The Yamaha YZF-R7 is the latest addition to Yamaha’s sportbike lineup, positioned perfectly between the accessible YZF-R3 and the high-performance YZF-R1. This new model replaces the acclaimed Yamaha R6 globally and revives the legendary YZF-R7 name.
Aggressive and Sporty Design: A True Standout
The Yamaha YZF-R7’s defining characteristic is its aggressive and sporty design. While competitors like the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Aprilia RS 660, and Honda CBR650R feature a more upright stance suited for regular use, the R7 is built for a more aggressive riding posture. Here’s what sets it apart:
Low Clip-On Handlebars and High-Mounted Footpegs
The R7 is equipped with low clip-on handlebars and high-mounted footpegs, giving it a race-ready stance. This setup is inspired by Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP machine, emphasizing its sporty intentions. The result is a bike that looks ready to hit the track straight out of the showroom.
Styling Inspired by MotoGP
The R7’s styling cues are taken directly from Yamaha’s MotoGP heritage. The sleek, aerodynamic lines and aggressive front fascia make it clear that this bike means business. It’s a design that not only looks fast but also enhances the bike’s performance by improving aerodynamics.
Practical and Powerful: The 689 cc CP2 Engine
At the heart of the Yamaha YZF-R7 is the 689 cc CP2 engine, borrowed from the popular MT-07. This parallel-twin engine features a crossplane-style 270-degree crankshaft, known for its uneven firing order that provides a lively feel and strong low-end torque.
Performance Figures
The CP2 engine produces 72 bhp at 8,750 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. These numbers highlight the engine’s strong low and mid-range performance, making it more suitable for street use compared to the high-revving inline-four engine of the R6. This setup ensures that the R7 is not just a track-focused machine but also a practical option for everyday riding.
Suspension and Braking: A Step Above the MT-07
The Yamaha YZF-R7 distinguishes itself from the MT-07 with more sophisticated suspension and braking components, ensuring it handles as well as it looks.
Fully Adjustable Suspension
The R7 is equipped with a fully adjustable 41 mm inverted fork and a rear monoshock that can be adjusted for preload and rebound damping. The only adjustment lacking is compression damping on the rear shock. This setup allows riders to fine-tune their suspension to match their riding style and conditions, whether they’re carving up mountain roads or hitting the track.
Advanced Braking System
Braking duties are handled by 298 mm front discs and a 245 mm rear disc, with a radially mounted Brembo master cylinder for the front calipers. This setup provides excellent stopping power and control, giving riders confidence when braking hard into corners.
Electronics and Instrumentation: Keeping It Simple
While the YZF-R7 might not have the most advanced electronics package, it offers everything a rider needs for an engaging and fun riding experience.
LCD Dash
The R7 features an LCD dash instead of a full-color TFT display. While this might be seen as a downside by some, it keeps the focus on the essentials and maintains the bike’s sporty and minimalist aesthetic.
Slip and Assist Clutch and Optional Quickshifter
The R7 comes with a slip and assist clutch, which helps prevent wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, and an optional quickshifter for seamless upshifts. These features enhance the riding experience without overwhelming the rider with too many electronic aids.
The Rivals: How the Yamaha YZF-R7 Stacks Up
The middleweight sportbike segment is highly competitive, with several strong contenders. Here’s how the Yamaha YZF-R7 compares to its main rivals: the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Aprilia RS 660, and Honda CBR650R.
Kawasaki Ninja 650
The Ninja 650 is known for its versatility and user-friendly nature. It has an upright riding position, making it comfortable for daily commutes and long rides. However, it lacks the aggressive, track-focused design of the R7.
Aprilia RS 660
The RS 660 is a direct competitor to the R7, with a similar sporty design and performance-focused approach. It features a more advanced electronics package, including traction control, cornering ABS, and multiple riding modes. However, the R7’s CP2 engine offers a different character with its strong low-end torque.
Honda CBR650R
The CBR650R combines sporty performance with everyday usability. It has an inline-four engine that delivers a smooth and high-revving power delivery. While it’s more comfortable for regular use, it doesn’t have the same aggressive stance and MotoGP-inspired styling as the R7.
Why Choose the Yamaha YZF-R7?
The Yamaha YZF-R7 is an excellent choice for riders looking for a middleweight sportbike that combines aggressive styling, practical performance, and a sporty riding experience. Here are some reasons why the R7 stands out:
Sporty and Aggressive Design
The R7’s design is one of its most significant selling points. It looks like a race bike, and its aggressive stance will appeal to riders who want a bike that looks as fast as it feels.
Practical Performance
The CP2 engine provides a perfect balance of power and usability. It’s not as high-strung as an inline-four, making it more suitable for street riding while still offering plenty of performance for spirited rides.
Advanced Suspension and Braking
The fully adjustable suspension and advanced braking components ensure the R7 handles exceptionally well, providing confidence and control in various riding conditions.
Minimalist Electronics
While it might not have the most advanced electronics package, the R7 offers everything you need for an engaging riding experience without overwhelming you with too many gadgets.
Conclusion
The Yamaha YZF-R7 is a welcome addition to Yamaha’s sportbike lineup, filling the gap between the YZF-R3 and YZF-R1 while replacing the R6 with a more practical yet still sporty option. Its aggressive design, practical CP2 engine, and advanced suspension and braking components make it a compelling choice for riders looking for a middleweight sportbike that can handle both street and track duties with ease.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a new challenge or a newer rider ready to step up to a more performance-oriented machine, the Yamaha YZF-R7 offers a unique blend of style, performance, and practicality that is hard to beat.
