Yamaha MT-07 and FZ-07 (2015+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Yamaha MT-07. It’s the same as the maintenance schedule for the MT-07 in other years (a.k.a the FZ-07), as it always was based on a CP2 “Crossplane concept” 689cc engine.

So this maintenance schedule is for every motorcycle from 2015 onward that was called the FZ-07 or the MT-07 — it has always been the same motorcycle.

Here are all the motorcycles that share the same CP2 engine:

The maintenance schedule for the MT-07 is identical to that for restricted, lower-capacity version (MT-07 LAMS with a 655-cc engine) of the motorcycle in markets like Australia and New Zealand (under the LAMS scheme).

Similarly, the maintenance is the same for the Yamaha MT-07 HO, the “High Output” version that’s the same as the standard version in international markets.

The maintenance schedule is also very similar for the 2016+ XSR700 and the Ténéré 700.

In 2021, Yamaha redesigned the MT-07 and gave it larger front brake discs. However, the brake pads are the same part number, and the bike is fundamentally unchanged, and so the maintenance schedule remains the same.

This post was originally published in July 27, 2020, but has been significantly updated with a simplified maintenance schedule format, chain maintenance tips, tire specs, and more.

This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!

Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Service Intervals

Overall, minor service intervals between oil changes for the Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 are

  • US: Every 4000 miles / 6000 km or 6 months
  • Europe / Australia / Asia Pacific: Every 10000 km / 6000 miles or 12 months

Yamaha typically has these different service intervals for different regions. You can see more about this phenomenon here.

At every service, change the oil, and either check or replace the spark plugs, and do a host of checks (see below for the regular service checklist).

The major service (valve clearance inspection) is every 26600 miles / 42000 km (US) or 40000 km / 24000 mi (Europe). The first of these is most significant.

What you need to service the Yamaha MT-07 — Consumables and Special Tools

If you’re servicing the Yamaha MT-07, you at least need basic motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on. Aside from that, you need the following specific consumables for the MT-07.

PartYamaha MT-07 spec
OilYamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50. The manual suggests Yamalube and it’s affordable on Amazon with a solid 5-star rating. Don’t over-torque the bolt (spec is 43 Nm/32 lb-ft for the oil drain bolt per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough.
Oil filterNeeds to be changed every time you change the oil. Either get a stock one (part 5GH-13440-50-00, used for many Yamaha products) or the Hiflofiltro HF204RC. Torque for the oil filter is 17 Nm/13 lb-ft.
Chain maintenanceUse either Motul chain paste (very well-liked), or a complete Motul chain care kit which includes a brush etc.
Engine coolantYamaha recommends Yamacool, but use any coolant that’s a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix. You can either use pre-mix or concentrate (for which you’d need demineralised water).
Cable lubricantsKeep your cables lubricated! Protect all cable life is a good generic lubricant.
Spark PlugsNGK LMAR9E-J. This is what the manual and mechanics suggest. Make sure it’s gapped correctly to 0.6-0.7mm (get a gapping tool) and torqued to 18 Nm/13 lb-ft (new) or 13Nm/10 lb-ft (after checking).
Air filterYamaha part number for the OEM air filter is 1WS-14450-00-00. You can also get the K&N equivalent, YA-6814.
Brake padsPeople regularly replace OEM units with EBC double-hardened brake pads for extra life and better brake feel (and less fade). You need two sets for the front (FA252HH) and rear (FA174HH).
GreaseUse a good lithium soap-based grease and silicone grease for external pivot points.
Oil, filters, coolant, plugs, and brake pads for the Yamaha MT-07

Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Yamaha MT-07, previously known as the Yamaha FZ-07.

The content is the same as in the manuals, though presented in an easier-to-read way. For example, items like “change the engine oil” are moved to the top rather than buried down below, and maintenance related to emissions is combined with general maintenance.

General notes on the maintenance schedule for the MT-07:

  • After the final service on the chart, keep going, following the pattern shown.
  • Yamaha recommends that for everything other than lubing the chain, changing the oil, and greasing external parts, you should have a Yamaha mechanic perform the service.
  • There are two different maintenance schedules — US and Europe. They have different service intervals (4000 miles vs 10000 kilometers) and some different details due to emissions regulations, though they are the same in major content. See here for more details on the US/Europe maintenance differences for Yamaha motorcycles.
  • Some items (e.g. valve clearance check) have a distance interval only.
  • Air filter: Don’t clean this with compressed air, as you might damage it (and then damage the engine with bits of filter).
  • Items marked [D] need specialist dealer tools.

Yamaha MT-07 Maintenance Schedule (US, miles)

Below is the maintenance schedule from the US manual for the Yamaha MT-07, with minor service intervals of 4000 miles.

See further below for the Europe / Australia maintenance schedule in kilometres.

‘000 miles (US)0.648121620
Months1612182430Every
Perform standard inspection checklist (see below)
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40) while engine is warm.
Replace oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9E-J)
Check and adjust valve clearance while engine is cold26.6K mi
Clean air filter check hose
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6814)24K mi, or more often if riding in dusty conditions
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinders and calipers.2 years
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix)
Check wheels for runout and for damage. Replace if necessary.
Repack swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease32000 mi
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease12000 mi
Lubricate rear suspension link pivots with lithium soap-based grease lightly12000 mi
Check evaporative control system for damage. Replace if necessary
Maintenance schedule for Yamaha MT-07 (US, miles)

Yamaha MT-07 Maintenance Schedule (Europe, Australia, NZ, Asia — Kilometers)

The maintenance schedule in manuals for the Yamaha MT-07 sold in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Australia is a little different, and not just because of the metric system.

The items listed have different maintenance intervals (10 000 km vs 4 000 mi in the US manual, which would be around 6 000 km), and some items are different.

‘000 km (Europe/Australia/NZ/Asia)110203040Every
Perform standard inspection checklist (see below)Year
Change engine oil (Yamalube 10W-40 or Yamalube 10W-50) while engine is warm.Year
Replace oil filter (HF204RC)
Check spark plug condition. Adjust gap and clean.
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9E-J)
Check and adjust valve clearance.40000 km
Clean air filter check hose
Replace air filter (K&N YA-6814)40000 km, or more often if riding in dusty conditions
Replace brake hoses4 years
Change brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) and rubber parts of brake master cylinders and calipers.2 years
Check wheels for runout and for damage. Replace if necessary.
Lubricate swingarm pivot bearing with lithium soap-based grease50000 km
Check steering bearing assemblies for looseness.
Moderately repack steering bearings with lithium soap-based grease
Lubricate rear suspension link pivots with lithium soap-based grease lightly
Change coolant (ethylene glycol pre-mix)3 years
Check evaporative emission control system for damage. Replace if necessary.
Yamaha MT-07 — Europe/Australia/Asia/NZ maintenance schedule

Standard inspection checklist

Below is the checklist of items to do at every service per the schedules above.

The items required at break-in service are marked with a check mark in the right-most column.

Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Standard Inspection ChecklistAt break in?
[D] Perform dynamic inspection using Yamaha diagnostic tool. Check the error codes.
* Check throttle grip operation and free play, and adjust if necessary.
* Lubricate throttle cable and grip housing (Protect All Cable Life).
Check clutch operation. Adjust or replace cable.
Lubricate moving parts and cables thoroughly (lithium soap-based grease, Protect All Cable Life).
Check lights, signals, and switches operation.
Check sidestand switch operation and replace if necessary.
Check brake switch operation, front and rear.
Check / adjust headlight beam (if necessary)
Check and adjust fuel injection synchronization.
Check fuel hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check brake hoses for cracks or damage, and for correct routing and clamping.
Check cooling system hoses for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check engine idle speed
(Not required in US)
Check front brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA252HH x 2).
Check rear brake operation, fluid level, and for fluid leakage. Replace brake pads if necessary (EBC FA174HH).
Check tyre tread depth and for damage. Replace if necessary (see spec below).
Check and adjust tyre pressure as necessary.
Check front fork operation and for oil leakage. Rebuild/ replace if necessary.
Check shock absorber operation and for oil leakage. Replace if necessary.
Check wheel bearings for smooth operation, looseness, or damage. Replace if necessary.
Check swingarm pivot bearing operation and for excessive play.
Check all chassis fitting and fasteners, and tighten/replace as necessary
Lubricate brake lever pivot shaft with silicone grease lightly.
Lubricate brake pedal, clutch lever, and shift pedal pivot shafts with lithium soap-based grease lightly
Check sidestand pivot operation. Lubricate with lithium soap-based grease lightly.
Check crankcase breather hose for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary
Check exhaust system for leakage. Tighten and/or replace gaskets as necessary.
Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07 Standard Inspection Checklist

Maintaining the Chain of the Yamaha MT-07

It’s important to maintain your chain on the MT-07, as on any chain-driven motorcycle, but particularly on one where you may be tempted to go on “spirited” rides.

Use a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.

Yamaha recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule every 500 mi (USA) or 1000 km (Europe) and after washing the motorcycle, riding in the rain, or riding in wet areas.

Chain maintenance item
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste)
Check drive chain slack, alignment, and condition, adjusting / replacing if necessary
Chain maintenance — Yamaha MT-07

Naturally, if you track or race your MT-07, then attend to your chain more often.

Checking drive chain slack

To check / adjust the drive chain slack

  1. Put the motorcycle on the side stand
  2. Put the bike in neutral
  3. Push down on the chain under the end of the drive chain guard
  4. Measure the distance between the drive chain guard and the center of the chain

Target drive chain slack: 51-56 mm (this has been consistent since the first FZ-07 until today)

Yamaha MT-07 2021 Drive Chain Slack
Yamaha MT-07 2021 Drive Chain Slack

Adjusting drive chain slack

Yamaha MT-07 XSR700 drive chain slack adjustment

To adjust drive chain slack, you have to use the adjusters near the rear axle. You’ll need wrenches and a large torque wrench for the rear axle nut.

  1. Loosen the locknut at each end of the swingarm.
  2. Loosen the axle nut.
  3. To tighten the chain, turn the drive chain adjusting nut clockwise. Tighten it by the same amount on each side, and use the alignment marks to make sure the chain is still aligned. Keep checking the chain tension to make sure it’s within spec.
  4. When you’re done, tighten the axle nut (105 Nm / 77 lb-ft) and the locknuts (16 Nm / 12 lb-ft)

Yamaha MT-07 Tire size and pressures

The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the MT-07.

WheelTire SizeTire Pressure (cold)
Front120/70-17 M/C (58W)2.5 bar / 250 kPa / 36 psi
Rear180/55-17 M/C (75W)2.9 bar / 290 kPa / 42 psi
Yamaha MT-07 tire sizes and pressures

Stock, the MT-07 shipped with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres until 2020. From 2021 onward, it began shipping with Michelin PR5 tyres.

But you can fit most modern sport or sport touring tyres to the Yamaha MT-07, depending on your personal riding style.

About the Yamaha MT-07 / FZ-07

2017 Yamaha MT-07 static still lhs
2015-2020 Yamaha MT-07

The MT-07 is Yamaha’s well-loved middleweight standard sports motorcycle, a bike that’s almost the perfect city bike.

It’s capable of doing a wide variety of things — hooning about in the hills, short trips to the shops, commuting — with aplomb. And it’s one of the most “fun” bikes on which to do those things.

The Yamaha MT-07 has the character of a mid-range Ducati Monster 696, but wider (and less complicated) service intervals.

The Yamaha MT-07 has the same dynamic as an SV650, but it only has one cylinder head you need to bother with. What’s not to love!

The heart of the Yamaha MT-07 is the “crossplane concept” twin-cylinder engine, a liquid-cooled parallel twin with 689cc of displacement. It’s the same engine that’s in the Ténéré 700, and it’s an absolute gem. It’s low-maintenance, happy to rev, and widely acknowledged as being very reliable.

This engine has some pretty big shoes to fill, considering the MT moniker is meant to be short for “Master of Torque”. But acquits itself admirably with a claimed 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) of torque that comes on fully at 6500 rpm — though there’s a lot of torque across the rev range.

Bear in mind of course that the “MT” brand spans a large range of displacements — from the MT-03 through to the huge R1 crossplane-derived MT-10.

The CP2 engine in the Yamaha MT-07 makes 55 kW (74 hp) at 9 000 rpm, with a very linear torque curve. It’s easy to ride, and doesn’t feel like it needs traction control or an easy-launch system.

The parallel twin engine is very narrow, which means the motorcycle itself can remain quite narrow, though handlebars give the rider easy control.

When riding the Yamaha MT-07, you have a quite simple set of controls. There’s nothing fancy on it — no ride modes, no electronically adjustable suspension. The 2015-2020 Yamaha MT-07 only has a monochromatic LCD instrument cluster.

2015-2020 Yamaha MT-07 LCD

The ride gear (suspension and braking) on the Yamaha MT-07 is quite basic.

The front suspension is a 41mm telescopic fork. It is non-adjustable, and it’s a “standard” fork — not upside-down.

Brakes are on twin discs — 282mm from 2015-2020, and 298 mm from 2021 onwards. Brake pads are the same for both generations, though the 2021-onward model has more stopping power / staying power during spirited rides.

Yamaha revised the Yamaha MT-07 in 2021 with these improvements:

  • Larger front brakes (298 mm discs, up from 282 mm) — same brake pads
  • LED projector lights and turn signals
  • An LCD instrument cluster
  • Michelin PR5 tyres
  • Winglets (…just kidding, are we still paying attention?)

Yamaha also brought the style of the 2021+ Yamaha MT-07 more in line with the latest MT-09.

2021 Yamaha MT-07 black front 3-4 new style studio
2021 Yamaha MT-07 — style redesign

The MT-07 is one of those bikes that many riders describe as perfectly balanced. Because the early generations of the Yamaha MT-09 were considered a little twitchy and overpowered for the soft suspension, many riders preferred the earlier MT-07.

Things balanced out a little with the latest generation 2021+ Yamaha MT-09. But the MT-07 is still very well-loved.

References — Manual for the Yamaha MT-07

Below are screenshots from the US and Europe maintenance schedules for the Yamaha MT-07, showing the slightly different service intervals.

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2018-2019 Yamaha MT-07, comparing it to manuals from 2015-2020, as well as with the new generation 2021+ models.

We also checked the versions of the service schedule from the manuals in the 2021+ MT-07 (both in Europe and the US) to confirm it’s the same.

Here are the latest manuals as well as the originals.

You can download the original manual from Yamaha’s website here.

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