It’s not the size of what’s between your legs that matters—it’s how you use it. Hey, hey, mind out of the gutter, thank you. I’m talking about the motorcycle between your legs, and in this case, the MT-07LA that I’ve been lashing mercilessly for the last few weeks.
You see, I’ve had an absolute ball on the MT-07 even though it’s a LAMS-approved ride. I’ve been riding for a lot of years and have thrown a leg over some of the best bikes on the planet. But honestly? I can’t say I’ve had any less fun on the MT than I’ve had on mightier machines. The MT is so much fun that, despite having a selection of high-powered, drool-worthy two-wheeled monsters on test at the same time, I kept grabbing the MT keys for everything. Running to the shops? MT. Need to blow off some steam? MT. It didn’t get a rest and it probably sighed with relief when I returned it to Yamaha HQ.
The full-power MT-07 is a riot—lightweight, punchy, and oodles of fun. The MT-07LA is basically the same party starter but with its power dialled back to meet LAMS regulations. Unlike some brands that strangle power electronically, Yamaha went the mechanical route, sleeving down the CP2 parallel twin from 689cc to 655cc. So, for you naughty types thinking you can jailbreak the software for more poke—sorry, not happening.
Despite the smaller capacity, there’s still plenty of squirt to get you into and out of trouble. You’ll out-drag all but the fastest cars off the lights, cruise happily at highway speeds, and, if you’re feeling mischievous, send the front wheel skywards in first and second with a deft clutch flick. Not that I’m condoning such scallywag behaviour—well, not officially, anyway.
The chassis setup is identical to its bigger sibling. The brakes are stellar, and while the suspension is relatively basic (rear preload and rebound adjustment only), it works well. Even with my, let’s say, “generous proportions” in the saddle, the MT handles itself admirably. Out of the box, the rear end felt a little soft for me, but a quick fiddle with the adjusters sorted that out nicely. For its intended job—delivering a sporty yet comfy ride at a sharp price—it’s spot-on.
Handling is a treat. The MT feels light, flickable, and utterly eager, yet it stays planted and composed even on dodgy roads. Throw it into a corner, and it rewards you with poise that practically begs you to push harder. It’s a weapon in the twisties—a grin machine that never gets old.
Yamaha hasn’t skimped on tech either. The MT-07LA comes with their Ride Control system, offering a couple of engine maps, traction control, and a customizable setup via the big, bright TFT dash. The traction control system includes built-in wheelie control, but if you’re all about fat wheelies (and honestly, who isn’t?), you’ll need to switch it off. Just remember—it resets every time you turn the bike off. This is tech that wasn’t even imaginable on a learner approved machine just a few short years ago.
Fun, capable, and engaging—that’s the MT-07LA in a nutshell. But for me, it’s the sheer fun factor that seals the deal. Isn’t that why we ride in the first place? Sure, there’s the whole “looking awesome” thing too, but the thrill of the ride is what keeps us coming back.
The naked learner-approved segment is pretty stacked these days, but the MT-07LA stands out. With Yamaha’s legendary build quality and an endless capacity for fun, it’s a no-brainer. If I were in the market for a LAMS bike, this would be it.