By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Yamaha MT-07 (MY2025) vs MT-09 (RN69)
Yamaha MT-07 vs MT-09: which one's easier to live with every day.
Roll on the Yamaha MT-07 and the twin's already pulling, a friendly shove that never catches you out. The Yamaha MT-09's intake howls as the torque piles on.
So which one do you buy?
The MT-07 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: MT-07
For the ride to work, the MT-07 noses ahead. Thank friendlier manners for that. Don't let that alone make the call.
The MT-09 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: MT-09
On a winding road, the MT-09 comes out a touch ahead. It's down to harder acceleration and better suspension. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
What makes each one tick
MT-07
In city traffic the MT-07's parallel twin chugs along without fuss, and there's no lurch when you crack it open. Corner entry doesn't knock the inverted fork off its stride, because its damping soaks up the load without any bobbing. Radial calipers bite progressively. On Bay Area Ridge Roads, the twin's eager to rev.
MT-09
The MT-09's inline-three runs a crossplane crank, and it's got two personalities in one engine. Down low there's a parallel twin's shove, while higher up it rushes like an inline-four. Off the brake lever, its thick torque doesn't leave you hunting for a gear. Each exit carries that lopsided pulse.
Nils rode the MT-09 in 2021 (1000PS test report).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The MT-07 has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 32.5 in (825 mm).
- The MT-07 has the lower wet weight: 403 lb (183 kg) vs 417 lb (189 kg).
- The MT-09 makes more peak power: 119 hp (88 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Sits this out: MT-09
The MT-09 isn't a first bike. Learn on something gentler and come back to it later.
They come out level on running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
MT-07
What owners say
Strengths
- Impressively refined suspension
- Competitive price point
- Modern TFT dashboard and connectivity
- Strong and progressive brakes
MT-09
What owners say
Strengths
- CP3 engine character
- Reliability rating from owners
Trade-offs
- ABS abrupt under hard braking
- Cosmetic build niggles
- Mirror vibration above 6,000 rpm
- Mode 4 power cap effectively unusable
- Standard seat is firm and "slippery"
Known problems to check before you buy
MT-07
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
MT-09
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) wear causing unstable idle/stalling (recall 25V-248) Recall 25V248000 Worn TPS due to excessive brush sliding from improper ECU programming leads to unstable idling, throttle hesitation, and stalling. Yamaha recall (NHTSA 25V-248) requires TPS replacement and ECU reflash for affected units.
- Engine stalling due to ECU programming (recall 22V-130) Recall 22V130000 Improper ECU programming can cause engine to stall unexpectedly, particularly when clutch lever not pulled fully or at small throttle openings from idle. Affects all 2021-2022 MT-09 models; Yamaha recall issued March 2022 for ECU reflash.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 3.7 US gal (14 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| MT-07 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.7 in (805 mm) | 32.5 in (825 mm) |
| Wet weight | 403 lb (183 kg) | 417 lb (189 kg) |
| MT-07 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 689 cc | 890 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | Inline-three |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 119 hp (88 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,750 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 69 lb-ft (93 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 6,500 rpm | 7,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 124 mph (200 km/h) | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
| MT-07 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 59 mpg (US) / 4 L/100 km | 47 mpg (US) / 5 L/100 km |
| MT-07 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 55.1 in (1400 mm) | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| MT-07 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Adjustable | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
