Miles of Memories
Why Tahlia’s MT-07 is Here to Stay
Ten years ago, Yamaha set out to build a motorcycle that would redefine the middleweight segment. The result? The MT-07 — a machine that caught the attention of new riders and veterans alike due to It being available in LAMS and High Output versions. For the instant fanbase attracted to the new middleweight naked bike when it hit Aussie shored in 2015, the MT07 was the perfect balance of power, style, and price. A decade later, it’s still one of the most beloved bikes on the road in Australia, and it’s not hard to find riders from the Gen 1 era have retained their first MT-07 and still get the same thrill out of rising it as they did on day one.
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Tahlia Hotchin
For Tahlia Hotchin, riding motorcycles is more than a mode of transport – it’s a lifestyle. Living in Beveridge, Victoria, Tahlia proudly owns a first-generation Yamaha MT-07, a bike that continues to hold its charm and capability a decade after its release in 2014. “I’d been riding for almost eight years and had ridden all cruisers prior to that,” Tahlia shares. “The MT-07 was my seventh bike, it took a little while to get used to it because it’s so different from what I’d had before, but that it quickly became very fun for me, and although I still like cruisers, I’ve come to prefer naked bikes now.”
Tahlia’s decision to switch to the MT-07 came from a practical need. Working security at major events in Melbourne’s CBD, she sought a lighter, more agile motorcycle. “While I loved cruisers, I needed something more manageable and better for filtering and general city riding,” she explains. “Yamaha had always been my preferred make of motorcycle, so I started looking at their range. The MT-07 seemed like a great option and ticked all the boxes for what I needed. The internet was filled with positive reviews, which helped with my decision process to purchase one.”
Tahlia’s MT-07 quickly became her trusted companion. “It handles nicely and it’s very nimble, which makes it great for filtering through traffic,” she says. “It’s great fun in the twisties, and the fuel economy is great too. I’m getting over 300km from the 14L tank, which is brilliant.”
A standout adventure on her MT-07 was a three-day trip to Bright last December with a group of friends, all female riders. “On day one, we rode to Bright via the Black Spur and Eildon-Jamieson Road. Day two took us from Bright to Falls Creek and around to Mitta Mitta, looping back to Bright. Bogong High Plains Road was amazing – it was the first time I’d ridden out that way. On day three, we rode to Mount Hotham, along the Great Alpine Road. The scenery was stunning, especially the view of the dam coming down from Mount Hotham. We rode to Omeo and Bairnsdale before heading back home. The total trip for me was 1,362km. It was motorcycling heaven!”
Despite her love for the MT-07, Tahlia hasn’t made any significant modifications to the bike. “It’s still mainly stock,” she notes. “In 2021, I bought heated grips and installed them myself after watching a YouTube tutorial. This was the first time I’d had heated grips on a bike, and I wished I’d done it sooner. The same year, I had a large top case put on, which I mostly use to store my helmet. I change my own oil and oil filter, coolant, and air filter.”
When asked what her bike would say to her if it could talk, Tahlia laughs. “It would probably say to worry less about leaning over in a corner,” she says. “I’m getting better with that. I managed to accidentally scrape the left peg twice on the Bright trip. I didn’t think I’d ever be confident enough to lean it over far enough to touch a peg down.”
Tahlia’s journey with her MT-07 is a testament to the bike’s enduring appeal and capability. As Yamaha’s MT-07 celebrates its 10th anniversary, stories like Tahlia’s highlight why this model remains a favourite among riders who value fun, practicality, and adventure.