Yamaha previews 2021 MT-07
Yamaha are bringing an upgraded MT-07 to market for 2021, with improvements and new features applied to both the 655cc LAMS and 689cc full power versions of the ‘Maximum Torque’ naked parallel twin.
New features common to both variants include a restyled headlight assembly, reshaped fuel tank and redesigned ‘winglet’ air intakes. The fuel tank covers are now lighter, too, thanks to injection-moulded plastic construction, while new 3D textured gripper panels on the tank allow greater rider controllability.
To further improve manoeuvrability at low speeds, the MT-07’s handlebars are 32mm wider, and while the overall riding position remains upright, Yamaha say they’ve fine-tuned the ergonomics for improved rider control and extra comfort. Seat height is unchanged from the current MT-07 at 805mm.
Beyond the headlight shroud and fuel tank changes, there have also been minor detail changes made on things like the fork leg covers, engine covers, engine stays, exhaust shielding, levers and footpegs. Colour options have been tweaked and there are also new-look graphics.
The headlight is now in the ‘Y’ shape that was recently applied to the upgraded MT-09 and features a central hi/lo LED projector lamp flanked by LED position lights. LED indicators front and rear are new, meaning the MT-07 now has a full LED lighting package.
Instrumentation has been upgraded for 2021, with a similar layout to the Tracer 700 and what Yamaha says are higher specification LCD instruments. Larger displays for the clock, gear position indicator, tripmeters and rev counter feature, and while the screen isn’t a full-colour TFT unit, there are spot colour accents to highlight key display information. To make tripmeter operation easier, a new handlebar switch has been fitted, too.
The MT-07’s dual front brake discs have been upgraded from 282mm to 298mm, which offer more stopping power without adding weight, according to Yamaha. The 245mm rear disc is unchanged. Connected to this improved braking package are new spec Michelin PR5 tyres that retain the same 120/70 front and 180/55 rear dimensions, but claim to offer excellent traction, handling and wet weather performance.
While there are no changes to the MT-07LA’s 655cc engine for 2021, the 689cc version of the CP2 parallel twin on the MY21 MT-07HO has been worked over to achieve Euro5 compliance. Changes include a revised air intake duct and optimized fuel injector settings, plus a new ECU and an all-new 2-into-1 exhaust system. The result is a minor decrease in power and torque (from 55kW to 54kW and 68Nm to 67Nm), but Yamaha says throttle response is now more linear.
Finally, the larger engine adds an electric purge cut valve and new lightweight battery that promises reliable starting, even after the bike has sat unused for long periods.
The 2021 MT-07HO will be the first to arrive in Australia, available from February, in Tech Black only. Release of the MT-07LA is set for March, in Storm Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black colour options. Current ride away pricing of $11,849 for the LA and $12,599 for the HO is expected to rise with the updated models, but pricing had not been released at time of writing.
