2015 MT-07 - ??

[Noggin]

I don't have much more info except it's done approx 37,000kms.

I've seen a photo but not a close up (yet!) - the nephew of a colleague is selling it.

All vehicles seem expensive here and 4300€ for a 10 year old MT07 sounds a bit steep, but I need more info really


Reason for post -

Anything I should be asking about a 10 year old MT07 ??


It's got a full service history and a loud exhaust (couldnt see the make, but it's definitely not original!!)

It's about an hour away and my colleague has said that if I agree to buy it in spring then his nephew would keep it for me, which is kind of cool as I probably wouldn't risk using a bike for the next 3 ish months (random frosts early and damned cold!!). But also I might want to change my mind by February!! He's not likely to sell it over the winter as no one 'normal' would be buying a bike with snow on the ground!!!!

I have ridden one (not sure of the year) around the block a while ago and it was quite little, but light and I think my arm would be ok on it. So, half thinking, just get a light, easy to ride bike to get my confidence back again and then source something sporty/bigger later if I want to (I still really want another 1997 TLs !!)


So, anything obvious that I should ask/look for ?

Possibility that I'll go see it in a couple or 3 weeks with a view to buying and collecting around Feb (depending on weather then, might be March!!)

[Skub]

MCN seem to like it. A wet weight of 179kgs is very likeable too.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-rev ... t-07/2014/

Moar.
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/r ... -moto-cage

[KungFooBob]

I thought it sounded expensive, but ebay says it's not that bad and I know outside the UK 2nd hand vehicles hold their values much better.

IMHO they are a bit of a shopping bike tho'

[Noggin]

I thought it sounded expensive, but ebay says it's not that bad and I know outside the UK 2nd hand vehicles hold their values much better.

IMHO they are a bit of a shopping bike tho'

In all honesty I don't want a small bike/shopping bike. BUT, after so many years off I think maybe I should use the dreaded S word (sensible) and get something to relearn on that is light enough to not aggravate my arm. Still only thinking, might have to think harder when Thierry gets the full info from his nephew!!

I know I had use of the CBF1000 last summer, but it was not easy to ride cos of the high CoG and my arm so don't feel I have rebuilt much confidence, and haven't ridden this year at all

I rode a mates MT07 back when my arm was definitely not as good as it is now and ok, it was only a couple of kms in total, but it felt really nice and easy to ride (she has a loud can too - it did make some lovely noise!!!). I guess it's comparative to the SV650 and I've always said I won't have one of those, but then I did love it's big brother, so it would feel weird!


It is quite scary looking at the pricing here!! And knowing me I'll see a reasonably priced '97-'99 Blackbird and just say fck it and get that

[The Spin Doctor]

I found the riding position uncomfortable - the bars are too flat, too straight and don't fit the natural angle of the wrists.

Engine's quite willing, perfectly fine for twisty roads - I rode one in Wales. Suspension's a bit bouncy. Will the loud exhaust pass your new Controle Technique inspections? If there's no original, that could be an issue.

[Druid]

I've only ridden one once, at wheelie school. I can't comment on handling or comfort but they do wheelie quite well.

[Noggin]

I found the riding position uncomfortable - the bars are too flat, too straight and don't fit the natural angle of the wrists.

Engine's quite willing, perfectly fine for twisty roads - I rode one in Wales. Suspension's a bit bouncy. Will the loud exhaust pass your new Controle Technique inspections? If there's no original, that could be an issue.

I'm probably not as tall as you! I do have short arms, but I don't remember the riding position being an issue (did two or three roundabouts and the streets in between, so not far ).

The exhaust/CT/original is definitely the top question on my list for now (actually the only question, hence coming here!). A lot of French don't seem to know that a vehicle has to have a CT less than 6 months old to be sold, so need to make sure he'd do a CT just before I get it!! Hopefully he's already done the first one so will have the answer to the noise issue!!

[Noggin]

I've only ridden one once, at wheelie school. I can't comment on handling or comfort but they do wheelie quite well.

Maybe I'll learn how to do them!! I've only ever successfully wheelied a Bandit 1200 - at wheelie school!! Despite being told the TLs is a wheelie monster, I only ever did two, accidentally!!

[Skub]

I rode a mates MT07 back when my arm was definitely not as good as it is now and ok, it was only a couple of kms in total, but it felt really nice and easy to ride

A lot of potential pleasure is wrapped in the above statement.

For many years now I've preferred a light,well balanced bike. One you feel you can do almost anything with. That confidence such a bike gives you for slow speed manoeuvres,it works with you instead of making you feel wary of it's weight,or top heavy feel. Even wheeling it in and out of the garage/shed is a pleasure.

Of course our buying habits will be influenced by many other factors,such as how it looks,handles,brakes and performs generally. Humans are complex.
For me now,if the first criteria of 'easy/fun to ride' is absent,then it's going to be hard work. How often have we seen folk on bikes unsuited to them,but because their mates have the same bikes,there's a peer pressure thing.

One thing about the increasing tally of birthdays is,you become more selfish and less caring of the opinion of others. In this case,it's a positive. Be honest in what will give you pleasure to ride.

[Noggin]

@Skub I did learn that from the 390 Duke too. I have honestly never had so much fun on a bike until that one. Only bike I've ever been able to ride to the limit and not have the fear! (Actually, the only bike I've ever ridden to the limit!!)

So, I'm pretty keen on the MT07 - not to ride to the limit but to have FUN . I know I do love a big litre bike but being practical, I think it's better to start lower down for a summer learning the mountain roads, or maybe find a cheap tatty litre thingy to play on track with (although I am very aware I'd have been faster on track on a smaller bike!)

And let's be fair, with the speed limits here, who "needs" a litre bike - not that Need should ever have anything to do with bike choices!!!

[The Spin Doctor]

I'm probably not as tall as you! I do have short arms, but I don't remember the riding position being an issue (did two or three roundabouts and the streets in between, so not far ).

The exhaust/CT/original is definitely the top question on my list for now (actually the only question, hence coming here!). A lot of French don't seem to know that a vehicle has to have a CT less than 6 months old to be sold, so need to make sure he'd do a CT just before I get it!! Hopefully he's already done the first one so will have the answer to the noise issue!!

I'm 5-9 so still firmly within the planet's atmosphere

I did actually write a mini-review of my ride but can't find it at the moment, but the other thing that was an utter PITA was the tiny LCD display. It was set too close to the rider (since it had swapped position with the ignition switch IIRC) and checking the speed meant a deliberate look down rather than just a shift of the eyes, while the rev counter as an almost-invisible bar. It's the sort of thing you could get used to, I guess, but the only way I could read most of the information on it was with my reading glasses on!

[Noggin]

I'm probably not as tall as you! I do have short arms, but I don't remember the riding position being an issue (did two or three roundabouts and the streets in between, so not far ).

The exhaust/CT/original is definitely the top question on my list for now (actually the only question, hence coming here!). A lot of French don't seem to know that a vehicle has to have a CT less than 6 months old to be sold, so need to make sure he'd do a CT just before I get it!! Hopefully he's already done the first one so will have the answer to the noise issue!!

I'm 5-9 so still firmly within the planet's atmosphere

I did actually write a mini-review of my ride but can't find it at the moment, but the other thing that was an utter PITA was the tiny LCD display. It was set too close to the rider (since it had swapped position with the ignition switch IIRC) and checking the speed meant a deliberate look down rather than just a shift of the eyes, while the rev counter as an almost-invisible bar. It's the sort of thing you could get used to, I guess, but the only way I could read most of the information on it was with my reading glasses on!

I'll find out what year my mate's one is cos I don't remember an issue with the speedo (and I only rode in town so I had to know the speed!!).

I'm 5'7" but with short arms. I have to be able to bend my elbows to help my arm/shoulder and also help me get into the a 'lean forward' position which I prefer and helps my arm!!

Guess I need to go try it to be sure

[weeksy]

They’re more fun and more than a 390. Lacking a slipper clutch arguably and a bit ‘basic’ in some ways, but they’re decent enough.

Mine was later and the revamped digital dash version

[Taipan]

Had one and loved the engine but always had a mistrust of teh front end. Dunno why, it just never felt like it was turning in properly? I mentioned it on here and someone said they were known for a vague front end?

[DJP]

I had one from new in 2014. It was a breath of fresh air after 10 years of litre bikes - a really fun little machine.

But... The suspension was shit and mine was rusting after 3 years, so a 10 year old example is going to need very careful looking at.

[Noggin]

Ok, stuffs been going on, so this was kinda put on the back burner (in the fridge really!) but hey, it's getting closer to spring

The owner sent me this -

In February, I will be in the middle of the winter season and will not have time to take care of the MOT.
If that is okay with you, we can look at it in April.

Otherwise, the motorbike is from 2015 and has approximately 32,000 km.

As for maintenance, I have done the oil changes myself every year. The chain kit is new, the valves have just been adjusted, the brake pads are new, the rear tyre is new and the front tyre is half worn.

I've really taken good care of this motorbike! As my mechanic said, it's like new!

And these photos -


















I'm guessing a 10 year old bike won't have a service history proper ??

It does look in good nick tho

[Noggin]

I am currently torn as to whether I should test an MT09 and a sports bike too !!! LOL

But hey, got till April to sort that!!

[mboy]

Does look in pretty reasonable nick for a 10yr old bike to be fair...

Suspension was crap on these when new though, so at 10yrs old, if it's not been upgraded or at least very well serviced, it's going to be VERY bouncy to ride!

Dunno what make that exhaust is, but it's gopping...

[Felix]

My wee 600 Fazer has more horses. Hang out for a nice 900

[Supermofo]

I'm guessing a 10 year old bike won't have a service history proper ??

Other than the first and second services which Suzuki did, I've done all my own. I have the receipts for the oil/filters etc but that's all. Not unusual I'd have thought. Personally though I'd want some form of proof of the valve check.

No idea on MT07 Vs 09. I reckon you'd need to try both. Depends what you are looking for. I had a 690 Duke as an only bike for 6 years including weekends away etc and it was great. Equally the GSXS is great too, but in a different way. Less playful/fun in a way but more WAAAAHHHHH when that litre engine gets a shift on. Both (07/09) are budget bikes, but I'd imagine the 07 is more budget. If you are trying an MT09 personally I'd also try a GSXS and or CB1000R/Z900 and Z1000, I was set on buying an MT or XSR900 until I rode the Suzuki and I much preferred it, mainly handling wise. The MT09 handled...odd. The Suzuki handled like a sportsbike with flat bars from the instant I got on it the MT09 wasn't getting a look in. But that could be a personal thing.

EDIT: And GSXS750. Several European mags rated that better handling than the MT09 (previous gens to current which I presume will be your budget) Although the Yam had a more powerful motor.