At a glance
- The MT-07 delivers 73 hp (A2-restrictable) vs 119 hp for the MT-09, i.e. 46 hp gap for two roadsters from the same family.
- Price gap of 2 500 euros between both models (MT-07 at 8 699 € vs MT-09 at 11 199 € in 2026).
- The MT-07 weighs 184 kg, the MT-09 193 kg. Only 9 kg gap despite the extra cylinder.
Both roadsters have dominated Yamaha sales in France for over 10 years. Over 150 000 MT-07s sold in Europe since 2014, over 80 000 MT-09s since 2013. The choice between them usually comes up at two moments: when moving up to A licence (after 2 mandatory years in A2) and for experienced riders seeking a daily roadster. To help split these two Yamaha motorcycles, here they are side by side.
MT-07 and MT-09 under the microscope
| Criterion | Yamaha MT-07 2024 | Yamaha MT-09 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Twin CP2 689 cc | Triple CP3 890 cc |
| Power | 73.4 hp @ 8 750 rpm | 119 hp @ 10 000 rpm |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed with standard quickshifter |
| A2 restrictable | Yes (35 kW) | Yes (35 kW) |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.0 s | 3.2 s |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | 235 km/h |
| WMTC consumption | 4.3 l/100 km | 5.0 l/100 km |
| Tank | 14 litres | 14 litres |
| Theoretical range | 325 km | 280 km |
| Wet weight | 184 kg | 193 kg |
| Seat height | 805 mm | 825 mm |
| Front brakes | 2 x 282 mm discs | 2 x 298 mm discs |
| ABS | Standard 2-channel | Standard 6-axis cornering |
| Traction control | No | Standard |
| Riding modes | No | 4 modes |
| Suspension | Standard fork | Inverted KYB fork |
| Instrument cluster | LCD | 5" colour TFT |
| New 2026 price | 8 699 € | 11 199 € |
| Average yearly maintenance | 380 € | 520 € |
On paper, the MT-09 is the more richly equipped, at 2 500 euros more, and each model suits a different rider profile.
Who wins based on your needs?
| Main need | Best choice | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
| Young A2 licence | MT-07 | Lighter, more accessible, simple restriction |
| Experienced A licence | MT-09 | 119 hp, complete electronics, strong sensations |
| Tight budget new | MT-07 | 8 699 €, 2 500 € less than MT-09 |
| Daily home-work commute | MT-07 | More efficient, easier in city |
| Long scenic rides | MT-09 | More torque, better 130 km/h comfort |
| Mountain road sport riding | MT-09 | Electronics, quickshifter, suspension |
| Leisure track days | MT-09 | 119 hp and suited electronics |
| First roadster after licence | MT-07 | Gentle, predictable |
| Max versatility | MT-07 | Same bike for 10 years A2 → A |
| Chase first thrill | MT-09 | Torque and reactivity superior |
MT-07 and MT-09, two cousin Yamaha roadsters
Yamaha built its whole MT lineup around these two models. The MT-07 launched in 2014 was designed as an accessible bike with its smooth, playful CP2 twin. The MT-09 from 2013 introduced the CP3 triple that became Yamaha’s signature sound.
Five differences that truly separate MT-07 and MT-09
1. Forty-six horsepower gap between the two roadsters
73 hp for the MT-07, 119 hp for the MT-09. On the road, the gap shows on every throttle open. Restricted to A2 (35 kW / 47 hp), both bikes become very close in performance.
Moto Journal’s official circuit comparison.
2. A fully equipped MT-09, a simple and direct MT-07
The MT-09 packs in 2026: 3-level traction control, cornering ABS, 4 riding modes (Sport, Street, Rain, Custom), standard bidirectional quickshifter, 5" TFT colour display with smartphone connectivity. The MT-07 relies on a simple, direct approach, without electronic aids, for very natural handling.
3. A lighter, more agile, more accessible MT-07
184 kg wet for the MT-07, vs 193 kg for the MT-09. 9 kg gap, doesn’t seem much, but positioned well (MT-07 has lower centre of gravity), it changes urban agility. Seat at 805 mm on MT-07 vs 825 mm on MT-09.
4. A more accessible MT-07 upfront, a richer-equipped MT-09
New price: 8 699 euros for the MT-07, 11 199 euros for the MT-09. 2 500 euros gap at start. Yearly maintenance: 380 euros/year for MT-07 vs 520 euros/year for MT-09.
5. A more pleasure-oriented MT-09, a more versatile MT-07
The MT-07 accepts all uses: city, home-work, rides, two-up travel with side bags. The MT-09 is mainly oriented toward pleasure on winding roads.
The real 5-year budget for an MT-07 or MT-09
Estimate over 5 years and 40 000 km, Yamaha France 2026 pricing.
| Item | Yamaha MT-07 | Yamaha MT-09 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | 8 699 € | 11 199 € |
| 5-year full insurance | 3 500 € | 4 200 € |
| Fuel (40 000 km at €1.80/l) | 3 096 € | 3 600 € |
| Maintenance | 1 900 € | 2 600 € |
| Tyres (3 pairs over 5 years) | 900 € | 1 100 € |
| 5-year depreciation (45% residual) | -3 915 € | -5 040 € |
| Total cost | 14 180 € | 17 659 € |
Over 5 years, total cost gap of 3 500 euros in favour of the MT-07.
Which to choose based on your profile
For a young A2 licence
MT-07 without hesitation. Lighter, lower seat, gentler throttle, simple A2 restriction (35 kW).
For an experienced rider seeking thrills
MT-09 without debate. 119 hp, electronic controls, quickshifter, 3 cylinders with incredible sound.
For mainly urban use
MT-07. Easier to slip between cars, more agile on slippery surfaces, lower urban consumption.
For long trips
MT-09 thanks to its 93 Nm of torque allowing 130 km/h highway pace without straining the engine.
For occasional track outings
MT-09 clearly. Electronics, KYB suspension, Brembo brakes and quickshifter make it an ideal amateur circuit bike.
For two-up riding
MT-07 for its smoother ergonomics, more reassuring for a passenger.
To widen the A2 choice, see also best A2 motorcycle.
MT-07 and MT-09 reliability
MT-07: the nearly indestructible CP2 twin
The CP2 689 cc is known for its exceptional robustness: over 100 000 km without major intervention isn’t rare on 2014-2018 models still on the road.
MT-09: a high-performing and reliable triple
The CP3 890 cc 2024 version benefits from Yamaha’s latest developments. The engine mapping of the MT-09 has been refined over successive versions, with even smoother throttle response on the 2021 and 2024 models.
See also best adventure motorcycle to widen the comparison to travel bikes, including the Yamaha Ténéré 700 which uses the same CP2 as the MT-07.
Frequently asked questions
MT-07 or MT-09 restricted A2, which one to choose?
The MT-07 A2 stays more relevant. The 689 cc twin keeps 85% of its character at 35 kW thanks to engine smoothness. The MT-09 A2 keeps the triple’s smoothness while respecting the 35 kW limit.
What sensation difference between 2 and 3 cylinders?
The CP2 twin offers a smooth, linear, predictable character with a raw offbeat sound. The CP3 triple has sharper rev climb, more aggressive tone with unique acceleration sound.
How much insurance on these two bikes?
For a 30-year-old rider with 3 years A licence, third-party + theft + damage: 600 to 800 €/year for MT-07 and 750 to 1 000 €/year for MT-09.
Can I easily unrestrict an A2 MT-07 or MT-09?
Yes for both, after the 2 mandatory A2 years. Unrestriction replaces a motor kit (intake throttles) + ECU mapping. Yamaha cost: 150 to 250 € parts, 1 to 2 hours labour.
Which MT for a tall rider (1.90 m)?
MT-09 more suited. Its 825 mm seat and stretched ergonomics fit tall riders better.
Which one lasts longer?
Technical tie: both Yamaha engines are renowned for their reliability. The CP2 of the MT-07 also stands out for its longevity thanks to its mechanical simplicity.
MT-07 or MT-09 for touring?
The MT-09 for highway comfort (torque, suspension). But the MT-07 stays more versatile for mixed road + unpaved trail touring.