‘Light, agile, grunty – it got me riding again’
“In 2016 I was T-boned by a car on a roundabout on my way to work, breaking my leg. I’ve now got metalwork running down the length of my right leg, so manageability was high on my priority list when I came to getting another bike. When I took a test ride on the MT-07 I instantly loved it. “I looked at buying used at first, but prices were really strong; for £1000 more than a 6000-mile example I could pick up a brand new one, so that’s what I did. “I’ve now done 10,080 miles and I still love it: it’s light, agile very grunty and pulls really well through the gears. I’ve put an Akrapovic exhaust on it which has given it a really great sound. Being a naked, obviously at speeds of over 85mph on long distances it’s quite hard work. My supplying dealer (Webbs of Peterborough) threw in a small screen, which helps a little.
“At one point I was using it every day for work, as I was a riding instructor at the time, so I rode it all through winter and it got pretty grotty. But I’d say it coped pretty well with it – the only niggle is that the paint on the frame is a little thin so wears off quite easily,
“The only actual fault I’ve had was during my first year of ownership. The start button (it’s the pull-down type not the traditional push button) failed and I had to have it replaced twice as it kept locking open. It was very annoying, but this third switch seems to have done the trick. I’m not sure if it was an official recall, but it certainly should’ve been. I also managed to tear the seat by catching it with my boot, so I’ve had a custom reupholster done by ElseMade of Wisbech St Mary. “Being so small, I’d say it’s definitely a bike for riders of a smaller stature; when my other half recently took it for its first
‘Used prices were strong so I bought new’
MoT I giggled watching him ride away as he’s 6ft 2in and 17st and he swamped it! I’ve got no plans to get rid of it – I’m just going to carry on enjoying it.”