2018 Yamaha MT-07

Resplendent in its neon-yellow (or blue or black) wheels, the MT-07 is a splashy and yet affordable entry point to middleweight naked bikes. Its edgy bodywork is intentionally spare, focusing attention on the bike’s mechanicals. These include a 689cc parallel twin nestled inside a tubular steel frame, a rakish 2-into-1 exhaust system, racing-style thin-spoke wheels, and a gull-wing swingarm. The motor turns a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive, and features a 270-degree crossplane crankshaft for good power delivery and an interesting sound and vibration character.

Upright seating, a wide handlebar, and a curb weight of only 403 pounds make the MT-07 a good choice for—dare we say it?—newer riders, or those who simply don’t want or need a big bike. But despite its modest size, the MT-07 has plenty of power to sprint away from city traffic and keep up with the freeway flow. Although the suspension includes an old-tech non-tunable conventional fork, its settings were revised for 2018 and the shock offers both spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustments. Sporty 17-inch radial tires and triple-disc brakes with ABS are standard.

Likes: Affordable, light, quick, edgily styled

Dislikes: Middling suspension and seating

Verdict: A sensible streetbike with sizzle