Minor Updates Come to the 2021 Yamaha MT-07

If the riding public wanted a shiny and new Yamaha MT-07 for the 2021 model year, then the tuning fork brand wasn’t listening.

For all the hype and chatter that there was online for a “new” Yamaha MT-07, for next year we see a bike that gets primarily Euro5 homologation and some basic refinements, which is probably what should have been expected.

Other than failing to manage expectations, we are not sure Yamaha is really to blame for the misguided hopes and dreams of the middleweight-twin’s loyal following – though when the MT-09 got a complete overhaul, hopes went up that the MT-07 would as well.

There was at least some logic for that, as the middleweight-twin category is certainly heating-up right now with some strong entries from multiple brands – the Aprilia RS 660 is all the talk right now, for example. There is also the recently released Triumph Trident 660 to contemplate.

Choosing to take the practical approach though, Yamaha has made careful upgrades to the MT-07 for 2021.

The name of the game for the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 really is Euro5 homologation – as it will be for most “updated” bikes that are debuting for next year.

With that in mind, we see that Yamaha is bringing a revised intake, exhaust, ECU and fuel injection system to the table for the 2021 Yamaha MT-07, but the street bike loses a little over a horsepower in the process (72hp / 54 kW).

Unlike some manufacturers that are bumping engine displacement to keep performance, Yamaha is keeping the MT-07 at 689cc, which is an interesting choice, though probably a smart one considering they’ve been able to keep power without touching the cylinder chamber.

One would not have faulted the Japanese brand for punching out the MT-07 into a true 700cc sport bike though, and certainly the many club racers who use the platform would have appreciated the upgrade.

There is good news along the sporty vein though, as Yamaha says that the front brakes on the MT-07 have been improved for the 2021 model year, with 298cc discs replacing 282mm ones.

The bodywork has also been restyled, which you are either going to love or hate, depending on your intended position with our future insect overlords. A new LED headlight completes the look as gives the MT-07 a more aggressive face.

The LCD dash has been upgraded in the process also, and a wider handlebar is said to make the riding position more comfortable, in concert with the new tank shape and seat. The curb weight is quoted as 406 lbs when fully fueled.

For those interested, pricing in the United States gets a very mild bump of $100 over last year’s model, which gives the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 an MSRP of $7,599.