Traveled: Yamaha MT-07

It's hard to say that there was anything wrong with the current MT-07: it is being driven by new motorcyclists, younger and less youthful motorcyclists, and also by some seasoned biker who has outgrown the days of thunder and wanted a new engine for smart people. money in driving schools and motorcycle rental companies. The most interesting fact is that up to 70 percent of MT-07 owners use it for everyday travel (the British call it a trip to work). So instead of a car or even a scooter. Which is not surprising: at the wheel he sits in a rather upright position, and in his hands the motorcycle behaves like a slightly larger moped or, do not be offended, a supermoto. The only difference is that the MT-07 does not protect a longer trip. I can write without hesitation that this is a good concept.

But the Japanese want to forge hot iron, so the bike deserves an update: the main and even the most hidden novelty is now a slightly stiffer suspension. As for the (price) class to which it belongs, the package does its job very reliably – the bike allows precise handling and maintains a safe stability even on good roads at high speeds. However, the front fork still likes to sag (a bit too much) under braking, and the rear shock pushes you back over short bumps like a sports engine. But if you have experience with the previous MT-07, you will feel a change for the better.

In addition, there are new plastic parts around the fuel tank and a new headlight that make the 07 look like a more powerful MT-09 model. The position of the rider has also changed slightly, focusing only on the width or shape of the handlebars - for those who are 180 centimeters or more tall, think about a handlebar that will allow you a natural vertical position of the elbows. As a standard, it is such that it suits a lady. And the fact that the Yamaha is suitable for riders of all genders and sizes is a good recipe that will likely continue to sell well. It will be available in three colors: blue, black and "night fluorescent" as those with flashy yellow-green wheels say.

Right, how can motorcycling be simple? In the conditions that we had on the test, I only lacked the heating of the levers, rather than power, engine programs, traction control and similar innovations. But I know that competitors do not have them in this price range either.