The R7 name used to strike fear in competitor’s ad when I first saw the news of the upcoming one I genuinely got excited. Then Yamaha pulled the rug right from under me and said it is not a replacement for the original. To put it into perspective the original R7 was launched in 1999 with only 500 being produced. It was brought out specifically for race homologation in WSB and Suzuka 8 hour. This R7 is however not that but does that mean it’s not a good bike?. Well it’s actually aimed at the beginner market and is effectively an entry-level supersport bike. It’s easy to think this just an MT-07 in drag but it’s a little bit more than that.
Although it shares the same well trusted 698cc CP2 engine as the MT-07 Yamaha has made some changes to make it unique, there is a different ECU, air intakes, exhaust and fuel injection changes which all add up to a different feeling bike. Power will not light your pants on fire but it is adequate to have fun especially on a nice twisty road. Yamaha claims 54kw @ 8750rpm and 67nm @ 6500rpm. In comparison the R6 produces 90kw at 14,500rpm and the same torque figure but at 10,500rpm. The power that is available at much lower rpm will make the R7 much easier to live with everyday but I am sure most will want for more power soon. As Yamaha says though this is a stepping stone to full fledged sports bikes.
Yamaha has added a couple of nice to haves to this baby boomer with the addition of a assist & slipper clutch and a optional quickshift system all making the novice sports bike rider look more like a pro.
The suspension has been set up specifically for proper sportbike handling. The R7 make use of a KYB 41mm upside-down fork, they are fully adjustable for preload as well as rebound damping. The rear end is kept under control with the newly redesigned monocross rear suspension. The braking is taken care of by radial-mount 4 piston callipers upfront controlled by a Brembo radial master cylinder. The body and frame have been designed to be slim and focused on the solo rider although there is a small seat pad for a pillion. Standard fitment tyres 120/70 front, 180/55 rear. The new R7 represents an awesome proposition to enter into the sportbike market. I personally think this would be an awesome first race back and someone should definitely start an R7 only race class.
