The Yamaha MT-07, announced in 2014, was released for the U.S. market in 2015 as the Yamaha FZ-07. Ever since it hit the streets, the bike started garnering favorable attention from both laymen riders and seasoned professionals as a great, affordable naked bike. In fact, the MT-07 has been the best-selling ‘Hyper Naked’ each successive year since its initial release – a fact that is proudly proclaimed by the company itself.
Having sold more than 160,000 units, and counting, there remains little doubt that the MT-07 is indeed a popular bike with the masses. Largely touted as the leader in the middleweight naked bikes segment, the bike has held up ever since its original release, with many upgrades and improvements along the way. Today, we break down some of the primary reasons that makes the Yamaha MT-07 so popular all across the world.
Easily Approachable For Everyone
One thing that has worked in the MT-07’s favor since its initial release is that it is a beginner-friendly naked bike, great for new riders who want to experience speed thrills in a package that does not demand too much rider skill or experience. However, that that does not mean that biking veterans will feel that it is lacking in any way either.
The torque-driven power delivery and nimble handling, coupled with the aggressive styling and efficient ergonomics of the bike finds takers on either end of the riding spectrum. In fact, according to Yamaha sales and reports, 27 percent of MT-07 buyers are first-time buyers while 36 percent have ridden bikes for more 2 decades or more. Clearly, Yamaha’s highest selling bike seems to win over beginners and veterans alike.
As Affordable As It Gets
All these years, the Yamaha MT-07 has managed to remain a stylish, fun, and, most importantly, relatively inexpensive proposition. Back in 2015, the MT-07 retailed for a base price of $6,990, which was unanimously accepted as a fitting asking price for the package that one was getting. A 270-degree parallel-twin engine that outshone its competitors, comfortable handling that didn’t demand too much from the rider, and functional styling that would still manage to turn heads – the MT-07 had it all.
The bike has become slightly more expensive since the years have passed, probably because of inflation and rising manufacturing costs. However, the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 retails for a base price of $8,199, and still manages to remain a great ‘value proposition’ as a first bike, tenth bike, commuter bike, racing bike, and for some even as a touring bike with some luggage thrown on it! That’s one of primary reasons for the bike’s immense popularity – it is the quintessential ‘every man, every day’ bike at a reasonable asking price.
Updates And Improvements Along The Way
Over time, Yamaha could’ve rested on the MT-07’s laurels and released the same bike each successive year with minor and superficial tweaks, which has known to be the case with some bikes from other manufacturers. Thankfully, such is not the case with the MT-07 or else it would have been relegated to the position of ‘just another bike that used to be great’. Instead, Yamaha has listened to feedback and improved little things with each iteration of the bike since its original release.
Improvements have been made to just about every aspect of the original 2015 Yamaha MT-07 (FZ-07). In pursuit of the best handling, and following initial public criticism, the bike’s suspension has been continuously vetted, revised and tweaked. Everything from forks and valves to brake discs has been looked upon and improved. The bikes’ body has also seen subtle updates, with more cohesive, flowing lines to make it look more attractive. To this end, changes have also been made to various bike component’s, such as the introduction of a signature LED headlight in 2020. For 2023, the MT-07 gets a new 5-inch TFT display with Yamaha’s ‘Y-Connect’ app connectivity – a welcome change from the outdated LCD instrument panel seen on previous-year models. Moreover, the 2023 model also comes pre-wired for quick shift accessorization thus enabling simple and quck installation of Yamaha’s ‘Quick Shift System’.
Stellar Engine And Performance Backs It All Up
Of course, there wouldn’t be any question of calling the MT-07 one of the best naked bikes if it didn’t perform well to begin with. The 4-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin engine on the MT-07 has stood the test of time as a powerful and reliable banger that is going as strong in 2023 as it did in 2015. Although the cylinder capacity has come down from 698cc on the 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 to 690cc on the 2023 iteration of the bike, performance has only improved for the most part.
True to the bike’s name (MT stands for ‘Master of Torque’), the MT-07 offers smooth and linear torque development and delivery, strong acceleration from the low to mid-range, and adequate pulling power when the bike hits the mid-upper rpm range. Combined all together, you get a bike that can ride pretty decently in the hands of just about any novice rider while still retaining enough juice to keep the most experienced of riders engaged.
Leaving The Competition in Dust
The Yamaha MT-07 has seen stiff competition since its release, with comparisons being made with other bikes time and again. Back in 2015, the MT-07 successfully fended off heat from the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Suzuki SFV650, and Hyosung GT650. A couple or so years later, Suzuki challenged again with the much-improved SV650, Kawasaki released the well-received Z650, and Honda came into the race with the CB650F. However, these bikes, decent offering in their own rights, could not dethrone the reigning leader in the MT-07. This trend has continued over the years, with new arrivals and improved iterations competing for the glory (the Triumph Trident 660, for instance), but the MT-07 has managed to remain on top for all that is so right with it.
Ultimately, the Yamaha MT-07 is truly a ‘one-of-a-kind’ bike, the quintessential steel horse for modern-day cowboys of all shapes, sizes and makes. No wonder then that the entire world is singing the bike’s praises and picking it up like hot cakes. But hey, if there was ever a bike that deserved all its paeans and plaudits, it is definitely the MT-07. Don’t believe us? Just ask any of the hundreds of thousands that have been taken by this beauty from the day they ever laid their eyes on it!
Source
https://www.topspeed.com/heres-what-makes-the-mt-07-yamahas-top-selling-bike-globally/
