Yamaha MT-07 2018 test: logical evolutions

The Yamaha MT-07 is undoubtedly the queen of MT, far ahead of its counterparts MT125, MT-03, MT-09 and MT-10. Best-seller of the "Master of Torque" family, in 2018 it corrects some youthful flaws. Definitely a very good little bike ! Test.

MT-07 test page 2 – Dynamics: a disconcerting ease

From the outset, the new 2018 MT-07 displays the same maneuverability and ease of driving as the previous version, but the feeling on the handlebars is not at all the same: all you need is a little heavy braking or a pronounced speed bump to perceive the difference with the old model.

The "bicycle pump" effect sometimes felt on the handlebars of the previous vintage has completely disappeared. Granted, the basic KYB suspensions used here haven’t turned into high-end Ohlins suspensions, but we have to admit that there is a hell of a lot better in use. Where the front end of the previous version plunged excessively when braking or when its shock absorber hit the stop when passing a projecting connection, the new suspension reacts much better to stresses.

In town, the MT-07 remains a model of ease, showing unparalleled handling to slalom between cars in traffic. Its lightness and excellent handling make it formidable in this context. A real bike !

On the other hand, the Catalan urban surface quickly highlights the lack of grip of the Bridgestone BT-023 in this context. In the morning in the cool, on a fatty bitumen embellished with silica as often in Spain, it is better to avoid taking too much angle from the start. Fortunately, the acceleration dosage is smooth and precise, which limits the risk of slipping during acceleration..

A toy on wheels

Once warmed up, the BT-023 are noticeably more considerate. We still have to be careful, but things are better. On the small roads that lead us to Ronda, the MT-07 shows off its new capabilities. Already voluntary and sufficiently powerful to allow you to flirt with your limits, the 2018 model can be whipped without sulking its pleasure. The more we wring the handle, the more it asks for more !

After 3000 rpm, the parallel twin-cylinder CP2 is just waiting to express its full potential. Its revving is certainly linear, but it is nevertheless vigorous and full of energy. We quickly find ourselves at the legal pace, around 5000 rpm at 90 km / h in fourth gear, 5000 rpm at 110 km / h in fifth and 6000 rpm at 130 km / h in sixth. Pushed to its limits, near the breaker at 10,500 rev / min, the meter would easily exceed 200 km / h without running out of steam.

Whatever the gear engaged, the MT-07 responds to the slightest request and climbs sharply in the towers. Beyond 4000 rev / min the engine sound becomes more hoarse and pleasant, contributing to the driving pleasure of the driver. Despite the generous torque, you must always knit the selector a little to maintain a good recovery capacity at the exit of a curve in the sequences.

The precise and sufficiently fast gearbox easily participates in the exercise. Be careful, however, to overspeed when you inquire a succession of close turns at good speed, because the BT-023 do not take long to call you to order if you are too optimistic..

We almost come to regret the absence of traction control on this 2018 vintage of the MT-07. It will probably end up arriving on a next evolution, for an additional cost of the order of a hundred euros given the volumes manufactured….

As for the chassis, the MT-07 has lost none of its relative rigor or its efficiency, quite the contrary: equipped with these “new” suspensions, it supports more “sporting” use than its predecessor. Braking mass transfers are better managed thanks to this less plunging fork, which also absorbs shocks much better.

During this test, we were able to measure its effectiveness by going full angle over bumps without unduly disturbing the trajectory. The same goes for the shock absorber, still quick to rebound but more progressive and better managed in rebound. The old one would have slammed hard at the fork and bottomed out the shock absorber, but the progress on the 2018 model is really noticeable.

Verdict

The MT-07 also remains a good braking machine, all the more so in this new suspension configuration. The double front disc with 4-piston calipers combines power and a correct bite with good progressiveness in the dosage. The rear brake allows the bike to sit securely on the corner in a curve and provides a significant additional power when you want to brake hard in line. As for the ABS, it takes care of the grain while showing great discretion..

Finally, the average consumption of the MT-07 does not change with nearly 5.5 l / 100 km in mixed use, which gives it a range of around 250 km..

At the end of this first test of the 2018 vintage, it is clear to us that the MT-07 is gaining in relevance: both aesthetically, by fully complying with the codes of the “Master of Torque” clan, and in terms of efficiency thanks to firmer suspensions and a better hydraulic shock absorber.

Faith of Moto-Net, for an additional cost of 100 € compared to the 2017 vintage – which continues in the Yamaha catalog while stocks last -, this MT-07 vintage 2018 sold at a price of 7099 € is well worth these few additional euros !

Related articles

• Roadster – Test Yamaha MT-07 2018: logical evolutions – Test MT-07 page 1 – Static: a more homogeneous look

  Yamaha MT-07 2018 test: logical evolutions The Yamaha MT-07 is undoubtedly the queen of MT, far ahead of its counterparts MT125, MT-03, MT-09 and MT-10….

• Roadster – Yamaha MT-09 SP test: the one we SPEED! – MT-09 SP test page 2 – Dynamics: finally on rails

  Yamaha MT-09 SP test: the one we Sought ! The Yamaha MT-09, one of the stars of the French motorcycle market, never ceases to enchant motorcyclists eager…

• Yamaha MT-07 model year 2017 and 2018 test

  Yamaha MT-07 2017 and 2018 in the test How much better is the chassis? Yamaha has given the Yamaha MT-07 an update in the 2018 model year. The result:…

• Roadster – Test Yamaha MT-09 2017: mult (r) iples pleasures! – Page 2 – Dynamics: more rigor and efficiency

  2017 Yamaha MT-09 review: mult (r) iples pleasures ! Having become a bestseller in just four years, the Yamaha MT-09 is full of positive developments for…

• Roadster – Test Honda CB1000R 2018: change of universe – Test CB1000R 2018 – Page 2: Dynamics

  2018 Honda CB1000R Test: Change of Universe Ten after making headlines, the Honda CB 1000 R is looking for a new style. Storing her modern influences in…

• Roadster – 2018 Yamaha MT-07 test: logical evolutions – MT-07 test page 3 – Technical and commercial sheet

  Yamaha MT-07 2018 test: logical evolutions The Yamaha MT-07 is undoubtedly the queen of MT, far ahead of its counterparts MT125 , MT-03, MT-09 and MT-10….

• Trail – Test Triumph Tiger 800 XCA and XRT 2018: smart vision – Test Tiger 800 XCA and XRT 2018 – Page 2: Dynamics

  2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA and XRT test: smart vision Does the imposing Triumph Tiger 1200 intimidate you? Opt for the 2018 Tiger 800: more accessible…

• Roadster – Yamaha MT-09 SP test: the one we SPEED! – MT-09 SP test page 3: Technical point

  Yamaha MT-09 SP test: the one we Sought ! The Yamaha MT-09, one of the stars of the French motorcycle market, never ceases to enchant bikers eager for…

• Roadster – Yamaha MT-09 SP test: the one we SPEED! – MT-09 SP test page 1 – Static: major change and eyeshadow

  Yamaha MT-09 SP test: the one we Sought ! The Yamaha MT-09, one of the stars of the French motorcycle market, never ceases to enchant motorcyclists eager…

• Roadster – Yamaha MT-07 2018: the second generation MT-07 – Used YAMAHA

  2018 Yamaha MT-07: the second generation MT-07 The MT-07, Yamaha bestseller and motorcycle school star, underwent some stylistic tweaks in 2018 and in…