EXCLUSIVE: Yamaha MT-07, YZF-R7 And MT-09 India Launch Likely Next Year

These bikes will come in limited quantity, though

In an exclusive interview with our sister publication, Zigwheels, Yamaha Motor India chairman Eishin Chihana revealed the company’s intention to bring big bikes to India.

The Japanese marque is considering bringing the YZF-R7, MT-07 and the MT-09 to the Indian market in small batches. Earlier, a promotional film also showed these bikes, hinting at an imminent India debut. However, Chihana has stated that these bikes would be introduced in small batches, much like the KTM 790 Duke a few years ago.

Considering the growing popularity of mid-displacement motorcycles in the country, this is a welcome move. However, in a country that’s equally inclined towards ADVs, the company’s decision to not introduce the Tenere 700 is a bit of a surprise. 

The biggest hurdle in Yamaha’s plan of introducing these bikes is the pricing. For perspective, the 2019 MT-09 was priced at Rs 10.55 lakh, and accounting for the inflation, it could be priced at Rs 11.50 lakh, making it fairly expensive. The R7 could demand Rs 10 lakh, while the MT-07 is likely to be priced at Rs 7.50 lakh (all ex-showroom). 

Considering these are likely to be Completely Built Units (CBU), the prices will be higher than most of its competitors. So, unless Yamaha starts assembling these bikes in India, you’ll have to bear the premium to purchase these machines.