Say hello to Yamaha’s new sports tourer, the YZF-R7

KUALA LUMPUR: In the recent past, Yamaha R7 supersport bike has been the topic of numerous speculations; we also have seen the leaked images of the bike a couple of days back. Well. no more speculations and leaks now as the Japanese automaker has finally pulled the wraps off the all-new YZF-R7.

Taking its name from the legendary R7 from 1999, the new Yamaha middleweight naked model will replace the YZF-R6 and will slot between the YZF-R3 and YZF-R1 in the company’s global lineup. It is based on the popular MT-07 platform, incorporating a fully faired design that makes it affordable and suitable for the track as well as street use, says Yamaha.

The design language is quite similar to the R6 and the R1 and like other R-badged bikes, it also features aggressive twin LED DRLs. However, here we can spot an R7 exclusive thing that is a single-pod projector headlamp, which is tucked between the Yamaha M1-inspired air intakes. This kind of styling has been witnessed for the first in the Yamaha R-lineup. 

If we notice the centre part, the fairing, and tank design looks revamped and sharp as compared to the R6 model. Although the tail end looks similar to that with a high split seat, aerodynamics spoilers, and a short exhaust. Colour options for the 2022 YZF-R7 are Raven Black and Yamaha Blue. The latter is teamed up with signature blue alloys for a more sporty appeal.

Other key features of the Honda CBR650R and Aprilia RS 660 competitor are:

• Fully digital LCD metre
• New slip and assist clutch with an option quickshifter
• 10-spoke cast alloy wheels
• High rear-set footpegs
• Low-slung clip-on handlebar
• 835 mm of seat height
• 13-litre fuel tank

Powering the new YZF-R7 is the same 689-cc parallel-twin CP2 mill of the MT-07. It is Euro-5 compliant and delivers a maximum output of 73.4 PS at 8750 rpm and a peak torque of 67 Nm at 6500 rpm. The numbers are much lower than the R6’s 118 PS output.

In place of the MT-07 conventional suspension setup, the R7 uses a fully adjustable 41 mm KYB USD fork and an adjustable mono-shock. However, the braking system remains the same with twin 298 mm discs at the front and a 245 mm disc on the back but again the R7 is a step up with radial discs.

So far the YZF-R7 is exclusive to the European market where it will go on sale in October 2021.

Also read: 2021 Yamaha XSR125 made its official debut in Europe