Yamaha MT-07 700 2023 — Specifications

Who can dethrone the queen of mid-displacement roadsters? Since its launch, the Yamaha MT-07 700 has reigned over the segment with a simple recipe: a punchy twin, a lightweight chassis, and a competitive price. But in 2023, the competition is baring its claws. The Honda Hornet 750 arrives with a sharp four-cylinder, the Triumph Trident 660 plays the refined British triple card, and even the Kawasaki Z 650 lurks in the shadows. Yamaha has no choice: it's time to make a move.

The big piece of this update is the electronics. Gone is the dated little LCD screen, replaced by a 5-inch color TFT dashboard. Two display modes are offered, one city-oriented with a bar graph, the other touring-style with a virtual needle tachometer. Smartphone connectivity via the MyRide app lets you retrieve telemetry, routes, and notifications. It's a major leap forward for a machine that was seriously lagging behind in this area. Yamaha also takes the opportunity to pre-wire the installation of a quickshifter, a nod to riders who love clutchless upshifts. On the design front, the face adopts aggressive full LED lighting, typical of the "Masters of Torque" family. The tank is redesigned, the radiator shrouds reworked, and a black finish now dresses the levers, footpegs, and fork tubes. The silhouette gains character without denying its origins.

Under the skin, the 689 cc CP2 parallel twin is still there. What is the power output of the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 700? The twin delivers 73 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 66.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, sent through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. The switch to Euro5 compliance cost a handful of watts compared to the previous version, with a reworked exhaust, a new ECU, and modified intake tracts. The difference is imperceptible on the road. The wet weight comes in at 184 kg, two kilos more than before, with a 14-liter fuel tank. The average fuel consumption of the Yamaha MT-07 phase 2 hovered around 4.5 l/100 km in mixed riding; this 2023 version should stay in the same ballpark. The claimed top speed peaks at 190 km/h, enough for a roadster that doesn't pretend to be a sportbike.

The diamond-type steel tube frame remains unchanged, as do the 41 mm telescopic fork and the rear mono-shock, each offering 130 mm of travel. This is the machine's historical weak point: the suspension remains basic, with no adjustability whatsoever. Those hoping for an inverted fork will have to wait or open their wallets at an aftermarket specialist. On the other hand, the brakes improve with 298 mm front discs clamped by 4-piston calipers, a welcome upgrade over the old 282 mm petal discs. The tire spec moves to Michelin Road 5, a smart choice that improves grip and cornering confidence. The handlebar, widened by 32 mm, enhances maneuverability, and the 805 mm seat height remains accessible to most riders.

The price of the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 700 is set at 7,999 euros, a figure that's starting to climb compared to earlier generations. The price of a 2014 or 2015 MT-07 in France now sits around 4,000 to 5,000 euros on the used market, while a 2016 or 2017 version fetches between 5,000 and 6,000 euros depending on condition and mileage. This third iteration remains a solid choice for A2 license holders and experienced riders alike who want a versatile, lightweight, and playful everyday machine. Yamaha opted for a measured refresh rather than a revolution. Against the Hornet arriving armed to the teeth, will the recipe be enough? The CP2 twin has that instant spark of madness, that raw thrill few competitors can replicate. The MT-07 is aging, but it still knows how to bite.