Yamaha's naked MTs are serious fun, and a good used pick is under £4k. Here are my best buys...

Yamaha’s naked MT range, which stands for ‘Masters of Torque’ kicked off with the MT-09 in 2013 and have been a big hit, equating to the majority of Yamaha’s European sales. What’s the secret? As well as cool looks, they’re cheap to buy, practical and are also tremendous fun to boot. If you are tempted to turn to the Dark side of Japan, here are five brilliant MT models that can be found for less than £4000…

Related: Top kit for naked bike riders

Read on for our expert guide to the best used MTs!

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MCN Recommended: 2014-2018 Yamaha MT-07 – from £3890

Mcn Best Buy

Spec:

• Power 689cc
• Engine capacity 71bhp
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 179kg

The MT-07 is the runaway success story of the MT range and has sold over 100,000 units to date, which is incredible considering how competitive the middleweight class is. Light, easy-going and good looking, the MT’s trump card is its simply fantastic parallel-twin motor that manages to be both user-friendly and a complete hooligan depending on what is asked of it. Although its suspension is disappointingly soggy, the rest of the bike is absolutely on the money.

Yamaha MT-07 used buying advice

● ABS was an optional extra on early MT-07 models before becoming standard fitment as required by the Eurocrats from 2016 onwards, so if you’re looking at a bike of this vintage and want the extra safety net check that it is fitted. Like many Yamahas, the finish is a little poor in areas, particularly with things like fasteners, so do a detailed inspection for corrosion. There have already been cases of some bikes’ frames showing signs of rust.
● If you want something a bit visually more wild, search out the limited-edition MT-07 Moto Cage, like this one, which adds more garish stunt bike styling and crash bars to the basic mix.

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2013-2020 Yamaha MT-09 – from £3791

Best For Fast Blasts

Spec:

• Power 847cc
• Engine capacity 113bhp
• Seat height 815mm
• Kerb weight 188kg

The first of the MT models, the MT-09 hit the ground in 2013 with a triple motor that is plain bonkers. The MT-09’s chassis isn’t to everyone’s tastes as it does wallow in bends on its long-travel suspension, meaning upgraded shocks/fork internals are a common addition. Roomier than a Street Triple, but not quite as agile, it’s a brilliant naked.

Yamaha MT-09 used buying advice

Some owners disliked the original MT’s abrupt throttle response, forcing Yamaha to release an ECU update in 2014 to calm it down. Not every owner bothered getting this fitted so check the bike you’re viewing’s service history as it does improve the machine’s ride. A £5000 budget means you’re probably looking at a higher-mileage bike, so check the 24,000-mile valve-clearances service has been completed and watch out for corrosion and worn suspension.

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2016-2019 Yamaha MT-03 – from £3386

Best For A2 Riders

Spec:

• Power 321cc
• Engine capacity 41.4bhp
• Seat height 780mm
• Kerb weight 168kg

Not to be confused with the earlier MT-03 that used the XT660 motor, the 2016 MT-03 is powered by the YZF-R3’s parallel twin; a lovely, peppy, A2-legal motor that’s smooth and vibe-free while also having a reasonable mid-range. The MT-03 is a great city bike that’s frugal, light and cheap to buy although it’s let down by a few cheap-looking parts.

Yamaha MT-03 used buying advice

The MT-03 was recalled in 2016 due to clutch and oil pump issues, so ensure that all the updates have been completed and always perform an HPI check for outstanding finance. Be wary of crash damage and worn consumables such as chain/sprockets, tyres etc. Brand new the MT-03 is £6250 so you can save a bit of cash by buying a used one.

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2014-2019 Yamaha MT-125 – from £2500

Best Budget Buy

Spec:

• Power 124cc
• Engine capacity 14.7bhp
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 138kg

The weakest link in the MT-family, the MT-125 looks good from afar with a neat LCD dash, but its cool styling hides a very basic machine. The SOHC motor is sluggish but does deliver 99mpg. A roomy riding position is a plus for taller riders, but a poor quality shock ruins the fun. Not a great bike, but very cheap to buy and run.

Yamaha MT-125 used buying advice

By their very nature 125cc, A1-compliant motorcycles tend to get a hard life and buying a used one is often a case of minimising the risks. Be sure to look for crash damage and pay particular attention to the condition of consumable items such as the chain and brake pads to give a clue as to the previous owner’s level of care. If the chain/sprockets are knackered, will they have kept an eye on the oil level? It’s a budget bike and the finish reflects this so hounds are easy to spot and avoid.

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2016-2019 Yamaha Tracer 700 – from £3795

Best All-Rounder

Spec:

• Power 689cc
• Engine capacity 73.8bhp
• Seat height 835mm
• Kerb weight 196kg

Effectively an MT-07 with a half-fairing, adjustable screen and larger 17-litre fuel tank, the Tracer 700 makes for a wonderful, lightweight sports tourer/commuter. A tank range of around 170 miles, a comfortable riding position and ABS (but, annoyingly, no centre stand) means it’s incredibly practical and there’s a wide range of luggage options out there, too.

Yamaha Tracer 700 used buying advice

As Tracers tend to be used in all weathers the poor finish is more apparent than on the MT-07. Watch out for corrosion and also be wary of aftermarket items such as heated grips, 12V sockets etc. that interfere with the wiring. While prices generally start at the £5000-mark, going private you should be able to find one close to £3700.