Yamaha has made two magnificent, yet very different mid-range motorcycles for riders to choose from. Yamaha has always designed unique bikes to offer to the public and this time they delivered.
The R7, which is not a dedicated track bike but very close to one and the MT-07, a naked bike that has made the street its home. Yamaha’s R7 was made for those who like to ride the street but also want to do track days. The MT-07 is more of an everyday commuter or weekend canyon carver. Is one better than the other? No, they are made for two different purposes that give the customer options. While they share some of the same components, like gauges, fuel injection and even the engine, they are two very different motorcycles. By using the parallel twin 689cc liquid-cooled engine in both machines Yamaha is able to keep the cost down.
Yamaha Styling Concepts
Of course, Yamaha's R7 has full fairings and the MT-07 has none. Both are a work of art in their own right. With the R7 looking like a mini R1, but it offers the slimmer bodywork compared to other supersports. The sleek design allows optimal aerodynamics, handling and agility when pushing the R7 through turns and high-speed straights. As Yamaha has stated, “The MT-07’s aggressive look further enhances its distinctive appeal.” And it sure does. There is no other naked design that resembles the MT-07. The lack of plastics covering the MT allowed engineers to make clever, artful designs on the frame and engine to show off what a naked motorcycle is all about. Yamaha kept it clean. No bunched up wire harness that is visible and all the components that can be seen are painted. The tank cover and air intake scoops blend well into each other with minimal impact on the design.
The R7 Has Sweet Handling
The major difference between the two is the handling. Yamaha's R7 is at home dragging a knee into the turn. High mounted foot pegs provide optimal hip and knee positioning. Riders are able to move around freely and adjust positions while also maintaining a planted feel in corners from left to right as well as and under heavy braking. The inverted KYB 41mm front forks have compression and rebound adjustments, along with the rear single shock for riders to tune the suspension to their liking. The R7 handles hard braking with ease and rewards the rider with stability in and out of turns. On the street, the ride is the same, but the suspension is a little firm for bumpy roads.
This is where the MT-07 comes in. Take it to the track, and the rider will discover the MTs limits very quickly. Its home is on the street. The front forks are also 41mm, but are standard (right-way-up) and less rigid. This allows for more rider comfort when on bumpy back roads or hitting the highway separators at speed. The vibration is absorbed very well through the suspension and chassis, so the MT is by far the more versatile of the two.
Comfort Is Everything For The MT-07
The MT-7 is the perfect standard bike but remains pretty sporty. The foot pegs are lower and more forward than the R7, the handlebars are swept back, and it has a wider, more comfortable seat. Yamaha's MT-07 is a great bike to ride all day long and when you need a little more excitement, just twist the throttle and the engine comes alive. Going through stop and go traffic with the upright sitting position is a breeze on the MT. If you need something more aggressive then the R7 is the better choice. With a carved out fuel tank that allows the helmet to sit deeper behind the windshield and clip on handlebars it is easy to get into the full tuck position for aggressive, fast riding.
Good To Have Options
The engines are more or less the same but the R7 has a slipper clutch installed for better performance on the track. This gives the rider better braking control when down shifting, and it eliminates rear wheel hop. The MT-07 has ABS for better control on those wet weather days or hard braking in traffic. The MT-07 gets Yamaha Motorcycle Connect (Y-Connect) smartphone connectivity. This can track and record distance covered, fuel consumption, acceleration, top speed, lean angle and so on. It will also allow any incoming calls or text to be viewed straight from the TFT display. A huge convenience when out on the road. The R7 LCD instrument panel displays gear position, fuel capacity, average fuel economy, water temp, speed, max RPM and a handful of other stats. The R7 fuel tank holds 3.4 gallons while the MT is slightly larger at 3.7 and both get 58 MPG.
With Yamaha offering two completely different motorcycles with the same engine, each bike does something better than the other. For those riders that like a sporty ride but don’t want the dedicated track bike, then the R7 is a great choice. For the rider that wants something fun, but a little more practical, the MT-07 is the better choice. The relaxed riding position of the MT gives the street rider the comfort they need for those long rides. The MT also turns city streets and country roads into a playground. In truth there is very little to choose between these two bikes, and it will all come down to your budget and the type of riding you want to do. The 2023 MT-07 is priced at $8199 and the R7 will set you back $9199.