2022 Yamaha R7
To start off with the name, Yamaha is calling the new bike Yamaha R7 and not Yamaha YZF-R7 to show respect for the original homologation special YZF-R7 superbike from the late 90s.
1999 Yamaha YZF-R7
Speaking of the new bike, just like the MT-07, the R7 is powered by Yamaha’s CP2 engine which is well known for its performance and reliability. So why did Yamaha decide to bring in a parallel twin supersport bike into the mix? Yamaha says the purpose of the R7 is to make “R/World a reality for many younger riders who yearn for the Supersport lifestyle” and we understand where Yamaha is going with this one.
Taking a look at the new Yamaha R7 in detail, similar to the other R-range of bikes, the R7 follows Yamaha’s iconic R-DNA from the ground up. Rolling in with a full fairing design, the R7 closely resembles bikes like the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1. Upfront the model gets a central LED headlamp unit, an aggressive R-Series twin-eye face with LED position lights and central M-shaped front air ducts.
Belding in with the aggressive front, the model gets an R-series style tail as well. The Yamaha R7 also gets a sculptured tank with knee cutouts, clip-on handlebars, lightweight rearsets and a solo-style rider seat.
In the case of the chassis, the R7 features a lightweight backbone style frame that is designed to deliver responsive and agile handling. Where a rigidly mounted aluminium centre brace contributes towards the bike’s sharp handling performance while a high tensile steel frame that uses tubing of varying strength in key locations ensure idealised rigidity balance. Here is something interesting, Yamaha says the R7 is the slimmest R motorcycle ever. In fact, the R7 is said to be slimmer than the entry-level R125 and R3, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient bikes in the R lineup.
As for the wheels, the R7 sits on a set of 17 inch 10-spoke cast alloy wheels with 120/70ZR17 front tyre and a wide 180/55ZR17 rear tyre.
Moving to the oily bits, the Yamaha R7 is powered by a Euro 5 compliant 689cc 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled CP2 engine. Mated to a 6-speed transmission, the R7 puts out 73.4PS (54kW) at 8,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Yamaha says the CP2 engine on the R7 delivers strong and linear torque across a wide rpm range, making it a lively performer in all gears and at all engine speeds.
Compared to the CP2 engine found on the MT-07, Yamaha has tweaked a few things to match the characteristic of the new supersport. These include a new ECU specification, optimised air intake ducts, revised exhaust design and idealised fuel injection settings. These ensure controllability, smooth and responsive throttle response for a torque rich-riding experience. In addition, Yamaha has slightly reduced secondary gear reduction ratio to give the bike a sportier character with stronger acceleration capability.
In the case of brakes, the R7 gets an advanced radially-mounted 4-piston brake calliper with a Brembo radial master cylinder which delivers liner brake pressure for enhanced controllability.
Suspension duties are taken care of by fully adjustable KYB 41mm inverted front forks and a redesigned link-type Monocross rear suspension system.
As for the electronics and rider aids, the R7 packs A&S (Assist and Slipper Clutch), quick shift system (Optional) and a full LCD instrument panel.
The Yamaha R7 is available in two colours: Iconic Blue and Yamaha Black. The pricing of the Yamaha R7 hasn’t been officially announced by Yamaha Motor Europe. As prices vary per region, Yamaha Motor Europe advises contacting the national Yamaha distributor for full information. As for the availability in Europe, deliveries to European Yamaha dealers is said to commence from October 2021.
On the other hand, according to Yamaha Motorsport’s US website (where the new supersport is being called YZF-R7), the model is said to roll in with an MSPR of $8,999 (MYR 37,150) for the US market. In the case of Malaysia, there are no updates on the availability just yet however we do hope to see the R7 in the near future!
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