Ride Review: 2019 Yamaha MT-07 Demo Ride

2019 Yamaha MT-07 (demo ride)

My reason for the demo ride was to learn what the motor is like because a version of it will grace the upcoming (2020) T700 Adventure bike, supposedly tuned for power lower in the power band...but will weigh approx 50 lbs more at 450 lbs wet….here is what Yamaha says about their MT-07 engine…all of which seems accurate…it IS an impressive mid displacement motor…but how will it compare to the already available KTM slightly larger 790 Adventure with approx 20 more hp?

• Advanced Twin-Cylinder Engine: The MT-07 features a compact 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin cylinder, DOHC engine with fuel injection. This engine provides a unique power character, with outstanding low to mid-range torque and very linear throttle response, combined with strong high-rpm pulling power. This motor develops 50 foot pounds of torque and is designed to maximize riding excitement in the real world.

• Crossplane Crankshaft Concept: The 2-cylinder engine features Yamaha’s “Crossplane Crankshaft Concept” 270 degree crank that provides linear torque development in response to the rider’s throttle input. The CP2® engine is also light, slim and compact, and offers an excellent level of rider/machine communication.

• Offset Cylinder Block: The CP2 engine shifts its cylinder bores slightly forward, towards the exhaust side. This offset reduces piston to cylinder wall friction, for more power and improved fuel economy.

• Compact Stacked Transmission: The six-speed transmission “stacks” the input/output shafts in a triangular layout to keep the overall engine size shorter front-to-back, which optimizes engine placement in the frame for outstanding weight balance. The transmission ratios are designed to bring out the best of the low to mid-speed torque and excellent response characteristics while reducing the need for frequent shifts.

• Refined Fuel Injection: Electronic fuel injection settings deliver a smooth throttle response to enhance riding enjoyment from open roads to the urban sprawl. The system delivers outstanding torque in the low and mid-rpm range along with exciting acceleration in the upper rpm range.

• Midship Exhaust System:  By placing the muffler low in the frame and as close to the center of the machine as possible, vehicle mass is centralized for improved all-around handling.

My Review:

This is a diminutive sized bike NOT sized for 6’+ riders with size 12 feet (55.1” wheelbase) weighing just 183 kg or 403 lbs wet with an approx 74 hp 11.5 compression ratio parallel twin with similar design architecture & feel as the Super Tenere, albeit more muted mechanical sound track, that feels entry level everywhere except for the surprisingly perky, punchy motor with a playful midrange & demeanor that delivers impressive pickup, crisp throttle response, smooth fueling & surprisingly quick acceleration….at least up to the road speeds we could do…rain & hail curtailed any hooliganism.

I was trailing a Niken GT powered by Yamaha’s 847 cc triple & could easily keep pace on roll ons, at least up to the Demo ride max speed of < 110 kph on the back country roads of Pitt River & West Maple Ridge.

The motor was relatively smooth & refined with pleasant, muted low frequency power pulses/vibration that never really transitioned into enough buzziness to impact the bars as the revs climbed.

The parallel twin 270 degree crank lends itself to impressive low/mid delivery, being very luggable much like it’s big brother…pulling cleanly from idle on up...even in 6th gear from 2,500 rpm!

The approx 200 lb wet difference made it snappier with quicker urgency than my S10…but the S10 feels roooomier with more refined suspension/ride/controls!

We were unable to reach true highway speeds to explore how she felt at >110 kph or add weight to simulate touring….but definitely has enough motor to entertain & be fun!