Yamaha MT-07 700 2022 — Specifications

Who can claim to have redefined the middleweight roadster segment in France? The Yamaha MT-07 700, plain and simple. Since its arrival in 2014, this machine has established itself as the benchmark for A2 license holders and riders seeking thrills without breaking the bank. For 2022, Yamaha plays the card of controlled renewal. A bold front-end facelift, a few mechanical adjustments dictated by Euro5, and that's all it takes. No revolution, but an evolution calibrated to the millimeter so as not to spoil the recipe.

Style-wise, the front end is where most of the changes are concentrated. The cyclops stare characteristic of the MT range gets even sharper, with an LED headlight framed by a luminous Y-shaped motif that stamps the visual identity at first glance. The tank adopts new lines, the radiator scoops have been reworked, and a dominant black finish now dresses the levers, footpegs, and fork tubes. The rear, meanwhile, stays true to the previous design. The more aggressive aesthetic direction deserves credit, even if the choice to keep an LCD screen rather than switching to a TFT is somewhat disappointing compared to what the competition offers. Kawasaki has been offering a color TFT on its Z650 for a while now, and Honda has also upgraded its dashboard on the CB750 Hornet.

Beneath the bodywork, the 689 cc CP2 twin remains the same engine riders have known since the MT-07's debut. Power output for the 2022 Yamaha MT-07 700 stands at 73 hp at 8,750 rpm, down from 74.8 hp on the previous model year. A minimal sacrifice imposed by Euro5, which required a new exhaust, a revised ECU, and modified intake tracts. Torque follows the same pattern at 66.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm — a nearly imperceptible loss. With a wet weight of 184 kg, just two kilos more than before, the MT-07 remains a featherweight in its class. This twin has a playful character and strong mid-range availability — that's its signature. Average fuel consumption for the phase 2 Yamaha MT-07 700 sits around 4.5 liters per 100 km, giving decent range from the 14-liter tank.

The diamond-type steel tube frame remains unchanged, as does the 41 mm telescopic fork and the rear monoshock with its 130 mm of travel on each side. This is the model's recurring weak point: the suspension lacks composure when the pace picks up. Yamaha hasn't addressed this, unlike what was done on the completely redesigned MT-09. On the other hand, braking improves. The front discs grow from 282 to 298 mm, still clamped by four-piston calipers. The gain in stopping power is noticeable, especially since the Michelin Road 5 tires replacing the Bridgestone BT-023s deliver superior grip. The handlebar gains 32 mm in width, the seat has been reworked for comfort, and the riding position aims to feel more natural. With a seat height of 805 mm, it remains accessible to most body types.

The price of a new Yamaha MT-07 700 comes in at €6,999 in 2022. On the used market, prices vary by model year: a 2015 or 2016 MT-07 in France typically goes for around €4,500 to €5,500, while a 2017 model sells for between €5,000 and €6,000 depending on condition and mileage. A price-to-fun ratio that remains formidable against the Kawasaki Z650, Suzuki SV650, and Honda CB650R. The Yamaha MT-07 700 targets both the A2 beginner and the experienced rider looking for a lightweight machine for daily commuting or weekend rides. Its versatility is its greatest strength, and this 2022 update doesn't call any of that into question. Yamaha has simply made sure to keep its golden goose in good health.