Two names come up for everyone looking at a mid-size naked after getting their A licence: the Yamaha MT-07 and the Honda CB750 Hornet. Both are parallel twins, both are light, and both suit daily use and weekend corners alike. The MT-07 has been the class reference for years; the Hornet is positioned directly against it with a bigger engine and higher power. In this guide we compare the two models with data from the Pusulamoto catalogue. Prices are October 2026 list prices.
Technical data side by side
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | Consumption (L/100 km) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha MT-07 | 690 | 72.4 | 68 | 183 | 805 | 14 | 4.1 | 812,500 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda CB750 Hornet | 755 | 90.5 | 75 | 190 | 795 | 15.2 | 4.3 | 751,250 TL (Oct 2026) |
The differences are clear:
- Power: the Honda CB750 Hornet has 90.5 hp, the Yamaha MT-07 72.4 hp. The Hornet is about 18 hp, or 25 per cent, more powerful.
- Torque: Hornet 75 Nm, MT-07 68 Nm.
- Weight: MT-07 183 kg, Hornet 190 kg. The difference is 7 kg, in the MT-07's favour.
- Seat: Hornet 795 mm, MT-07 805 mm.
- Tank and consumption: Hornet 15.2 litres and 4.3 L/100 km; MT-07 14 litres and 4.1 L/100 km (manufacturer figures).
- Price: Hornet 751,250 TL, MT-07 812,500 TL. The Hornet is 61,250 TL cheaper.
On paper the Hornet is more powerful, has a bigger tank, a lower seat and is cheaper. The MT-07's numerical advantages are that it is lighter and has a slightly lower consumption figure.
Power-to-weight and character
The Hornet gives about 0.48 hp per kilogram, the MT-07 about 0.40 hp. This difference is felt in mid-range acceleration and especially at high revs. The MT-07's power is more modest, but for exactly that reason it is predictable and forgiving for someone who has just got an A licence. You know what will happen when you open the throttle; this gives confidence on wet roads and in corners.
The Hornet offers a wider range of use: calm in town, more eager out of town. On a 90 hp naked, keeping the riding modes and throttle response on a soft setting for the first weeks is a good habit. A test ride shows best which bike suits you; compare especially the throttle response at low revs and the brakes.
City, passenger and long distance
In town both bikes are comfortable in traffic with their light, narrow bodies. The difference between the MT-07's 805 mm seat and the Hornet's 795 mm seat is small, but for shorter riders the Hornet is a step ahead. If using the clutch in stop-start traffic is tiring, the MT-07 Y-AMT is the most comfortable version of this pair for the city.
Riding with a passenger and on long trips, both models carry the limits of being nakeds: no wind protection, a short rear seat. If you will carry a passenger occasionally, the Hornet's higher torque makes overtaking easier when loaded. For long trips, the 15.2-litre tank gives the Hornet slightly longer range. If you will make long trips regularly, an accessory windscreen, a tank bag or seat bag and an intercom noticeably increase comfort.
The clutchless option: MT-07 Y-AMT
Yamaha has a different card in this pairing: the Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT. It uses the same engine and chassis, but has no clutch lever or gear pedal; gears change either automatically or with buttons on the handlebar. It weighs 186 kg and costs 861,500 TL (October 2026 list price). If you do not want to deal with the clutch in city traffic, or have a problem with your left hand, it is a serious advantage. We compared all the automatic bikes in the automatic transmission guide.
Annual costs
The MT-07 is 690 cc and the Hornet 755 cc; both are in the 651–1200 cc MTV band. In 2026 the annual MTV for 1–3 years old is 5,719 TL. The consumption figures are close to each other: for someone riding 10,000 km a year, a 0.2 L/100 km difference means about 20 litres of petrol. Since insurance and kasko premiums depend on the value of the bike, the Hornet's lower price may give a small advantage here too; but because premiums vary a lot by company, it is not possible to be definite without getting quotes. You can work it out with the cost calculator.
Alternatives at the same budget
| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki GSX-8S | 776 | 81.8 | 202 | 810 | 599,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kawasaki Z650 | 649 | 67.3 | 188 | 790 | 712,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Triumph Trident 660 | 660 | 80.5 | 189 | 805 | 779,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda CB650R | 649 | 93.9 | 207 | 810 | 869,250 TL (Oct 2026) |
If you are looking for an alternative to these two models, the Suzuki GSX-8S offers power between the two with 81.8 hp and 78 Nm; its October 2026 list price in the catalogue is 599,000 TL, the cheapest in this table. This price is noticeably lower than earlier lists, so we recommend confirming it at the dealer. The Kawasaki Z650 offers a character close to the MT-07 with 67.3 hp; 712,000 TL (October 2026 list price). For those who want a triple, the Triumph Trident 660 has 80.5 hp at 779,000 TL (October 2026 list price), and for a four-cylinder the Honda CB650R has 93.9 hp at 869,250 TL (October 2026 list price).
If you want more wind protection, the same engines are also available in touring and adventure versions: the MT-07 engine is used in the Yamaha Tracer 7 (907,500 TL (October 2026 list price)), and the Hornet engine in the Honda XL750 Transalp (881,250 TL (October 2026 list price)).
Which for whom?
| Your priority | Choice |
|---|---|
| More power | Honda CB750 Hornet |
| Lower price | Honda CB750 Hornet |
| A lighter, predictable first big bike | Yamaha MT-07 |
| Clutchless riding | Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT |
| A lower seat | Honda CB750 Hornet |
Gear
Speeds rise in this class; a full-face helmet, a protective jacket and trousers are the basics. On a naked bike in a fall, the engine covers and handlebar ends are the first parts to take damage; protective sliders are a cheap precaution.
Conclusion
In the numbers on paper the CB750 Hornet is ahead: more powerful, with a bigger tank, a lower seat and, on October 2026 list prices, 61,250 TL cheaper. The MT-07, with its lighter, calm and predictable character, is a confidence-giving choice especially for riders who have just moved up from A2; the Y-AMT version is also unique for those who want clutchless riding. If performance and price come first, the Hornet; if ease and predictability come first, the MT-07. You can see the two models on the comparison page, and for the whole class see the 600–900 cc naked guide and the list of nakeds under 1 million TL.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MT-07 or the Hornet faster?
According to the catalogue data, the Hornet has 90.5 hp and 75 Nm, the MT-07 72.4 hp and 68 Nm. The Hornet is ahead in both power and torque.
Which is cheaper?
According to October 2026 list prices, the Honda CB750 Hornet is 751,250 TL and the Yamaha MT-07 812,500 TL.
Can the MT-07 or Hornet be ridden on an A2 licence?
No. Both are in the A class in the catalogue. After riding for at least 2 years on an A2 licence you can move up to the A class; the process is on the licence page.
Which for a first big bike?
If you have just moved up from A2, the MT-07's lower power and lightness make learning easier. If you are experienced or ride more out of town, the Hornet's extra power will be useful.