This is a page of resources for the Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07. I put these together to help myself (and others) with considering buying and owning motorcycles.
The Yamaha MT-07 has been around since 2015. It was first called the FZ-07 in the US, but Yamaha eventually unified the names worldwide. The MT-07 and the FZ-07 are the same motorcycle!
The Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 is a middleweight naked sport motorcycle based on the 689 cc CP2 “Crossplane Concept” motorcycle. It’s a parallel twin with a 270-degree crankshaft, something associated with “V-twin-like character”.
You can also get the MT-07 with a 655 cc version of the motor in markets with capacity restrictions for learners (notably Australia and New Zealand) — but aside from capacity and peak power, the bike is otherwise the same in every detail, and equally popular. Those markets also get the un-restricted Yamaha MT-07 HO, the “High Output” version that’s the same as the standard version in international markets.
(Note that many eager owners of the 655 cc MT-07 put on aftermarket exhausts and give them a tune, bringing them largely in line with the international version in power. But — just because if I don’t say so someone else will — bear in mind that such modifications might cause complications with insurance, as they’re technically no longer compliant with LAMS laws. This doesn’t bother most owner, though.)
In 2021, Yamaha redesigned the MT-07 and gave it larger front brake discs. However, the brake pads are the same part number, and the bike is fundamentally unchanged, and so the maintenance schedule remains the same.
Note: Motofomo is reader-supported. If you buy some of the products that we link to, we may earn an affiliate commission, which otherwise goes to the marketplace (e.g. Amazon).
Are you obsessed with motorcycles?
Well, I am. That’s why I created this site — as an outlet. I love learning and sharing what others might find useful. If you like what you read here, and you’re a fraction as obsessed as I am, you might like to know when I’ve published more. (Check the latest for an idea of what you’ll see.)
About the Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07
The MT-07 is Yamaha’s well-loved middleweight standard sports motorcycle, a bike that’s almost the perfect city bike.
But it’s capable of doing a wide variety of things — being a miscreant in the hills, doing short trips to the shops, commuting — with ease and aplomb. And it’s one of the most “fun” bikes on which to do those things.
Yamaha released the MT-07 in 2015, almost perfect timing. Suzuki had taken a little break from the SV650 for some reason (much to the chagrin of the adoring public), and there was a bit of a hole in the market for middleweight naked sport motorcycles with mid-specs and a budget price.
Yamaha released the MT-07 with a new motor, the CP2. The heart of the Yamaha MT-07 is the “crossplane concept” twin-cylinder engine, a liquid-cooled parallel twin with 689cc of displacement. It’s the same engine that’s in the Ténéré 700, and it’s an absolute gem. It’s low-maintenance, happy to rev, and widely acknowledged as being very reliable.
This engine has some pretty big shoes to fill, considering the MT moniker is meant to be short for “Master of Torque”. But acquits itself admirably with a claimed 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) of torque that comes on fully at 6500 rpm — though there’s a lot of torque across the rev range.
The CP2 engine in the Yamaha MT-07 makes 55 kW (74 hp) at 9 000 rpm, with a very linear torque curve. It’s easy to ride, and doesn’t feel like it needs traction control or an easy-launch system. It doesn’t even have a slipper clutch (yet).
The Yamaha MT-07 has the same dynamic as an SV650, but it only has one cylinder head you need to bother with. What’s not to love! You could also say that the Yamaha MT-07 has the character of a mid-range Ducati Monster, but wider (and less complicated) service intervals.
The Yamaha MT-07 is one of those bikes that many riders describe as being perfectly balanced. Because the early generations of the Yamaha MT-09 were considered a little twitchy and overpowered for the soft suspension, many riders preferred the earlier MT-07.
The parallel twin engine is very narrow, which means the motorcycle itself can remain quite narrow, though handlebars give the rider easy control.
When riding the Yamaha MT-07, you have a quite simple set of controls. There’s nothing fancy on it — no ride modes, no electronically adjustable suspension. The 2015-2020 Yamaha MT-07 only has a monochromatic LCD instrument cluster. In 2021, Yamaha did update it, but it’s still monochromatic. See below.
The ride gear (suspension and braking) on the Yamaha MT-07 is quite basic.
The front suspension is a 41mm telescopic fork. It is non-adjustable, and it’s a “standard” fork — not upside-down.
Brakes are on twin discs — 282mm from 2015-2020, and 298 mm from 2021 onwards. Brake pads are the same for both generations, though the 2021-onward model has more stopping power / staying power during spirited rides.
Changes in the Yamaha MT-07
Aside from a naming change (making it the FZ-07 world-wide) and different color variants being released, the Yamaha MT-07 remained very consistent between 2015 and 2020.
Yamaha revised the Yamaha MT-07 in 2021 with these improvements:
- Larger front brakes (298 mm discs, up from 282 mm) — same brake pads
- LED projector lights and turn signals
- An updated LCD instrument cluster
- Michelin PR5 tyres
- Winglets (…just kidding)
Yamaha also brought the style of the 2021+ Yamaha MT-07 more in line with the latest MT-09, giving it the “projector headlight” look.
Specs of the Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07
Since inception in 2015, the MT-07 / FZ-07 has had largely the same specs, with just a few details changing over time.
Item | Spec (MT-07) | Note |
---|---|---|
Engine type | 689cc parallel twin, 270-degree offset | 655 cc in Australia/NZ for LAMS version (which is most popular) |
Peak power | 54 kW (72 bhp) @ 8750 rpm | Spec has varied over time with emissions changes |
Peak torque | 67 Nm / 50 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm | |
Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
Fuel requirement | “Regular” (86 (R+M)/2) / RON 90, max 10% ethanol | |
Ride aids | ABS only | No IMU, QS, cruise, assist/slip clutch |
Front suspension | Conventional telescopic fork, non-adjustable | |
Rear suspension | Single shock, preload adjustable | |
Front brake | 2021: 2 x 298mm discs, 4-piston calipers Pre-2021: 282 mm | |
Display | Monochromatic LCD | 2015-2020 was also monochromatic, but it was updated in 2021 |
Curb weight | 184 kg / 406 lb | |
Variants with engine | XSR700 (Heritage) YZF-R7 (Sport) Tenere 700 (Adventure) Tracer 7 (Sport Touring) | It’s a good engine 🙂 |
Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Service Intervals
Overall, minor service intervals between oil changes for the Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 are
- US: Every 4000 miles / 6000 km or 6 months
- Europe / Australia / Asia Pacific: Every 10000 km / 6000 miles or 12 months
Yamaha typically has these different service intervals for different regions. You can see more about this phenomenon here.
At every service, change the oil, and either check or replace the spark plugs, and do a host of checks (see below for the regular service checklist).
The major service (valve clearance inspection) is every 26600 miles / 42000 km (US) or 40000 km / 24000 mi (Europe). The first of these is most significant.
Note on the valve service for the Yamaha CP2 engine: The CP2 motor has twin overhead camshafts and a timing chain. Checking the valve clearances is a little tricky due to clearance, but adjusting them is trickier as you have to remove the camshafts, secure the timing chain, remove and replace the buckets (possibly replacing shims), then re-install the cam shafts and the timing chain with the correct timing.
See this guide on fz07.org for a very good guide to checking and adjusting the FZ-07 / MT-07’s valve clearances.
Yamaha MT-07 Maintenance / Service Notes
The below notes came from our sister site maintenanceschedule.com.
Consumables Needed
Below are the required consumables for the Yamaha MT-07.
Part | Yamaha MT-07 spec |
---|---|
Oil | Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50. The manual suggests Yamalube and it’s affordable on Amazon with a solid 5-star rating. Oil drain plug torque: 43 Nm / 32 lb-bt (use a torque wrench if needed) |
Oil filter | Needs to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock one (part 5GH-13440-50-00, used for many Yamaha products) or the Hiflofiltro HF204RC. Torque for the oil filter is 17 Nm/13 lb-ft. |
Chain maintenance | Use either Motul chain paste (very well-liked), or a complete Motul chain care kit which includes a brush etc. |
Engine coolant | Yamaha recommends Yamacool, but use any coolant that’s a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix. You can either use pre-mix or concentrate (for which you’d need demineralised water). |
Cable lubricants | Keep your cables lubricated! Protect all cable life is a good generic lubricant. |
Spark Plugs | NGK LMAR9E-J. This is what the manual and mechanics suggest. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.6-0.7mm (get a gapping tool) and torqued to 18 Nm/13 lb-ft (new) or 13Nm/10 lb-ft (after checking). |
Air filter | Yamaha part number for the OEM air filter is 1WS-14450-00-00. You can also get the K&N equivalent, YA-6814. |
Brake pads | People regularly replace OEM units with EBC double hardened brake pads for extra life and better brake feel (and less fade). You need two sets for the front (FA252HH) and rear (FA174HH). |
Grease | Use a good lithium soap-based grease and silicone grease for external pivot points. |
Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha MT-07, previously known as the Yamaha FZ-07.
The content is the same as in the manuals, though presented in an easier-to-read way. For example, items like “change the engine oil” are moved to the top rather than buried down below, and maintenance related to emissions is combined with general maintenance.
General notes on the maintenance schedule for the MT-07:
- After the final service on the chart, keep going, following the pattern shown.
- Yamaha recommends that for everything other than lubing the chain, changing the oil, and greasing external parts, you should have a Yamaha mechanic perform the service.
- There are two different maintenance schedules — US and Europe. They have different service intervals (4000 miles vs 10000 kilometres) and some different details due to emissions regulations, though they are the same in major content. See here for more details on the US/Europe maintenance differences for Yamaha motorcycles.
- Some items (e.g. valve clearance check) have a distance interval only.
- Items marked [D] need specialist dealer tools.
Yamaha MT-07 Maintenance Schedule (US, miles)
Below is the maintenance schedule from the US manual for the Yamaha MT-07, with minor service intervals of 4000 miles / 6 months
See further below for the Europe / Asia Pacific maintenance schedule in kilometres.
‘000 miles (US) | 0.6 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Months | 1 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | Every |
Perform standard inspection checklist (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40) while engine is warm. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Replace oil filter (HF204RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9E-J) | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
Check and adjust valve clearance while engine is cold | 26.6K mi | ||||||
Clean air filter check hose | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6814) | 24K mi, or more often if riding in dusty conditions | ||||||
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinders and calipers. | 2 years | ||||||
Replace brake hoses | 4 years | ||||||
Change coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix) | ✓ | ||||||
Check wheels for runout and for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Repack swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease | 32000 mi | ||||||
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease | 12000 mi | ||||||
Lubricate rear suspension link pivots with lithium soap-based grease lightly | 12000 mi | ||||||
Check evaporative control system for damage. Replace if necessary | ✓ | ✓ |
Yamaha MT-07 Maintenance Schedule (Europe, Australia, NZ, Asia — Kilometers)
The maintenance schedule in manuals for the Yamaha MT-07 sold in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Australia is a little different, and not just because of the metric system.
The items listed have different maintenance intervals (10 000 km vs 4 000 mi in the US manual, which would be around 6 000 km), and some items are different.
‘000 km (Europe/Australia/NZ/Asia) | 1 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | Every |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Perform standard inspection checklist (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50) while engine is warm. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Replace oil filter (HF204RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean. | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9E-J) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Check and adjust valve clearance. | ✓ | 40000 km | ||||
Clean air filter check hose | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6814) | ✓ | 40000 km, or more often if riding in dusty conditions | ||||
Replace brake hoses | 4 years | |||||
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinders and calipers. | 2 years | |||||
Check wheels for runout and for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Lubricate swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease | 50000 km | |||||
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Lubricate rear suspension link pivots with lithium soap-based grease lightly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Change coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix) | 3 years | |||||
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary. | ✓ | ✓ |
Standard inspection checklist
Below is the checklist of items to do at every service per the schedules above.
The items required at break-in service are marked with a check mark in the right-most column.
Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Standard Inspection Checklist | At break in? |
---|---|
[D] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes. | ✓ |
Check throttle grip operation and free play, and adjust if necessary. | ✓ |
Lubricate throttle cable and grip housing (Protect All Cable Life). | ✓ |
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable. | ✓ |
Lubricate moving parts and cables thoroughly (lithium soap-based grease, Protect All Cable Life). | ✓ |
Check lights, signals, and switches operation. | ✓ |
Check sidestand switch operation and replace if necessary. | ✓ |
Check brake switch operation, front and rear. | ✓ |
Check / adjust headlight beam (if necessary) | ✓ |
Check and adjust fuel injection synchronization. | ✓ |
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. | |
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping. | |
Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary. | |
Check engine idle speed (Not required in US) | |
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA252HH x 2). | ✓ |
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA174HH). | ✓ |
Check tyre tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary (see spec below). | |
Check and adjust tyre pressure as necessary. | |
Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Rebuild/ replace if necessary. | |
Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary. | |
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation, looseness, or damage. Replace if necessary. | |
Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play. | |
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners, and tighten/replace as necessary | |
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft with silicone grease lightly. | |
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal pivot shafts with lithium soap-based grease lightly | |
Check sidestand pivot operation. Lubricate with lithium soap-based grease lightly. | |
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary | |
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten and/or replace gaskets as necessary. |
Maintaining the Chain of the Yamaha MT-07
It’s important to maintain your chain on the MT-07, as on any chain-driven motorcycle, but particularly on one where you may be tempted to go on “spirited” rides.
Use a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.
Yamaha recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule every 500 mi (USA) or 1000 km (Europe) and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain, or riding in wet areas.
Chain maintenance item |
---|
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste) |
Check drive chain slack, alignment, and condition, adjusting / replacing if necessary |
Naturally, if you track or race your MT-07, then attend to your chain more often.
To check / adjust the drive chain slack:
- Put the motorcycle on the side stand
- Put the bike in neutral
- Push down on the chain under the end of the drive chain guard
- Measure the distance between the drive chain guard and the center of the chain
Target drive chain slack: 51-56 mm (this has been consistent since the first FZ-07 until today)
To adjust drive chain slack, you have to use the adjusters near the rear axle. You’ll need wrenches and a large torque wrench for the rear axle nut.
- Loosen the locknut at each end of the swingarm.
- Loosen the axle nut.
- To tighten the chain, turn the drive chain adjusting nut clockwise. Tighten it by the same amount on each side, and use the alignment marks to make sure the chain is still aligned. Keep checking the chain tension to make sure it’s within spec.
- When you’re done, tighten the axle nut (105 Nm / 77 lb-ft) and the locknuts (16 Nm / 12 lb-ft)
Yamaha MT-07 Tightening Torque Values from Service Manual
Here are some of the core items to tighten on a Yamaha MT-07.
Item | Nm | lb-ft |
---|---|---|
Front wheel axle | 65 | 47 |
Front wheel axle pinch bolt | 23 | 17 |
Front brake disc bolt | 10 | 18 |
Front brake caliper bolt | 40 | 29 |
Drive sprocket nut | 95 | 69 |
Rear wheel axle | 105 | 76 |
Rear wheel sprocket nut | 80 | 58 |
Rear brake disc bolt | 30 | 22 |
Rear brake caliper bolt | 22 | 16 |
Handlebar holder — upper bolt | 28 | 20 |
Handlebar holder — lower nut | 32 | 23 |
Sidestand bolt | 63 | 46 |
Exhaust nut | 20 | 14 |
Spark plug | 13 | 9 |
Engine oil drain bolt | 43 | 31 |
Oil filter | 17 | 12 |
Yamaha MT-07 Tire size and pressures
The following are tire sizes and recommended baseline tire pressures for the MT-07.
Wheel | Tire Size | Tire Pressure (cold) |
---|---|---|
Front | 120/70-17 M/C (58W) | 2.5 bar / 250 kPa / 36 psi |
Rear | 180/55-17 M/C (75W) | 2.9 bar / 290 kPa / 42 psi |
Stock, the MT-07 shipped with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres until 2020. From 2021 onward, it began shipping with Michelin Pilot Road 5 tyres.
But you can fit most modern sport or sport touring tyres to the Yamaha MT-07, depending on your personal riding style.
See this thread on fz07.org for guidelines on the best tires for the MT-07. After perusing quite a few threads, it seems like some popular choices are Pirelli Angel ST / GTs, and Michelin Pilot Roads (4 or 5) as are standard from 2021.
Alternatives to the Yamaha MT-07
While the Yamaha MT-07 is well-loved, it also has a ton of company in the middleweight sport bike scene.
A few alternatives in the middleweight non-premium class are belo. See the below slider for the list (including the MT-07).
There’s another level up of motorcycles with higher-power engines and more features. The CL-X700 and the Tuono 660 span the two classes to a degree. See the full list of middleweight sport motorcycles here.
See the full list of middleweight sport motorcycles here.
Other Motorcycles with the CP2 Motor
If you’re interested in the Yamaha MT-07, you’re probably interested in other Yamaha motorcycles that have the same engine foundation. See the below slider for the list (including the MT-07).
References — Manual for the Yamaha MT-07
Below are screenshots from the US and Europe maintenance schedules for the Yamaha MT-07, showing the slightly different service intervals.
The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2018-2019 Yamaha MT-07, comparing it to manuals from 2015-2020, as well as with the new generation 2021+ models.
We also checked the versions of the service schedule from the manuals in the 2021+ MT-07 (both in Europe and the US) to confirm it’s the same.
Here are the latest manuals for the MT-07.
You can download the original manual from Yamaha’s website here.