Early on November 3, 2020, Yamaha Motor USA published a copy of the MT-09 launch video on its YouTube channel with the title “Find Your Darkness: 2021 Yamaha MT-07". What looked like a silly mistake turned out to be a massive hint—or an accidental leak—of what was coming.
Only a few hours later, Yamaha debuted the all-new 2021 MT-07. The mid-size Master Torque is hot on the trail of the 2021 MT-09, unveiled the previous week, on October 27.
Like its big brother, the new MT-07 receives a significant design upgrade that includes the MT-03 and now the MT-09’s cyclopic headlight projector flanked by two LED elements as well as LED turn signals on all four corners. The list of MT-07-specific updates also includes a front brake upgrade, Michelin tires, a new LCD, and a tapered aluminum handlebar.
While the MT-09 received a displacement and output increase, the MT-07's 689cc parallel-twin carries over unchanged. The power rating also remains the same at 75 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. Yamaha did, however, modify the air ducts, now neatly integrated into the fuel tank design, upgraded the ECU, optimized the fuel injection settings, and added a new 2-into-1 exhaust system. According to the maker, these changes will result in a more linear power delivery and a smoother curve.
The frame is mounted on a 41-mm telescopic fork at the front, an adjustable monoshock at the back, and a pair of 17-inch wheels. Braking is provided by a pair of 298mm discs (up from 282mm) with two four-piston calipers in the front and the same 245mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back, paired with the ABS. The bike gained three pounds in the process, now tipping the scales at 406 pounds.
The new 2021 Yamaha MT-07 will be available in January, 2021, and pricing is set at $7,699, a $100 premium over the 2020 model-year.
Gallery: 2021 Yamaha MT-07
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