ROAD NEWS
YAMAHA MT-07 ’ S COMPREHENSIVE MAKEOVER
Y amaha has revealed the 2021 MT-07 which receives an MT-09 style aesthetic update including bold new LED headlight and functional improvements for the new model year . While Yamaha Motor NZ is yet to finalise pricing , both the 655cc LAMS version and full power MT-07 HO ( high output ) will be arriving in April of 2021 . It doesn ’ t seem all that long ago that the MT-07 received its first major update , which we tested in late 2018 , but for 2021 the whole platform has been revised with improvements across the board . Most obvious is , of course , the new styling which heavily mimics the MT-09 which Yamaha revealed a week ago . All lighting is now taken care of via LEDs , with the headlight taking a similar approach to that of the MT-09 with a whole new design featuring a bifunctional LED headlight flanked by dual-layer LED position lights to give the MT-07 the signature Y-shape face of the new MT family . Other visual changes include new winglets on the sides of the newly-designed 14-litre fuel tank give the bike a more exciting look . The new fuel tank covers are manufactured from injection-moulded plastic resin to reduce weight , and a 3D moulded texture is featured around the rider ’ s knee grip area to give improved controllability , a nice touch .
The 689cc , two-cylinder , CP2 engine has been revised with a new air intake duct design and fuel injector settings , as well as a new 2-into-1 exhaust and new ECU . Yamaha says these changes give the MT-08 a more linear engine response . According to Yamaha , the torque / power curve is now smoother while also providing an exciting ride . Maximum torque ( 67Nm ) is achieved by 6500rpm while peak power in the High Output version is achieved at 9000rpm . Yamaha Motor NZ has not released power figures for the 655cc LAMS approved version at the time of writing . MT-07 ’ s front dual disc size has increased from 282mm on the previous model to 298mm on the new bike , giving more stopping power and greater control with no gain in weight . Together with the 245mm rear disc , the new system offers increased performance – and with the fitment of the new tyres , the increased stopping power is meant to make a big difference in the wet . Wrapping up the major changes to the MT-07 are new tapered aluminium bars and a high specification LCD dash with spot colour . This new inverted dashboard is similar to the unit fitted to the Tracer 700 , meaning it has a multifunction display with larger displays for the clock , gear , tripmeters and tachometer to provide clear information . Yamaha says the use of spot colour gives an accent for key displays – and a new handlebar switch enables the rider to operate the meter more easily and efficiently .
KIWI RIDER 95