Yamaha MT07 Fixed! Bitubo fork and shock suspension upgrades for the super little twin

Dave loves improving bikes, and when a customer asked if he could fix the suspension on his MT07 Dave was happy to help.
The little Yamaha is a great bike, but built down to a price and the standard suspension lets the bike down.
Join Dave as he test rides the bike, fits some Bitubo JBH fork kits and a XZE rear shock, then re-tests the bike to see how much better it really is.
At the time of filming (July 2022) the parts prices were;
Bitubo JBH cartridge kit £457.46
Bitubo XZE rear shock £464.06
Prices are plus VAT and fitting
For more information please check out
www.bitubo.com
or
www.obsessionengineering.co.uk

[@jeffestrada6857]

Very good explanation of updating the suspension. No stupid introduction no silly music in the background just clear concise information and a pleasure to watch. Very well done and thank you for the effort and information! 👍

[@obsession_engineering]

Thanks for your positive review, it's much appreciated

[@micahnuckols5046]

I come from a mtb world where I learned about suspensions, and I know a well-tuned suspension really gives the rider confidence. Glad to hear it translates to motorbikes since I am thinking about getting a MT-07. I know it transferred to my Z3. Caster, understeer and oversteer are applicable to bikes and cars as well. Not to mention pogoing with rebound over rough roads. You want the suspension to take some of the work out of it especially with heavy bikes and cars which only lend the engines to control the body weight through acceleration. You can't lift the front end with the throttle and engine all the time, unless you are going in a straight line and have no one in front of you such that you don't have to worry about getting on the throttle and gaining speed. For instance, on some over passes or bridges, I will get on the throttle momentarily to smooth out the dips by lifting the front end. Like I said I come from riding trails where smooth is fast, and the trails can steal momentum from you.

[@barry5138]

Love your videos Dave. Those IOM bikes looked incredible this year

[@user-ot1dv6ri4f]

shout out to the owner who, instead of immediately upgrading their exhaust, spent the money on something that actually matters.

[@reggienotorious6824]

Idk exhaust lets me know a biker is there

[@Shinysideup]

Awesome stuff Dave just upgraded the front and rear suspension on my Ducati Scrambler with some sexy suspension, the transformation was unbelievable not cheap but worth every penny.

[@brianreed1451]

I'm 70 and don't ride anymore but found that so interesting. Surely to have done that at the factory would have been quite inexpensive but hey ho penny here. Penny there. Loved following you at the TT. Stay safe. Brian Dorset

[@seanadamson280]

Great Dave your iom stuff was brilliant to watch 👍

[@rickslijkhuis6822]

Many suspension guru's suggest to cut the fork spacers for 15mm as they are way to long standard. There is no static sag on these from the factory. That's the biggest problem with this bike next to very thin old in the standard forks. 15mm spacer cutting and using thicker oil will improve the front already for 100% of what it originally is.

[@obsession_engineering]

It's still very limited as the basic design is very, erm, basic. You can improve it, but you'll never polish a poo

[@FastBiker636]

Oh god Dave you have made me very jealous!!! I wish I never had to sell my B2H. Miss that bike so much. Loving the informative videos buddy 😁👍

[@elchaconaso]

solved the throttle issues with an EJK controller,thx for video.

[@gdmonks1959]

Great video Dave 👍🏻

[@stevesanelli90]

Excellent results Dave! Damn you’re in the UK where it is sunny…sort of😎

[@MrRunner]

Thank you, this was very instructive. I took 10mm off the spacer and increased the fork oil viscosity and it made a huge difference, That said, an a/m like Biturbo might be a better, long term fix. Can you show the installation of the spring mass system, it doesn't seem complicated ?

[@jdahack7367]

Great vid Dave. This is exactly what I need to do to my Aprilia Shiver. Great engine and chasis but crap suspension. Only 7,000 miles on it. I think sometimes that this is one of the dirty little secrets of buying a "budget bike". It's easy an extra grand to sort out the handling. Anyway cheers mate and thanks also for the great TT coverage.

[@obsession_engineering]

It seems the area all manufacturers cut costs unfortunately. A few extra yen, euro or pounds and the bikes would ride so much better

[@MotoGoato]

Nice upgrades 😁 .... another thing the owner wont like is when the swing arm starts to rot ... even if it never gets wet!! Cracking bikes but the very budget finish leaves a fair bit to be desired, as does the stock suspension 😉

[@carlmayer691]

Superb tutorials ...I would love to see a series on improving suspension, performance...but mainly suspension on older bikes...Like for instance the 2003~2007 Daytona 955i w/ a SSSA. I picked up mine with 6800 in 2012 for $3,500 USD in all honest to 'flip' ..but after taking it out, I was shocked, impressed . Loads of power for a 955 cc triple, and that sound, that 'howl' nearly matches my 999 w/ 102mm overbore, Termis, Duc Corse up spec cams... WOW... like to see a series tutorial starting off w/ a GENUINE Triumph Made in Britain ...not in Asia, South America ...pretty please Dave !!!

[@obsession_engineering]

A triumph might well be an interesting project 🤔

[@bpriorb]

Outstanding tutorial Dave. Very helpful to me as I'm getting ready to do similar upgrades to my 2020 Suzuki SV650 ABS. Any possibility to create a 'sister' video to this for the SV650? Both bikes are quite popular and both are in dire need to get 'fixed'!

[@obsession_engineering]

If you want to buy some sv suspension through me I'd be happy to make your bike famous 😁

[@rockootto4626]

Good video

[@the675gutfeeling]

oh that b1h is lovely. The bike that made me want to ride, first motorbike mag I bought had one on the cover and just had to konw more. I would still love one now, they haven't aged at all. It would be fantastic if you would do a walk around and talk about what you've done to it

[@obsession_engineering]

There is a road test vid from a while ago, only thing I've changed since is the valving and preload in the forks to better match the shock. It's still addictive to ride

[@jugantakbansal1106]

Great vid Dave & concise description. I have a mt07 as well & exactly have same feel abt suspensions. I would definetly change soon. Buy i couldnt help noticibg the windscreen u added. Can u send a link with details abt the screen please.

[@obsession_engineering]

I didn't fit the screen, the owner had already done that so I don't have the details, sorry

[@tobymcnicol922]

You do the same to my Duke 390 whenever it's convenient... Great vid!

[@obsession_engineering]

I've sorted a 390 for race use, could do the same for yours

[@jonhewitt3]

Now I know what my problem is, previous owner only changed the rear shock!

[@barrydinh]

Hi Dave, can you help to confirm if the 2022 version has the same suspensions? And we can follow the same as in your video?

[@kawi704racing]

I've never used Bitubo products before, but I here there race stuff is some of the best.

[@obsession_engineering]

I've got it fitted to all my race bikes so I think it's great 😁

[@nickrider5220]

Damper rod forks in 2022 ?!!!! They were shite 30 years ago. A basic cartridge fork can't be that much more expensive...... Good video Dave 👍

[@JayandSarah]

evidently it is much more expensive. the problem is, all these budget bikes want to compete on economy price. they need 2 trim levels. the crap, and an S model ... so that you can buy the bike equipped with half decent kit if you aren't a cheap ass.

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

I well remember when the 07 first came out - you could get a new one for £5k.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Now that the new 750 Honda Hornet is less expensive than the MT-07, Yamaha's going to have a problem even with crapper-rod forks.

[@skay3264]

I just wont to point out the price and advantage of it. I am really considering this bike, new, but I wouldn't have any chance of getting it if it was any pricier. So in my mind, low price is a BIG PLUS and you can upgrade shocks later on, but still have the bike and riding it meanwhile. :)

[@howardrathbone2120]

Hi Dave, have you checked out the photo being used for a KZbin blog by Chaseontwowheels?

[@obsession_engineering]

Yes. My bike looks great 😁

[@MaxxMotoDotBe]

How do you even make a video about the MT-07 without mentioning wheelies? I mean, great explanation and all, and I'm a fan of the channel, but I would really like to know how the bike wheelies with a firmer rear shock? Or how it lands when you don't get it 100% right with the firmer front shock?

[@obsession_engineering]

Customer's road bike so couldn't go silly, and I'm terrible at wheelies anyway 😂

[@jonathanmasterson3100]

Hi Dave.., how much are we talking for the upgrade? Supplied and fitted?

[@stubbsey7205]

9:47 "This is....crap" Tell us what you really think Dave! Nice work though, great upgrade for a sduper value bike.

[@defaultuser3410]

Great video, thanks! I have the exact same bike, and I agree 100 % with your assessment that the original suspension is "abusive". I'd love to try these upgrades, but I'm torn between spending almost $2000 CDN on a $7250 bike to fix the ride issue, or just trading it in for a better bike overall, that already has a better suspension, throttle etc. Difficult decision.

[@obsession_engineering]

Great bike, once sorted 😉

[@bananabrooks3836]

I'm guessing that the owner can come back to you for advice and twiddling (within reason) for any fine adjustments they may feel necessary after getting used to the new dynamics, as part of your customer care?

[@obsession_engineering]

Of course, always happy to help wherever I can

[@dougfoster-stiles9805]

Well done wavey, if only you could fix my DB9 1st the battery light came on, fitted a £300 battery , then I was told it needed a new alternator £800, then I was told the Body control module was caput . New BCM and 2 Key fobs ( ex Volvo part £38 each) from Aston Martin £1,100 plus £2,300 for the BCM and fitting cost. Now the indicators have a intermittent fault so I can't MOT it, think it might be a bad earth but electicary is black magic. I'm going to start racing again it would be cheaper.

[@obsession_engineering]

Dear lord... I might take up car electrics 😂

[@dougfoster-stiles9805]

@@obsession_engineering I wish you would , I could get you to fix it instead of me throwing expensive parts at it.

[@stesrad]

So many people will be interested in this !.... I was put off this bike because of the points you raised few questions.... Rear shock length adjuster is that to get standard length or ride height adjuster also ? Would it be beneficial dropping the yokes if rear shock does not accommodate ride height adjustment ? Does valving on forks accommodate lowest viscosity oils ? If it's protected information I understand ✌️ If you did a geometry change would you recommend a steering damper ? Thank you ! 👍👍

[@obsession_engineering]

Definitely no need for the damper, no stability issues at all. The shock can only go longer, no shorter option available on the one I fitted, would have to check if bitubo offer a shorter version as they do for some bikes. Bitubo spec a low viscosity oil in the dampers, as it stays more consistent with less chance of cavitation.

[@stesrad]

@@obsession_engineering thanks for info 👍👍

[@KevinArmstrong4154]

You can change the Dog Bone in the back suspension for very little money and easy to do, drops the ride height 25mm, lots on eBay, CNC machined

[@Albert-my3yt]

How much did the new stuff cost? I'm getting a new 2023 mt07 in a week or so, when it ships in. Iv heard about the suspension issues, but a lot of people say it's no big deal. I have ben toying with the idea of putting a plus 2 swingarm

[@obsession_engineering]

The bitubo suspension upgrade is around £1200, it really does make a big difference. Yamaha should take note as good suspension finishes a bike properly!

[@Albert-my3yt]

@obsession_engineering thanks dude,

[@motorcycle_workshop]

Nice one Dave, those cartridges are very good value indeed although the rear shock is pricey compared to a YSS of similar spec. To be fair the whole job would probably end up about the same price. However, that jerky throttle you mentioned... I can fix that! ;)

[@obsession_engineering]

Would that involve a Woolich reflash 😉

[@motorcycle_workshop]

@@obsession_engineering Very possibly 😉

[@KevinArmstrong4154]

@@obsession_engineering M&P sell new handlebar throttle tube with different inner cam for the cable, found it softens initial jerk while keeping full throttle opening. Thanks for the excellent video

[@luckyWabbit75]

Where could I get these upgrades made to my mt07 and how much would it cost me?

[@obsession_engineering]

You can contact me through Obsessionengineering.co.uk for a quote if you're in the UK

[@carlwalker270]

Love this. Watch out, your front went into a second rebound stroke (one more click perhaps?), and your rear bounced back too quick, maybe some more rebound there also. Once the oil is hot, test it then, it should be much more evident. Good luck!

[@obsession_engineering]

On the road it behaves impeccably. Not everything can be set exactly at standstill and too much damping is as much a problem as not enough

[@flamintasty]

LMAO at a someone on KZbin telling a TT racer how to set a bike up.

[@mrmcbeth]

How would an MT-07 with properly modified suspension compare to a stock R7?

[@obsession_engineering]

A sorted Mt would almost certainly ride better than a stock r7. They're not much different and I bet yamaha have saved money in the same places

[@mrmcbeth]

@@obsession_engineering Thanks for the reply. I think the main differences in the chassis/suspension are that the R7 has an adjustable suspension, an extra bracket on each side for rigidity, a steeper rake, and a sportbike rider position. The price of insurance on the R7 is insane in the states, too. Kinda seems like a no-brainer at this point.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@mrmcbeth The stock R7 is miles better than the MT-07 in the suspension and stability department. They don't use the same forks, as the R7 has USD forks and radial mount brakes. But that said, any carefully tuned aftermarket cartridges and 3-way shock is going to be better than factory anything, unless you're buying an 18 grand superbike.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

I guess the R7 comes with the same crap? Or did they actually put some better stuff on that bike? I know that was also 'built to a price' but meh. If I was in the market for a 600 twin I'd probably get the Ape.

[@obsession_engineering]

I've not got my mitts on an r7, hopefully it'd be a bit better... But I'd go for the ape 😁

[@exothermal.sprocket]

No. R7 runs USD forks and radial mount brakes. It's miles better in stock trim. Yet, everything can be improved with cartridges.

[@Legend57.]

IMO this is MT07's only weakness. If yamaha put the SP suspension on it, it would be the nail in the coffin for most bikes! I think alot of people who upgrade to the MT09 do it mostly coz of suspension.

[@primarqo]

There is an optional Ohlins fork kit and rear shock, similar as this from Bitubo. So if you need upgrade, its nothing easier than ordering it at dealership..

[@Legend57.]

​@@primarqo That's an easy 2-3 grand for buying, install and setup....Just get a bike with better suspension from the get go.

[@primarqo]

@@Legend57. ofc that also an option, but u know that SP package would also cost at least 1.5 grand plus and when I already have the MT-07 and I'm happy with it, why not.. I already upgraded lot of parts and potentially the last upgrade missing is better fork and shock and if I sell it I would lose money anyway.. better fork and shock is $2k in my country and my bike has only 2 thousand kilometers on the odometer so I think is too early to sell it, and still I can sell original parts. why not to have the best configured mt-07, it would be still much cheaper than xsr900 or mt09 sp.. even cheaper than the standard mt09, when it's new.. ofc I can get better used bike for that price, so you are basicaly right..

[@Legend57.]

​@@primarqo I never buy brand new cars of bikes. It's a waste of money. I can get a 2019-2020 MT09 SP with 15000km for still under warranty for $6000 less than a 2023 MT09 SP. Or get a 2020 MT07 under warranty with 11000km for $5000 less than a 2023 model. Market for selling used bike parts is almost non existent over here so all the money you invest in the bike is "wasted". Everyone here sells their bike with aftermarket parts and OEM all together because it's impossible to sell them apart.

[@primarqo]

@@Legend57. how much cost new MT-07 2023 in your country? I'm curious because in my country in the middle of Europe 2023 MT-07 minus $5000 would be something around $3300.. that would be cool to get 2020 model for 3300 bucks 🙂 I think used MT-07 are starting here at $5300. Also MT-09 SP no matter which year here starting at $9600.. Looks like in my country are bikes little bit pricier and lot people are selling also parts or whole bike for parts, engines or crashed bikes u know, I'm sure I would be able to sell oringinal parts, which are like new ones..

[@benjahnz]

Fork oil down the sink?

[@obsession_engineering]

Yep... Into a waste oil drum

[@benjahnz]

@@obsession_engineering Yeah I'vr seen a few people doing a similar thing now. Sweet setup you have there.

[@davetalton6939]

I bet the owner was pissed that you did his chicken strips on the test ride 😂😂😂

[@obsession_engineering]

Saved the bit in the middle for him 😁

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Sometimes a good tartar dipping sauce is great for those strips.

[@jeromepelletier4939]

Great video but come on! Don't drain your oil in the sink. You need to recycle it.

[@obsession_engineering]

The sink is for oil only

[@maddogchad77]

the Jarring in the rear is because the shock is horizontal shocks are to be engineered vertical so you get the 2 kids bouncing on 1 trampoline any more questions lemme know