EICMA 2013: 2014 Yamaha MT-07 And MT-09 Street Rally

Yamaha teased us with the “Rise Up Your Darkness” campaign, first introducing the FZ-09 (called the MT-09 in Europe) and its three-cylinder engine packaged in a naked frame. Now Yamaha has introduced the next motorcycle in the Darkness collection, the MT-07, effectively the MT/FZ-09′s little brother.

Designed to “bring fun, affordability and enjoyment back to the street,” the MT-07 is powered by a brand new, 689cc parallel-Twin with 270-degree crank incorporating Yamaha’s “crossplane philosophy” of developing linear torque for smoother power application. Yamaha claims 73.8 hp and 50.2 ft.-lbs. of torque from the little Twin.

Follow the rest of our 2013 EICMA show coverage

For easy maneuverability, the new MT-07 runs with a slim steel backbone-type frame that utilizes the new engine as a stressed member. Wheelbase is a tight 55.1 inches. Considering the budget-minded goals for the MT-07, it’s equipped with a basic fork and brake setup. The former appears to be non-adjustable, while the latter is not radially mounted and mated to 282mm discs in front. With these price concessions in mind, ride quality should be comfortable like the FZ-09, and we expect brake performance to be decent at best.

From a styling standpoint, the new MT-07 is characterized by its mass-forward design that emphasizes its athletic build and tempts the rider to act like a hooligan. The slim fuel tank accentuates the bike’s compact looks, while the air scoops and aluminum side covers give the MT a sporty image.

With its angular mirrors, LED tail light and mass-forward body design, it’s clear the MT-07 was modeled after its bigger 850cc 3-cylinder MT-09 sibling. Other family features include the lightweight cast aluminum 10-spoke wheels as well as the Z-shape formed by the air intake-style scoops and the exhaust down pipes.

Yamaha is aiming the MT-07 as a fun, affordable, fuel-efficient, do-everything motorcycle and is offering it in five colors: Deep Armor, Matt Grey, Competition White, Race Blu, and Racing Red. Pricing has not been confirmed, nor whether we will see the MT-07 in America.

Stealing some of the spotlight away from the MT-07 is the MT-09 Street Rally edition, which infuses some supermoto queues into the already enjoyable MT-09 package.

For a more aggressive image the Street Rally is finished in Tech Graphite with bold graphics, and features an exclusive range of body components – including a headlight cover, fuel tank shrouds, side number plates, fork covers and knuckle guards. Wider footrests, a slimmer seat and engine underguard complete this motard package.

Lightweight designs are used throughout, and to achieve a low unsprung weight the MT-09 Street Rally is fitted with all-new 10-spoke alloy wheels.

By Troy Siahaan