Alternatives

If the MT-07 doesn’t do it for you, here are three alternatives…

Suzuki SV650 2016-current £4000–£5000 • 645cc 90° V-twin • 75bhp • 130mph • 50mpg • 197kg

The original SV650 of 1999 was hugely successful — fantastic engine, adequate chassis and brakes, cool looks. The Gladius that followed handled better but suffered from its silly name. This current version combines the best of both. It’s a bit heavy compared with the MT, but that gives it a welcome sense of stability, and it’s incredibly sure-footed at lower speeds — perfect for back-lane scratching or a traffic-dodging commute. The finish is ok — probably better than the MT’S — but still needs looking after.

Triumph Street Triple 675 2008-2016 £3500–£77000 • 675cc inline triple • 105bhp • 140mph • 40mpg • 182kg

Based on the 675 Daytona sportbike but with styling nicked from the Speed Triple, the Street Triple is arguably better than either of its siblings. Light, fast, nimble and with a beautiful engine note, it really is at home in town or on the racetrack, backroads or the dragstrip. Suspension is better than the MT’S and so is the general fit and finish. But then you can buy a nearly new MT for the same price as a five-year old Street Triple. The R model with radial brakes and fully adjustable suspension is the one to have.

Kawasaki ER-6N 2006-current £2000–£5000 • 649cc parallel twin• 71bhp • 130mph • 50+mpg • 174kg (dry)

Strange looks but you can’t argue with the performance. The ER-6 is the mainstay of twins racing as it’s so reliable and offers such great balance from the steel-tube chassis. Like the MT, it’s built down to a price so the finish isn’t great and early bikes are now suffering from wornout wiring looms and failing ignition and charging systems. A neglected one is likely to be a can of worms but find a nice clean one and it’ll do you proud. Early ones vibrate quite a lot — post-2009 is better.