion on the swing arm and screws or the peeling of the coating on the frame / swing arm. In the instruction manual, Yamaha instructs all customers on the correct aftercare for salt rides. Aggressive cleaners could also play a role here. Replacements: The chain rubber is naturally somewhat flexible. If dirt collects underneath, this combination acts as an abrasive, allowing it to infiltrate the coating.

… to the underdamped spring elements. We have no complaints about this from the trade. Maybe if you set the bar a little too high for an inexpensive mid-range motorcycle at MOTORRAD?

… to the defective gear indicator. That is known. There is already a remedy in the form of a modified gear sensor. The trade is informed.

… to the frost-prone ignition lock. Door locks on cars also freeze in winter.

… about the corroded rear axle nuts mentioned in letters to the editor. The tightening torque of the rear axle is in the three-digit range, i. H. you already have a very high breakaway torque here. Here it is advisable to only approach it with professional tools, then it will also work.

Reading experiences

Got 26,200 km without any problems on the clock, I mainly use the Yamaha MT-07 for long vacation tours (2014 Corsica around 4,400 km, 2015 Norway around 6,200 km and 2016 Brittany around 4,000 km), but also a lot in the Black Forest (I live in Simmersfeld) . It drives simply wonderful, you can stroll around, but also sweep. Whereby sometimes a more robust sound is missing. Sometimes the combined start / emergency stop switch also gets stuck, you have to actively reset it, but it works without any problems. So so far, zero failures, zero unscheduled workshop visits. Markus Bittes

Since May I have driven 12,000 kilometers to this day. In terms of price / performance, there is nothing better on the market. The engine is a poem! I haven’t found a better two-cylinder so far. The handling of the motorcycle is very good, with the chassis and ergonomics being the main counter-arguments. In terms of sound, this is also pretty poor as standard – that’s why it was converted to MiVV, a Wilbers rear shock and fork cartridges from Matris were installed. The standard shock absorber teeters on long curves and the front fork is clearly too soft. With the Wilbers / Matris combination, the Yamaha MT-07 drives like a completely different motorcycle. Runs like on rails, lies very full on the road. My personal assessment of the motorcycle: It is easy to curb and does not overwhelm beginners. Experienced and seasoned drivers can have just as much fun as beginners after a few upgrades. In short: an ingenious motorcycle! This year I didn’t have any defects or problems. The first tires were the Bridgestone BT 023 M "Wood Edition". These tires are the nastiest thing I’ve ever ridden! The next set comes from Continental – the Road Attack 2 Evo or its successor. Kevin koch

15,000 kilometers have been recorded with the Yamaha MT-07 since April, and I have no regrets that I bought it. What do I particularly like? The agility and maneuverability, pulling power, low consumption, driving possible in all situations. What I don’t like: Spongy chassis, series exhaust has the sound of a sewing machine, the saddle becomes unbearable in the long run. The standard mirrors are only good with an extension, the standard tires are horrible, the light too dark. Defects or problems? There was nothing except expenses. In general, the MT-07 is simply a bogeyman that you can push well. A fun mobile, as it is in the book. It loses on longer tours, but is still an ingenious fun device suitable for everyday use with low maintenance costs. Tim kurzinger

The Yamaha MT-07 is a great fun mobile. I tell non-motorcyclists: It is a slalom ski and not a downhill ski. The super easy handling and the great engine make cornering a real pleasure after work and on the weekend tour. Even big bikes usually only see the taillights on winding roads. As described in many tests, I also find the shock absorber to be more comfort-oriented. The machine begins to slump in fast corners. An Ohlins will be there this winter. The quiet standard exhaust does not convey the imitation V-sound. Thanks to the Akra from Yamaha accessories, the background noise is now just right. After two years and 20,000 km, my machine runs like the first day. No defect, no matter how small, no unusual noises – nothing. The fuel consumption is less than four liters per 100 km even when driving briskly. I only see my workshop for customer service. I’m curious to see if it can knock the BMW R 1200 R from its throne. Markus Marschalek

27,000 kilometers, no failures, third set of tires, that’s it. Pure joy. Ute mistake

I’ve ridden 10,500 kilometers with the Yamaha MT-07 since February, and the brake and the motor are awesome. Many more motorized colleagues have real problems keeping up on winding country roads. So far it has run without any problems. Except for the chassis, which is still being replaced, I am more than satisfied and can only advise everyone to buy the motorcycle. Christian evil

After 25 years with the Honda CX 500, I’ve been driving a Yamaha MT-07 and since April now have 10,000 km on the clock. The MT-07 has a great engine and it’s a lot of fun to ride this lively motorcycle. But not everything is better than it used to be. The CX bench is much more comfortable. Why is a comfortable bench not available as standard, but is it for a hefty price in the surcharge list? I was also surprised by the strong stoppage tendency when braking with ABS. The speedometer is so inconveniently placed that it is even covered by a small tank bag. This is not technically necessary. Why can it only be filled with a lot of patience? The CX 500 was called the slurry pump, but it never bogged me down in the rain like the MT. The Tracer wasn’t on the market in April of last year, but I think it’s also possible to put a motorcycle on its wheels with more everyday usability at no extra charge. But I don’t see any alternative on the market that isn’t twice as expensive. Joachim Stops

The final table of the long-term test evaluation, measured values ​​and costs as well as the maintenance table are available in issue 2/2017 or as a PDF for download (see below)

Offers used Yamaha MT-07 in Germany

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The selection on the used market is very large.

The Yamaha MT-07 is a real success and so it is not surprising that the selection of used Yamaha MT-07s is very large. The prices are fair and besides many standard MT-07s there are also some converted Yamahas available. An overview of the current Yamaha MT-07 offers can be found here: used Yamaha MT-07 in Germany.

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