If you ask any motorcycle enthusiast about the best street engines of the last decade, Yamaha's CP2 (Crossplane 2-cylinder) will inevitably make the list. Having ridden my 2022 Yamaha MT-07 for over 8,000 miles, I wanted to share my reflections.
The Heart: The CP2 Engine
The MT-07 does not win spec-sheet wars. It makes a modest 74 horsepower. However, specs do not tell the story of the 270-degree firing order.
The uneven firing interval gives this parallel twin the character, exhaust note, and power delivery of a 90-degree V-Twin. It delivers instant, punching torque from 3,000 RPM all the way to its redline. You do not need to drop three gears to make a pass; you just twist your wrist, and the bike shoots forward.
The Exhaust Upgrade: Akrapovič Titanium
In stock form, the MT-07 is quiet—almost too quiet, sounding like a sewing machine.
To unlock the CP2's true voice, I installed the Akrapovič Titanium Full System.
The transformation is night and day. It deepens the idle to a low, throaty rumble and bellows on acceleration. Deceleration brings satisfying pops and gurgles that put an instant smile under your helmet.
Handling and Agility
Weighing in at 406 lbs wet, the MT-07 is incredibly easy to toss into corners. It is narrow, makes splitting lanes a breeze, and has comfortable, upright ergonomics.
The suspension is soft—which is great for broken city streets but can feel a bit bouncy when pushing hard on mountain twisties. Upgraded fork cartridges are on my future mods list, but as a street commuter and weekend carver, it is an absolute blast.