Meet the Yamaha MT Series

The best way to enjoy life in the Bay Area is from the saddle of an agile naked bike like a member of the Yamaha MT Series. If you are looking for used Yamaha motorcycles for sale near Hayward, CA, the best place to bring your motorcycle dreams to life is SF Moto. But what makes Yamaha an excellent fit for Hayward riders? Moreover, why is the Yamaha MT Series so popular, from the MT-03 and MT-07 to the MT-09 and MT-10?

Yamaha is well-known for building incredible motorcycles that are potent, reliable, and well-packaged. Moreover, Yamaha doesn’t price its bikes mile-high, making them affordable and accessible to more riders. This works out beautifully for Hayward riders shopping our used inventory because it means saving money without compromise. The question is, what can you expect from the Yamaha MT Series? As your used motorcycle authority, we have those answers and more.

The MT Legacy: What to Expect from the Mega Torque Lineup

The popularity of supersport bikes throughout the late 1990s inspired Yamaha to put a new twist on its lineup and introduce a naked bike that offered exceptional handling and performance with a distinct design. The MT Series was officially born with the unveiling of the MT-01 at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999, followed by its European debut in 2005. With MT standing for “Mega Torque,” the MT-01 lived up to its promise and rolled off the production line as a hyper-naked bike with a potent air-cooled V-twin engine as its heartbeat.

The MT-01 set a precedent for the MT Series and embodies Yamaha’s dedication to building bikes that are not only powerful but also incredibly fun, engaging, and value-oriented. These characteristics define every MT model, from the MT-03 and MT-07 to the MT-09 and MT-10. For Hayward riders that invest in a used MT model, it’s an even better deal that guarantees you keep more money in your wallet.

The Gateway: Meet the Yamaha MT-03

Hayward riders looking to hone their skills in the saddle will be pleasantly surprised by the MT-03. This entry-level bike is a gateway into the MT Series and offers outstanding value. New models start at less than $5,000, making used models incredibly appealing. Moreover, the MT-03 is relatively new to American riders, with Yamaha introducing the MT-03 in 2006 but not adding it to its American lineup until 2020. This means that used models are virtually like new.

Beyond its value and youthfulness, the MT-03 offers the exceptional handling Hayward riders should expect of a Mega Torque model. Its 321cc liquid-cooled two-cylinder engine and smooth-shifting six-speed transmission work effortlessly to deliver plenty of usable power that isn’t overwhelming for new riders. Yamaha takes this performance further by outfitting the MT-03 with an ergonomic riding position and an inverted front fork, giving you more confidence in the saddle and optimizing the ride, whether navigating your commute to San Francisco or taking in the scenery along CA-1.

The Middleweight: Meet the Yamaha MT-07

Hayward riders spend most of their time on the streets, traveling to and from work and running errands around town. Yamaha designed its middleweight MT-07 as the perfect everyday companion, enhancing its performance in the low-to-mid range rather than only giving riders thrills at top speeds. It’s an innovative approach that makes the MT-07, which was sold as the FZ-07 from 2015 to 2017, an excellent option for Hayward residents looking to upgrade their commutes.

The MT-07 is a master of torque delivery, with models like the 2020 MT-07 boasting a 689cc parallel twin that delivers 50 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM. On a bike that weighs barely over 400 lbs, that’s an impressive amount of power and ensures the MT-07 is agile and competent at any speed. Of course, this combination has earned the MT-07 plenty of time in the spotlight and high praise for its rideability.

Yamaha sweetens the MT-07’s packaging by giving it a bold design that reflects its warrior-like heartbeat. As a naked bike, the MT-07’s aggressive look is also customizable since Yamaha offers an expansive suite of accessories. This gives Hayward riders every opportunity to treat the MT-07 like a blank canvas, adding modifications like a front cowl or fender eliminator to build the custom naked bike of their dreams. After all, with the money saved on a used MT-07, you’ll have plenty to spend on accessories.

The All-Around Performer: Meet the Yamaha MT-09

Like the MT-07, the MT-09 was known as the FZ-09 from 2014 to 2017. This naked bike eventually earned a place in the MT Series and secured its position as an engaging street bike with more than enough power to enjoy your time in the saddle. Hayward riders will undoubtedly appreciate this versatility, especially considering everything a used MT-09 offers for the price.

The MT-09 set a benchmark in the hyper-naked segment by offering one of the best and most engaging experiences around. It made history in 2014 when it debuted as Yamaha’s first inline-three-powered bike since the 1980s. Fortunately, it didn’t disappoint and has only gotten better with age. For example, Yamaha updated the FZ-09 in 2017 with a fully adjustable suspension to heighten ride quality and handling. The update also added anti-lock brakes, a slipper clutch, and traction control, making these 2017 models exceptional values for Hayward residents looking for a great all-around and well-equipped performer.

Yamaha’s most significant update to the MT-09 came in 2021 when the manufacturer swapped its 847cc engine with a larger 890cc engine. These newer models also come with the features expected of an MT powerhouse, from LED lighting and a bold design to a lightweight aluminum frame that keeps the bike light and nimble. Moreover, with the MT-09’s adjustable riding position, this hyper-naked bike accommodates riders of all heights and is more accessible to riders looking for pure thrills around Hayward and beyond the city limits.

The Powerhouse: Meet the Yamaha MT-10

Known as the FZ-10 in North America from 2016 to 2017, the MT-10 is the powerhouse of the MT Series and the perfect bike for Hayward riders looking for pure thrills around town, at highway speeds, or deep in the twisties. The hyper-naked bike is incredibly versatile and is renowned for its 998cc inline-four engine that produces 164 hp at 11,500 RPM and 82 lb-ft of torque at 9,000 RPM. That sheer output is exceptional. Many long-time MT-10 riders agree that it feels like there's a direct connection between the throttle and rear tire that makes it incredibly responsive and engaging.

Yamaha adds to the MT-10’s appeal with performance-oriented models like the MT-10 SP. With the SP designation, the MT-10 gets the full race treatment and features an Ohlins electronic racing suspension that Hayward riders with a penchant for speed will appreciate in every situation. Moreover, Yamaha heightens the MT-10’s power delivery with rider-oriented tools like cruise control and selectable ride modes. With cruise control, you can take in the scenery and enjoy the ride, tailoring the MT-10’s performance and handling to your style based on your selection via Yamaha Ride Control. It’s an outstanding combination that adds value to the MT-10 as a used model because Yamaha never forces you to compromise.

Torquey and Agile

Long before the MT lineup earned its “Mega Torque” name, Yamaha engineers outlined two characteristics that needed to define the lineup––torquey and agile. Every MT model, from the approachable MT-03 and MT-07 to potent powerhouses like the MT-09 and MT-10, lives up to those characteristics and redefines the very idea of a hyper-naked sport bike. For Hayward riders, the MT Series is a blank canvas with plenty of power and endless options for customization, especially when you buy used. Whatever you choose, you’re already off to a great start when you invest in a used MT because you’re guaranteed a “Mega Torque” experience in the saddle.