2025 Yamaha MT-07 and MT-03 First Look

Yamaha has announced more of its 2025 street motorcycle lineup for the US market, and two of its most popular naked motorcycles are among the list of updated machines. Leading the way is an all-new MT-07 that was already announced for Europe a month ago; it is joined by an updated MT-03. While both machines get updates, the MT-07 gets more significant changes in terms of features, upgrades, and a styling change, while the MT-03 gets a few key changes that bring it in line with the competition in the entry-level naked market.

Since its inception back in 2015 as the FZ-07, this has been a bike that hits well above its weight class. In 2018, Yamaha changed all of the FZ nomenclature to MT (Master of Torque), to conform to the European naming structure. Not only is MT-07 light and agile handling, but the liquid-cooled 689cc twin-cylinder CP2 engine provides fun, accessible performance for a wide range of riders. Combined with Yamaha’s “The Dark Side of Japan” styling, the company has delivered an affordable and fun model that drips with attitude and stylish looks. With its last update back in 2021, there were some key areas that needed some attention to bring it up to date not only within its own family, but against the rapidly moving European competition.

The parallel-twin CP2 engine remains largely unchanged in terms of the mechanical aspects, except that the 2025 MT-07 gets a new assist and slipper clutch that utilizes an assist cam that makes the effort at the lever much lighter and easier to pull. Additionally, the slipper cam reduces excessive engine-braking when the rider is downshifting aggressively. The engine makes the same 72.4 hp at 8,750 rpm and 49.4 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm.

Perhaps the biggest upgrades come in the electronics department. The 2025 MT-07 gets a new Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which kicks the door open to modern rider aids. New features include Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) that allows the rider to choose between three ride modes including Sport, Street, and Custom. The system also provides switchable traction control that can be altered in the Custom mode. With those upgrades comes a brand-new 5-inch full-color TFT display that allows the rider to choose between four different visual themes. Smartphone connectivity, including the ability to make and receive calls, listen to music, and access turn-by-turn navigation through the Garmin StreetCross app. Helping riders utilize the new electronic features is a new switch gear pod, which also uses Yamaha’s new turn-signal indicator functionality with a soft press triggering three blinks and a long press allowing 15 seconds before self-canceling.

Chassis updates are significant as well, with a brand-new 41mm inverted KYB fork that is matched to the adjustable shock with preload and rebound damping. In an effort to further improve the handling of the MT-07, Yamaha’s SpinForged wheels are lighter to reduce unsprung mass, while retaining exceptional strength. Another big upgrade are the new radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers that clamp down on a pair of 298mm discs.

Other changes include the updated styling with a minimalist LED headlight unit that mimics the recently updated MT-09/MT-09 SP. A slimmer fuel tank (that also gets Yamaha’s Acoustic Amplifying Technology), updated side covers, and tailsection. The 2025 MT-07 will be available starting this December and comes in Matte Charcoal Black, Ice Storm, and Team Yamaha Blue color options starting at $8,599.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 Top Features

As Yamaha’s entry into the MT lineup, the MT-03 was designed to be fun and stylish without being intimidating for newer riders. But that doesn’t mean that those buyers don’t want modern features, and those are largely the areas that Yamaha addressed with the updated 2025 model. Styling has been updated with a new tailsection and taillight design, while the seat has been remodeled to be slimmer allowing riders a better reach to the ground.

Electronic upgrades include an all-new LCD instrument cluster that displays information from a connected smartphone, which is a new feature. The Y-Connect app allows users to tether their iOS or Android phone to the MT-03 allowing them to view incoming calls, emails, or message notifications on the dash. There is also a new USB socket located next to the dash to power mobile devices.

The MT-03 marches forward with its tried-and-true liquid-cooled 321cc twin-cylinder engine, which features double-overhead cams with four valves per cylinder. But for 2025, the MT-03 gets a brand-new assist and slipper clutch that helps provide a lighter pull at the lever and also provides slipper functionality for reduced engine-braking during aggressive downshifting.

The new 2025 Yamaha MT-03 will arrive in dealerships in March in three color options including Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black, or Ice Storm for $4,999.

2025 Yamaha MT-03 Top Features: