The Yamaha MT-07 has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve owned three of them over the years, and each one reminded me why this bike has become such a phenomenon worldwide. It strikes that rare balance between accessibility and versatility. It’s light enough for new riders to handle, yet engaging enough to keep experienced ones hooked. Oh, and don’t get me started with the wheelies.
Perhaps, this popularity explains why Yamaha France is giving local riders a treat the rest of us all over the world can’t have: the new MT-07 Grand Prix de France 2025 edition. This bike pays tribute to none other than Fabio Quartararo’s YZR-M1 MotoGP machine at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans. Those of you who watched the race or read the stories about it would know how Quartararo lit up the track, setting a lap record and storming to pole position. The special MT-07 mirrors the M1’s tricolour race livery with sweeping red, white, and blue stripes across its bodywork.
But beyond the paint, Yamaha bundles a few tasteful extras. The package includes a fly screen with a dedicated mounting kit, a tail tidy to clean up the rear, and the full decal kit. Together, those parts represent about 611 euros (roughly $650) in added value. French riders can get the complete bike for 8,299 euros ($8,950) in manual form, or 8,799 euros ($9,500) with the Y-AMT semi-automatic gearbox.
One of the things I’ve always loved about the MT-07 is how it wears different looks so well. It’s one of those bikes that looks just as good with loud, eye-catching graphics as it does in a simple, understated colorway. Not every motorcycle can pull that off, but the MT-07 manages it effortlessly, and this Grand Prix edition proves it once again.
In many ways, this special edition MT-07 reflects Yamaha’s racing story, too. The MT-07 has never been the fastest, most high-tech, or most cutting-edge naked bike. Yet it’s loved the world over because it delivers exactly what riders want in the real world. Yamaha’s MotoGP program has followed a similar arc. After years of dominance, the brand has struggled to keep pace with the likes of Ducati and KTM in recent seasons. But like the MT-07, Yamaha continues to inspire loyalty. People don’t love them just for the trophies, they love them for the way their bikes make you feel every time you ride.
As for us outside of France who can’t get this special edition MT-07, it serves as yet another reminder of how global the motorcycle market has become, and how manufacturers are tailoring models to specific audiences. We won’t get this French-only edition through official channels, but it shows us just how important the MT-07 is to Yamaha’s lineup. And hey, it might even serve as inspiration for those of you looking to add a splash of race-inspired color to your own bike. That way, you could feel like a racer, even if you’re just taking the long way home back from work.
