The new Yamaha YZF-R7 will fill up Yamaha's sportbike line up between the friendly and accessible YZF-R3 and the high-performance YZF-R1. It also replaces the acclaimed Yamaha R6 globally, and revives the legendary YZF-R7 name. What exactly does the R7 offer to replace the R6 supersport, and does it pack enough performance and appeal to make for a good road-legal supersport machine? Here's a look at everything you want to know about the new Yamaha YZF-R7 which will be offered on sale in some global markets starting next month.
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There's no mistaking the YZF-R1 MotoGP inspired styling, and the R7 has dollops of pure-bred racebike presence
What defines the YZF-R7 from its rivals is in the looks department. If the Kawasaki Ninja 650, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Honda CBR650R have a more 'upright' stance, suited for regular use than pure track usage, the Yamaha R7 has an aggressive and sporty appearance. With low clip-on handlebars, rearset and high-mounted footpegs, and styling that takes inspiration from the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP machine, the R7 certainly underscored its sporty intentions, even though it's not an inline four screamer like the R6 is replaces.
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The cockpit looks racy and high-quality, with the adjustable suspension, clip-on bars, and forged lower triple clamp hinting more at its track-focussed personality than road tourer
The LCD dash isn't full-colour or TFT, and in terms of electronics, there's not much; it just gets a slip and assist clutch and optional quickshifter. But the clip-on handlebars, and forged lower triple clamp give an idea of the sporty personality of the R7. The cockpit view certainly looks sporty, and racy; ready for track duties!
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The 689 cc CP2 engine is critically acclaimed as a grunty, practical and lively unit on the naked Yamaha MT-07, as well as on the Tenere 700
The Yamaha YZF-R7 is based on the Yamaha MT-07's 689 cc, parallel-twin engine with a crossplane-style 270-degree crankshaft. The 689 cc CP2 engine is widely appreciated for its uneven firing order, with lively feel and good low-end torque. Instead of going for an inline four like the erstwhile R6, Yamaha has decided to give the new R7 a more practical powerplant, which will be more at home on the street, rather than being a track-focussed machine. The same engine also powers the Yamaha XSR700, as well as the Tenere 700 adventure bike. The numbers give an idea of the CP2's strong low and mid-range; with 72 bhp at 8,750 rpm and 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
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Adjustable 41 mm inverted forks, a tighter chassis geometry and shorter wheelbase should make the R7 a flickable and well-balanced machine
The Yamaha YZF-R7 though gets more sophisticated suspension than the naked MT-07. The R7 gets a fully adjustable 41 mm inverted fork, and the rear monoshock is also adjustable for preload and rebound damping; the only adjustment lacking on the R7's rear shock is compression damping. 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. The tyres are also grippy Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22, and the chassis geometry is tweaked to give the R7 a steeper rake than the MT-07, and a shorter wheelbase. The R7 though is slightly heavier (188 kg) than the MT-07 (184 kg).
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The new R7 gets twin LED DRLs but a single projector headlamp, although the design is definitely YZF-R
The Yamaha YZF-R7 will primarily take on the Kawasaki Ninja 650, the Aprilia RS 660, and the Honda CBR650R. Of these the Kawasaki is more of a commuter bike with a fairing, while the Aprilia RS 660 has slightly more relaxed ergonomics, but a lot more power and hi-tech electronics package. The Honda CBR650R is the only rival with an inline four engine, with more power, fully adjustable suspension but it also has more weight (208 kg).
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The 2021 Yamaha YZF-R7 is unlikely to be launched in India
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The Honda though still is a sport touring machine, and the Aprilia a more expensive proposition. Sadly though, while the Kawasaki Ninja 650, Honda CBR650R are available in India, and even the Aprilia RS 660 to be available soon, India Yamaha is unlikely to introduce the new Yamaha YZF-R7 in India.
