I have extra neoprene foam on mine with more foam for the 'sit' bones. I covered it with neoprene sheet. It is inelegant but works a treat. No aches even riding for over 2 hours.
Very sorry you had a knock. At least no injury. Hope you wont give up on thinking about having a bike. I have had so much fun and I returned to biking after a 50 year break nearly 10 years ago.
I understand that the MT-07 for 2017 just has new additional colours. There has been a patent filed for LED front lights so if that really is coming it would be in 2018, I guess (09-type maybe?). I have not tried the 09 but the 07 suits this old geezer well - plenty of immediate torque and...
I did not expect much from Customer Services, of course. The best one could hope for would be an admission that an alternative would be satisfatory (I have insurers in mind). While I am still in cloud cuckooland, I have directed a response elsewhere in Yamaha - more in hope than anticipation.
As I am seriously considering fitting a 170/60 rear tyre, I thought I would email Yamaha on the subject. Here is what they replied:
"Thank you for your email, in relation to your Yamaha MT-07.
We can advise, that we can only recommend the tyres sizes as stated in your Owner’s Manual, which...
http://www.motorcycle-talk.net/forum/mt-07-fz-07-general-discussion/1646-little-help-tyre.html?highlight=tyre
Someone on here (above) has fitted a 170 tyre instead of the 180. He reported improvements.
I think that is good advice. Manufacturers seem to be unwilling to squeeze in as much grease there as we think is required. I shall ask for it next service.