This post contains a list of weight reduction upgrades I have either changed or removed completely on my Yamaha MT07. Most are street legal mods depending on where you live.
The 2018 MT07 is already a light motorcycle coming in at 179–181 kg (395–399 lb) with a full fuel tank. I wanted to increase the power-to-weight ratio by making this motorcycle as light as possible. But I didn’t want to break the bank doing it.
Whether you are racing or just looking for more power these upgrades will do the job.
Table of Contents
MT 07 Weight Reduction Parts
| MT 07 Stock Part Original Weight | MT07 Aftermarket Part | Weight Savings (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust (7.2kg) | Akrapovic carbon (4.2kg) | 3kg |
| Battery YTZ-10S (3.2kg) | ATZ-10 Lithium battery (0.8kg) | 2.4kg |
| Airbox (1.5kg) | MT-07 Air box filter mod (0.7kg) | 0.8kg |
| Rearsets (2.1kg) | Arashi Rearsets (1.1kg) | 1kg |
| Rear Vision Mirrors | Bar end mirrors | 0.6kg |
| Side metal covers, chain guard (1kg) | CNC aluminum chain guards | 0.3kg |
| Clutch and Brake Leavers | Shorty Levers | 0.2kg |
| Passenger rear pegs (1kg) | [Completely removed] (0kg) | 1kg |
| Rear fender (0.8kg) | Fender eliminator (0.3kg) | 0.5kg |
| Turn Signal Lights (0.5kg) | LED micro turn signals | 0.2kg |
| Total Weight Savings | 10.2kg |
MT-07 Carbon Fiber Parts
Carbon fiber parts for the MT-07 are a great weight-saving idea. They are strong and light, but it costs a fortune. The benefits of carbon fiber are:
- High-quality pre-impregnated carbon fiber
- Lightweight, strong and durable
- Advanced state-of-art autoclave technology
- Beautiful dimensional appearance, UV resistant
- Easy installation (direct bolt-on)
Carbon Fiber Heel Guard Plates
2013-2016 Yamaha FZ07 MT07 Carbon Fiber Air Intake Covers
Carbon Fiber Side Frame Panels
GIAOGIAO Motorcycle Carbon Fiber Front Mudguard Fender
Other Weight Reduction Ideas
As well as making my motorcycle lighter I wanted to lose a few pounds myself. Jogging every second day for 20 minutes and watching what I eat made me lose a few pounds over the year.
I am now fitter and the motorcycle handles better as it is not as heavy.
When racing on a track I only fill my tank 1/2 way. This also shaves 6kg from the overall weight of the bike.
Changing over the stock battery to a lithium battery will save weight and thus give a better power-to-weight ratio. Here are my instructions on how to install a new battery on the Yamaha MT 07.
Yamaha MT-07 Power Mods
There are three things you can do to increase the power of your Yamaha MT07.
- MT07 Air Box Mod. This will increase the airflow to your engine. Yamaha restricts the airflow to tune it to the budget exhaust.
- Aftermarket Exhaust. This increases the airflow from your engine. Most aftermarket exhaust will help your bike breathe. I can recommend the Akrapovic Ti Exhaust which has been specifically tuned for the MT07.
- ECU flash or Power Commander addition. This helps with the fuel delivery once you have done stages 1 and 2. Air and exhaust.
Heavy motorcycle vs light motorcycle
A heavy motorcycle can be difficult to handle for small light riders. You will need to know how to turn properly and how to use your own weight to help lean the motorcycle.
Be aware that you may have difficulty lifting up your motorcycle if it falls over. Also, can you reverse your motorcycle into a parking bay? Being able to manually move your motorcycle around is a must for any rider.
I like light motorcycles as they are nimble, fast, and great around corners. Some other people like heavy motorcycles as they are great for long-distance rides as they don’t get pushed around in the wind much.
Test ride as many motorcycles as you can and then do some weight reduction projects on them.
Conclusion
If you can reduce the weight of your motorcycle you will increase its power-to-weight ratio. Every little bit helps. For even further weight reduction you could go to carbon fiber parts. But this will cost a whole heap.
I would rather spend my spare cash on better riding gear or another bike.
The above parts are simple and cheap weight-reduction accessories for your MT07 motorcycle. You can read more about what I have done on my Yamaha MT 07 mods bling page.
Let me know in the comments below what weight-saving accessories you have added to your FZ07 / MT07.
Ride Safe.
I am a qualified Industrial Electrician for the past 20 years and I love to share my knowledge on home repair and maintenance jobs.
I love fast toys like Motorcycles, Cars, Jetskis, Boats, and Computers so writing about them is easy. Working on them is fun.
To keeps costs down I do all my own mods, repairs, and servicing. These skills I want to share with everyone. DIY is a skill everyone can learn.
