Yamaha Motor Australia is giving no hints of new models except to say it has “a couple of launches coming up”.
One of those is likely to be the next in the successful series of Masters of Torque, the MT-07, which has taken Europe by storm. The other could be the YZF-R25 which is expected to replace the R15, although there is also talk of an R3 coming to challenge the CBR 300 R and the rumoured four-cylinder Kawasaki Ninja 250.
Yamaha \MT-07The MT-07 was unveiled at the Milan motorcycle show last November and has since been launched in Europe where it has become one of the most popular-selling models.
The 689cc parallel twin slots in between the MT-09 triple and MT-03 single and is another naked model with a high power-to-weight ratio, a formula which spells success.
It weighs just 179kg (182kg with ABS) and is powered by a new engine with 56kW of power and 68Nm of torque. The crossplane engine with 270-degree crank is expected to be shoehorned into several other future models. It has few moving parts which reduces assembly costs, increases efficiency and reduces long-term wear.
There is no word on pricing in Australia yet, but if it follows the European example where it is cheaper than the competition, we can expect something very tempting in the under-$10k region.
Yamaha YZF-R25If Yamaha introduces the Indonesian-made R25 to replace the R15, it will put it in closer competition with the top-selling Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the newly arrived CBR 300 R.
The 249cc sports bike has a steel frame and weighs 166kg, making 26.6kW and 23Nm from its parallel-twin engine, only 2.5kW less than the larger-capacity Kawasaki Ninja 300.
If Yamaha brings in a 300cc R3 version of the R25, as expected, it may become the power and torque king of the group.
Meanwhile, the 2015 Bolt cruisers – pictured below – are expected to arrive in October or November with new colours and graphics but no other changes.
Yamaha MT-07
- Price: Under $10,000
Yamaha MT07 - Engine: Liquid-cooled 689cc inline 2-cylinder 4-stroke
- Power: 56kW
- Torque: 68Nm
- Wet weight: 164kg (167kg with ABS)
- Brakes: 282mm twin discs, 245mm rear disc, (ABS option)
- Seat: 805mm
- Suspension: telescopic forks, asymmetrical swingarm