Yamaha’s MT-07LA has been a game-changer in the LAMS category since its debut, and the latest one keeps the legacy alive with refined features, tech, and the same addictive riding experience. We put it to the test... Pics: JPMedia P/L
This bike isn’t just learner-friendly—it’s a machine that delivers thrills for riders of all levels. You owe it to yourself to take one for a spin because I guarantee you’ll have a grin plastered across your face the entire ride. We did. Here is our 2025 Yamaha MT-07LA Aussie review.
2025 Yamaha MT-07LA. The middle sized MT has had its first truly major rework since it was launched.
What’s New?
The 2025 Yamaha MT-07LA (and MT-07HO) receives a fresh visual makeover, with redesigned bodywork that complements its aggressive and streetfighter-inspired stance, personally, I really like the new face. The updated bi-functional LED headlight now features a sleeker, more modern look, but also more true to a real streetfighter build from a sportsbike back when streetfighters were more popular.
Yamaha has also made ergonomic tweaks to improve comfort and control, including an updated handlebar position and a revised two-piece seat that they say offers a more supportive ride, especially for longer trips.
One of the biggest advancements in the 2025 model is the new 5-inch full-color TFT display, a significant improvement over the previous LCD unit. The screen offers smartphone connectivity via Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, allowing riders to access call notifications, messages, and even navigation can be hooked up via the free Garmin StreetCross App.
The new 5in TFT is a ripper and a huge update over the dating LCD display. It’s easy to use, too.
It looks good, too, and has various display modes like night/day and other options to play with. Switchgear is all new, and intuitive and easy to use with a good tactile feel. I got used to the new indicator switch style, and they are also self cancelling. Dash control is a piece of cake, as is navigating trip(s), Ride Mode settings, TC settings, and dash display options all using the switchgear and all can be done on the fly. I preferred the white background than black, which I found a bit harder to read…
The bike weighs a kilo less than previously, helped by SpinForged wheels saving 480g of unsprung weight, a lightweight lithium battery and die-cast alloy triple tree.
The new YCC-T RbW throttle system introduces electronic rider aids, including traction control and two selectable power modes: Street (PWR1 and TCS2) and Custom (your choice). These settings allow riders to fine-tune their riding experience to match their preferences and road conditions. As Street was full power anyway, I made the Custom mode a wet map while I had the bike on test.
Just as well, too, as it pissed it down a lot of the two weeks I tested the MT-07LA… I rode it to BikeReview HQ every day (a 30km return commute) mostly in the rain, but got a really good few day runs, including a 300km sunny day where I did my main testing.
The bike weighs a kilo less than previously at 183kg, helped by SpinForged wheels saving 480g of unsprung weight, a lightweight lithium battery and die-cast alloy triple tree. The bodywork is also a whopping 600g lighter. Yamaha say the chain, fuel cap and even the airfilter went on a diet, such was the effort to lose some beef! Amazing, really, and it does feel super lightweight. The new ‘bars are 22mm lower, 18mm higher and 9.3mm further back while the footpegs are 10mm lower. The tank and seat are completely new, also.
Induction noice has been tuned to make the MT-07 fun and it really is an awesome sound, the roar from under the tank off corners is fantastic. The bike sounds much better than it did before and it really adds to the fun factor. The CP2 engine remains the same but has now got a slipper clutch and is retuned for the new exhaust and induction changes.
The clutch action is 22 per cent lighter, also. Chassis-wise, the frame is an all-new high tensile steel much stronger yet the same weight as previously, while the swingarm is new, particularly around the pivot point. Suspension is re-tuned.
The CP2 motor has been re-tuned for a revised induction side and exhaust, but otherwise remains the same excellent 655cc powerplant as before. The induction noise now is sensational, a highlight of the ride experience…
The Ride
My first rides on the MT-07LA involved just my daily commute to my office from home, which is a mix of light traffic and more open coastal and National Park twisties. From the moment I hopped on, I felt immediately comfortable. The new ergonomics strike a perfect balance for me at 187cm, relaxed enough for commuting but with an aggressive stance.
The bike feels more like a nakedbike than the crossover feel it had between a motard, naked and streetfighter. It’s engaging, punchy, light and comfy to commute on. A good, simple ride with no quickshifter, just good old fashioned gear changing!
“Out in the twisties, the standout feature for me was the improvement in the fork settings, front tyre feel and initial turn, the front now feels planted, instead of flighty. Great for rider confidence”.
The wider ‘bars and the lower footpegs are spot-on. The seat is comfy and well shaped, you are on the bike a bit more than in it like the older versions, the handlebars are flatter feeling, and the controls are well-placed for an engaging ride. If anything, the seating position leans slightly less towards the rear than before, adding a sporty touch. It’s a great bike to ride to work, and economical, too.
The new ergonomics of the MT-07 bring it closer to nakedbike feel than the streetfighter feel of old.
Check out our other Yamaha Maximum Torque features here…
The version I tested was the Tech Black colour scheme, though the bike is also available in Ice Storm and Icon Blue. The black gave the bike an even more aggressive and stealthy appearance, I reckon. The 2025 model features updated switchgear that’s easy to use, though the clutch lever is still not span adjustable (the front brake is, thankfully).
The new TFT dash, as mentioned, is fantastic and it is well placed to read at a glance, but when in dark display mode the sun glare does make it hard to read. I preferred the white theme. The mirrors, however, remain on the smaller side—I’d love to see a an increase in size, just so you get a better view at a glance without having to move your head around. They do look the part, though, and suit the bike.
The MT-07 performs notably better in the mid-stroke part of the suspension, where it becomes truly planted and a great cornering bike. The trade off is it is a little on the harsher side at lower speed or when just cruising around.
Hitting the hills
As soon as I left home for my planned big loop on a day that was going to hit 38ºC, the MT-07LA transformed me into an instant hooligan. Within a few kilometers, I had the front wheel floating, and every traffic light became an invitation to twist the throttle. The torquey twin-cylinder CP2 engine delivers addictive acceleration, and takes advantage of the broad gear ratios. The power delivery is smooth yet punchy, and that signature 270º firing order feel keeps things exciting off every corner.
The power delivery is smooth yet punchy, and that signature 270º firing order feel keeps things exciting off every corner…
The heart of the 2025 Yamaha MT-07LA remains the tried-and-true 655cc CP2 parallel-twin engine, which delivers a linear powerband and a strong torque punch, making it one of the most accessible and exciting LAMS-approved motorcycles in Australia. The updated ride-by-wire throttle system enhances throttle response, providing smoother power delivery, and it hauls until power tails off right up high in the range. The gearbox is smooth, precise and the clutch is really, really light and a pleasure to use. The bike I had was quite low km, so the gearbox didn’t like clutch-less shifts up, they were a bit too notchy.
The new riding position offers a really controlled feel and I found it to be spot-on for urban, fanging or commuting.
The bike is built for urban riding with its narrow frame and light weight, which definitely make lane splitting effortless, and the fuel economy is phenomenal. Over a 500km test (with plenty of full-throttle action), I averaged just 4.5L/100km. But stretch its legs and get out of town as I did on my loop day, and you soon realised just how versatile this bike can be. Aside from slow riding on bumpy roads, where the rear suspension can get a bit harsh and also kick back in the rebound, the MT-07 is very comfortable for a full day of riding.
For those that know Sydney, I did Central Coast to Old Road via M1, then Galston Gorge, a heap of riding around Dural Cattai Ridge, back up Berowra Waters Rd and up the Old Road again to Gosford. That loop takes in everything from motorway to twisty smooth roads, tight first gear switchbacks, flowing bumpy fast roads…
The MT-07 impressed on all of them, even the motorway. I was blown away by how excellent the wind deflection is from the little front fairing. In fact, I swapped the bike for a new XMAX 300 scooter with an adjustable electric windscreen and the MT-07 was more comfy on the motorway than the XMAX!
Suspension and braking have also seen key refinements. The introduction of a 41mm inverted front fork significantly improves front-end feel and handling as mentioned, while the revised rear shock setup provides better overall ride stability. Braking is now more responsive, thanks to dual four-piston radially mounted front brake calipers, they stop very well and have good feel and modulation.
One other thing I noticed that I don’t always get the chance to test is that the heat coming off the engine and radiator is well deflected away from the rider. That 38ºC test loop day was a hot one, and at the end of it I also had to do the photoshoot. Dozens and dozens of passes, waiting around and mostly with the thermo fan running or the engine up around 99ºC, and I certainly didn’t cook in my jeans.
Conclusion
The 2025 Yamaha MT-07LA remains one of the best LAMS-approved motorcycles on the market. It’s practical, fuel-efficient, and easy to ride, yet still packs enough punch to keep experienced riders entertained. If you’re looking for an everyday bike that can transform your commute into an adrenaline rush, this should be on your list to test ride… Now, I can’t wait to ride the HO version!
20205 Yamaha MT-07LA.
2025 Yamaha MT-07LA LAMS Specifications
Price: $14,990 Ride Away
Warranty: Two year/unlimited kilometre
Colours: Ice Storm, Icon Blue, Tech Black
Claimed Power: 38.3Kw[52.1hp]@8000rpm
Claimed Torque: 57.5Nm[42.5ft-lbs]@4000rpm
Claimed Weight: 183kg wet
Fuel Capacity: 14L
Fuel Consumption (measured):
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-twin, four-stroke, four-valve, 78 x 68.6mm bore x stroke, 655cc, 11.0:1 compression, EFI RbW YCC-T, lightweight one-piece two-into-one exhaust Gearbox: Six speed, no quick-shifter Clutch: Wet, multi disc, slipper, cable.
Chassis: Tubular steel diamond frame, asymmetrical aluminium swingarm
Rake: 24.3º Trail: 94mm
Suspension: 41mm front forks, 130mm travel, link-type Monocross rear shock, 130mm travel.
Brakes: Dual 298mm front rotors, four-piston radial-mount calipers, single 245mm rear rotor, single-piston Nissin caliper
Wheels & Tyres: Lightweight cast aluminium SpinForged 10-spoke, Dunlop SportMax Q5A, 120/70-ZR17, 180/55-ZR17
Dimensions:
Seat height: 835mm
Overall height: 1110mm
Overall length: 2065mm
Wheelbase: 1395mm
Width: 780mm
Instruments & Electronics:
5in TFT dash with full BT connectivity including to MyRide and Garmin App for Nav, self cancelling indicators, emergency stop hazard signalling, LED headlight, , YCC-T electronic throttle, ride modes, traction control, ABS.
Ratings | Bike Review | 2025 Yamaha MT-07LA (Learner Approved)
Max Fun!
Yamaha’s MT-07 has been a game-changer in the LAMS category since its debut, and the latest 2025 MT-07LA keeps that legacy alive with refined features, improved tech, and the same addictive riding experience. We test it out, here is out MT-07LA review.
20205 Yamaha MT-07LA.
The Author
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