In a move that has sparked curiosity among motorcycle enthusiasts across the country, Yamaha Motor India has reportedly imported the MT-07 and MT-09 to its R&D facility in India. The development has triggered speculation about the potential launch of these popular naked streetfighters in the Indian market.
While Yamaha has not made any official announcement regarding the launch timeline, the import activity has certainly raised hopes.
What’s Fueling the Speculation?
The import data accessed via the Indian import-export portals shows that Yamaha has brought in units of the MT-07 and MT-09, marked for “testing and evaluation” purposes. In the past, such R&D imports have often been a precursor to either full-scale local testing or feasibility studies for future launches.
This development comes at a time when the Indian premium motorcycle segment is seeing a growing appetite for larger displacement bikes. Brands like Kawasaki, Triumph, and Honda have already strengthened their portfolios in the 600cc to 1000cc range. Yamaha, with its global reputation for performance-oriented machines, seems ready to tap into that potential.
MT Series – A Global Fan Favorite
Both the Yamaha MT-07 and MT-09 are widely appreciated in international markets for their sharp design, torquey engines, and agile handling. The MT-07 is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin engine, while the MT-09 gets a larger 890cc inline-triple motor. These bikes are known for their linear power delivery, rideability, and versatility, making them suitable for both city rides and highway touring.
If introduced in India, they could bring a fresh wave of excitement in the middleweight and liter-class segments, which are currently dominated by the likes of the Triumph Trident 660, Kawasaki Z650, and Honda CB650R.
Local Assembly or Full Imports?
One of the major questions now is whether Yamaha plans to offer these motorcycles as Completely Built Units (CBUs) or opt for the more cost-effective Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route. A CKD assembly in India could make the MT-07 and MT-09 more competitively priced, giving Yamaha an edge in the premium segment.
However, if Yamaha chooses the CBU route, the pricing could go beyond the reach of many Indian buyers due to heavy import duties, similar to what has been observed with other large-displacement models from international manufacturers.
Previous Hints and Current Strategy
This isn’t the first time Yamaha fans in India have hoped for the MT series. Over the years, there have been multiple rumors, but Yamaha has largely focused on its 150cc–250cc range in India, including models like the R15, FZ series, and the recently updated Aerox.
That said, the company has been actively studying the changing preferences of Indian riders. With rising incomes and increasing interest in performance biking, now might just be the right time for Yamaha to shift gears and cater to a new kind of audience.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Despite the buzz, Yamaha has not confirmed any plans regarding the launch of the MT-07 or MT-09. The company has maintained that it is evaluating various possibilities based on market demand and regulatory frameworks.
Still, the move to import these bikes specifically for R&D suggests serious consideration is underway. Whether this turns into a launch announcement or remains a feasibility test will depend on how the company gauges the Indian market’s readiness.
Also Read:- Yamaha FZ-X vs Hunter 350 – Which Retro Commuter Makes More Sense?
Final Thoughts
The arrival of the Yamaha MT-07 and MT-09 at the R&D stage is enough to excite motorcycle lovers across the country. If Yamaha decides to introduce them in India, it could mark a new chapter for the brand and provide Indian riders with more thrilling options in the premium bike space.
Until then, fingers remain crossed, and eyes are firmly set on Yamaha’s next move.
