Test Ride] "Y-AMT" expands the fun of riding "MT-07" even further!

The Yamaha MT-07 sports model is equipped with the CP2 inline 2-cylinder 688cc engine based on the "Crossplane Concept" that efficiently draws combustion torque. The model will be remodeled in February 2025 with a newly designed frame and swing arm, inverted front suspension, and other features. At the same time, the "MT-07 Y-AMT," equipped with the "Y-AMT" automatic transmission that eliminates the need for the clutch lever and shift pedal operation, was newly typed. We checked out the performance of the MT-07 Y-AMT. Text: Hiroyasu Ogawa Photo: Yuko Koizumi

Enhanced electronic control equipment improves driving performance and convenience

The "MT-07" was first introduced in 2014 as a large sports model that "allows you to enjoy driving in everyday clothes. In 2018, the exterior design was redesigned, the front and rear suspension settings were changed, and in 2021, the "CP2" model was made compliant with new emission regulations, improved riding position. In 2024, the CP2 was equipped with a smartphone integration function and a 5-inch TFT meter. The handlebars also received a new shape. And in February 2025, the model was remodeled with a newly designed frame and swingarm with optimized rigidity balance. The front mask and taillight were redesigned, and the 5-inch TFT meter was made full-color. The front suspension was changed to an inverted type, and the wheels were equipped with "spin-forged wheels" exclusively designed for the MT-07. In addition, the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), an electronically controlled throttle, has been newly adopted to achieve smooth torque characteristics throughout the entire rpm range, along with optimized intake air intake. In conjunction with the YCC-T, the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) system, which allows the rider to select engine characteristics and the degree of intervention by electronic devices according to rider preference and road conditions, and the automatic transmission Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Transmission) The Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Transmission) automatic transmission can now also be equipped. Then, the shape and layout of the air cleaner box, intake ducts, intake funnels, and intake cover were adjusted, and "Acoustic Amplifier Technology" was adopted, with four holes in the fuel tank cover to ensure that intake sound reaches the rider's ears efficiently. While enhancing ease of handling and convenience, the new model is tuned to resonate with the rider's senses, and is a model that feels unmistakably Yamaha.

Check out the MT-07 Y-AMT's footing.

Y-AMT, a special setting for the MT-07, is installed.

The "Y-AMT" eliminates the need to operate the clutch lever and shift pedal, and the clutch unit and shift mechanism are controlled by an electric motor, making the system compact. The system weight has also been reduced to 2.8 kg, and the "MT-07 Y-AMT" weighs 187 kg, a total increase of 4 kg from the "MT-07. The Y-AMT's shifting is performed through communication between the ECU, which controls the engine, and the MCU, which controls the electric motor. The ECU determines riding conditions based on engine speed, vehicle speed, gear position, throttle position, etc., and controls engine ignition and fuel injection when shifting up, and the YCC-T electronic throttle when shifting down. The "MCU" instantly links the information from the "ECU" via communication and instructs the electric motor (actuator) to half-clutch when starting off and not to fully disengage the clutch at high rpm to achieve quick gear changes with reduced gearshift shock. This "Y-AMT" system is the same as that used in the "MT-09" and "TRACER9 GT" with the in-line 3-cylinder "CP3" engine, but it has been optimized for the "MT-07" with its reduced power and torque, short wheelbase, and compact body. The AT and MT modes are the same, as is the "D/D+" mode selection for AT, but the "RAIN" and "CUSTOM2" modes are omitted for MT, and the "CUSTOM" setting items are simplified to just power and traction control. The settings for power (4 levels, with 1 being the maximum) and traction control (2 levels, with 1 being the least intervention) in each mode are: D (4/2), D+ (3/1), STREET (2/2), and SPORT (1/1). Both AT and MT are equipped with a function that automatically downshifts to first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop. Both the AT and MT are equipped with a function that automatically downshifts to first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop, a feature that offers a high level of convenience on congested roads with frequent go-and-stop traffic.

The "Y-AMT" combines sporty and easy driving. Boredom is never felt!

Although the vehicle weighs 187 kg (4 kg more than the base MT-07), it is easy to push, pull, and maneuver. When straddling the bike, the rider's upper body leans slightly forward, and the load is naturally placed on the front of the bike. The center of gravity feels low, and the good footing gives the rider a sense of stability. When the engine is started, idling stabilizes at 1300 rpm, and the clutch engages at around 1500 rpm, which is when the throttle is opened slightly from idling, and the sharp response is evident without the time lag of a centrifugal clutch. From there, a little throttle opening at around 3500 rpm produces thick torque, making the ride easy to handle in the city with lots of go-and-stop traffic. We first tried the AT's "D" mode. Even when the car is kept at around 3500 rpm, where the torque starts up, it shifts up smoothly and accelerates smoothly without any attitude change due to torque fluctuation. The car can be driven with the flow of traffic, and it is fast enough to feel no stress. In the city, the car keeps 4th~5th gear, but when re-accelerating, it does not falter thanks to its torque, and downshifts when accelerating suddenly. Although the power is set at the mildest setting, it is quite manageable because the automatic gearshift provides a ride that does not deviate from the rider's image. The sound of the intake air with a thumping sound also adds to the fun of riding. There is almost no difference between personal shift timing and actual shift change, and the throttle response is mild and easy to handle. Even without clutch operation, it delivers a driving experience typical of a sports model, and I thought the "D" mode alone was enough for all-round enjoyment. It would also be easy to handle as a replacement for the omitted "RAIN" mode. The "D+" mode pulls each gear to a higher rpm before shifting up. The driver can always feel the torque and quick throttle response, resulting in speedier acceleration. It is like selecting one gear lower than the "D" mode, and this mode allows the rider to enjoy sport riding with the AT. The torque fluctuation is also larger, so the machine behavior tends to be jerky. The MT "STREET" mode feels as if the AT "D+" mode is operated manually; the torque and throttle response from 4000 to 6000 rpm are not dull but not too sharp, and the smooth acceleration in the low to mid range is easy to ride in the city, literally making it easy to handle for "Street" mode. The "SPORT" model is easy to handle for street driving. The "SPORT" mode delivers a large amount of torque from the moment the throttle is opened, and the response is sharp. It is a setting for sport riding, where the vehicle is too fast in the city and tends to be jerky, but full power acceleration can be enjoyed. Both the AT and MT have no time lag in throttle response and shifting, and the handling is nimble, so even without clutch operation, the ride does not feel dull. Personally, I found it easier to concentrate on handling and weight transfer, making it easier to take corners and clear them on the desired line. In addition, the automatic downshift to first gear when coming to a stop in either mode is convenient on congested roads, and I thought the cruise control feature made long-distance travel much easier. The combination of sporty driving and comfort is due in large part to the lightweight and compact chassis. The compact chassis and the shape of the tank area for easy knee grip contribute to the rider's feeling of oneness with the vehicle. The slightly stiff front and rear suspensions convey a bumpy impact to the rider on rough surfaces, but the light weight of the vehicle keeps the rider on their toes without bottoming out. The convergence of the suspension stroke is fast, so the machine's posture is not easily disturbed, and the ride is flat and stable. The front and rear brakes have a quick braking force, but the large stroke of the brake lever makes it easy to control the amount of braking force, giving a sense of security. The MT-07 Y-AMT is easy to control for beginners and return riders of large motorcycles, making the sporty fun of riding accessible to them. Although the YRC mode selection and settings have been simplified and the power socket is not standard equipment, the Y-AMT has the advantage of making the sporty performance of the base model "MT-07" available to a wide range of riders without sacrificing the bike's lightness. The advantages of the Y-AMT are significant. The "MT-07 Y-AMT," with its new possibilities as a sports model, is a machine that should be ridden at least once.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT main specifications

Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2065 x 780 x 1110 mm ・Wheelbase: 1395 mm ・Car Weight: 187 kg ・Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 2-cylinder 688 cc ・Max output: 73 PS/8750 rpm ・Max torque: 6.9 kgf・m/6500rpm ・Fuel tank capacity F: 13L ・Transmission: 6-speed return ・Brake: F = double disc, R = single disc ・Tires: F = 120/70-17, R = 180/55-17 ・Price: 1,056,000 yen [images] The Y-AMT extends the fun of riding the "MT-07"!  (23)

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