Yamaha MT‑07 (2025)

What’s new for 2025

• The 2025 MT-07 is the fourth generation of the model, with significant revisions. Cycle News+2Yamaha Motorsports+2

• Major updates include a ride-by-wire throttle (YCC-T) which facilitates new ride modes and traction control. Yamaha Motorsports+1

• New frame and swingarm design: stiffer chassis, inverted 41 mm KYB front fork, improved suspension geometry. Cycle News+1

• New styling: minimalist “Dark Side of Japan” inspired look, new LED lighting, slimmer tank/seat silhouette. Yamaha Motorsports+1

• New features: smartphone connectivity via 5″ TFT display, self-cancelling indicators, “Acoustic Amplifying Technology” (for engine-induction sound) to enhance rider experience. Yamaha Motorsports+1

Key specifications

Here are some of the important numbers for the 2025 MT-07. Yamaha Motorsports+2Ultimate Motorcycling+2

What it does well

• Balanced performance: The 689 cc twin offers strong low-to-mid torque and enough rev-range punch, making it versatile for everyday riding, street use, and some spirited back-road fun.

• Improved chassis and hardware: The updates to suspension, brakes and frame rigidity mean the 2025 model should handle sharper and feel more composed than prior versions.

• Modern electronics and connectivity: For this class, features like ride modes, switchable traction control, TFT display with smartphone connectivity are a big bonus.

• Relatively approachable seat height and weight: At ~31.7″ seat height and around 403 lb wet, it’s more manageable than many larger sport/naked bikes.

• Styling and character: The redesign gives it strong visual appeal and the “Dark Side of Japan” aesthetic many riders like.

Trade-offs / things to consider

• Fuel range: With only ~14 L (3.7 gal) fuel capacity, the touring/range aspect is limited compared to larger bikes—if you do long highway rides expect more frequent stops.

• Seat height: While more approachable than some big bikes, ~805 mm may still be tall for shorter riders—check if you can get comfortable at stops.

• Not full superbike power: It’s a well-rounded middleweight bike; if you’re seeking outright top-tier sportbike performance (liter bike levels) this will not match those.

• Ride posture & comfort: Being a naked/sport style bike, if you’re seeking ultra-relaxed cruising or two-up long distance touring you may feel compromises compared to dedicated touring models.

• New tech risk: With more electronics and new chassis updates, initial service/parts may carry a bit more cost or availability issues than older simpler models.

Who it’s best for

This bike is a strong fit if you:

• Want a versatile bike: one that handles daily riding, weekend fun, back-roads, and still looks good.

• Appreciate good performance but don’t want the extremes (cost/complexity/weight) of large superbikes.

• Value modern electronics and good build quality in a middleweight package.

• Are comfortable with a sport-naked ergonomics and realistic about fuel/range trade-offs.

Maybe less suited if you:

• Do primarily long highway touring with two-up and luggage and want ultra-high range/comfort.

• Are very short and need extremely low seat height or very light weight.

• Want full liter superbike power for track days or high-end sport usage exclusively.

My verdict

The 2025 Yamaha MT-07 is an excellent choice in the middleweight sport/naked category. With meaningful upgrades in 2025, it’s been modernised in chassis, electronics and styling while retaining what made the MT-07 beloved: fun, accessible, and engaging. If your riding style matches its strengths (street/urban + spirited rides), this bike offers a lot of value and playfulness.