Since the original YZF-R1 changed the face of the Supersport world forever back in 1998, the Yamaha R-Series has gone on to establish itself as the definitive high-performance motorcycle line-up. Today’s range is headed by the flagship R1M – the most advanced production motorcycle ever made by Yamaha – and the R-Series offers track riders a superb choice of machinery including the R1 and R6 RACE, backed up by an extensive range of GYTR tuning parts that enable owners to attain even higher levels of engine and chassis performance. Yamaha is committed to offering the widest choice of Supersport models for all riders, and at the other end of the spectrum the 2-cylinder R3 and single-cylinder R125 are the ideal introduction to R/World for newer track and road riders. Today, we have the brand new Yamaha YZF-R7.
The nature of the Supersport world is changing, and while the more extreme models continue to attract a devoted following of performance-focused riders, Yamaha is further expanding its segment-leading supersport range with the launch of the new Yamaha YZF-R7 that will introduce a new generation of riders to R/World.
No motorcycle would ever dare to compare itself to the original YZF-R7. Only 500 of these full factory race bikes were produced in 1999 to gain homologation for World Superbike and Suzuka 8 Hours. Raced by legendary riders including Noriyuki Haga and Wataru Yoshikawa, the YZF-R7 is considered to be one of the most exotic and desirable Japanese motorcycles ever built.
Powered by Yamaha’s outstandingly successful and much-loved CP2 engine that is famous for its strong and linear torque delivery – as well as its reliability and low running costs – the new R7 is ready to shake up the middleweight market. Clothed in exquisitely crafted bodywork and featuring an extremely high specification that includes radial-mount front brakes, inverted forks and an A&S clutch, the R7 is a new kind of motorcycle that offers exciting Supersport performance with outstanding handling and aggressive R-Series style – and all of this at a highly competitive price.
Light, compact and agile, this stunning looking machine is designed to give its rider the highest degree of control and the biggest fun factor in its class – whether they’re riding on the track or on the street. This Supersport really is within the grasp of every rider who wants to be a part of R/World. R7 is a new reality, and it’s ready to attract a new audience and have a significant impact on the Supersport world.
With its clear focus on pure riding excitement, accessibility and affordability, the new R7 represents an exciting new dimension to the R-Series Supersport family. Regarded as one of the most characterful, responsive and reliable designs in its class, Yamaha’s successful 689cc CP2 engine is the perfect powerplant for this new model.
Featuring a 270 degree crankshaft that gives an uneven firing sequence, the 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled CP2 engine delivers strong and linear torque across a wide rpm range, making it a lively performer in all gears and at all engine speeds. Maximum power of 73.4PS (54kW) is produced at 8,750 rpm, and more significantly the maximum torque of 67 Nm is achieved at 6,500 rpm, giving the Yamaha YZF-R7 extremely strong standing start and roll-on acceleration – while the uneven pulses of the 270 degree crankshaft create a very real feeling of mounting excitement as the revs rise.
Dedicated changes to the existing CP2 engine include a new ECU specification and optimised air intake ducts, as well as a revised exhaust design and idealised fuel injection settings. These measures work to enhance controllability and deliver a smooth and responsive throttle response, contributing to the enjoyable torque-rich riding experience of the R7 – while also achieving full EU5 compliance. In addition to these dedicated modifications, the R7 also runs a slightly reduced secondary gear reduction ratio to give a sportier character with stronger acceleration.
A key new feature on the R7’s CP2 engine is the adoption of an Assist & Slipper (A&S) clutch that delivers smoother gear shifting and prevents engine over-rev and rear wheel hop during hard braking, resulting in more predictable and controllable handling when approaching corners. Another advantage of the R7’s A&S clutch is that it provides a significantly lighter feel at the lever, approximately 33 per cent less than a standard clutch.
Yamaha YZF-R7 riders can choose to have an optional Quick Shift System (QSS) fitted to their new Supersport by the supplying Yamaha dealer. This simple but effective QSS features a switch positioned on the gear shift rod, and when any upshifting movement is detected the ECU instantaneously cuts power to the transmission for a few milliseconds, allowing for faster and smoother full throttle upshifts for even more exhilarating acceleration.
Slimness and compactness are two of the defining characteristics of the R7, and this new Supersport features a lightweight backbone style frame that is designed to deliver responsive and agile handling together with fast and nimble directional changes.
A rigid mounted aluminium centre brace contributes towards the bike’s sharp handling performance on the track and road, and the high tensile steel frame uses tubing of varying strengths in key locations in order to achieve an idealised rigidity balance.
A great deal of attention has been paid to the design of the R7’s new suspension package in order to achieve accurate front end feel during cornering and braking. The new KYB 41 mm inverted front forks provide a high level of stability together with confident roadholding on racetracks and twisty roads. And to ensure a firm and predictable front end feel, a gravity cast upper triple clamp and forged aluminium lower triple clamp are featured.
The Yamaha YZF-R7 can be set up by the rider to suit different conditions, and these Supersport class forks are fully adjustable for preload as well as compression and rebound damping. With the compression function located in the left fork leg and the rebound function in the right leg, adjustments are quick and easy to make.
For precise handling with accurate feedback the R7’s high specification inverted forks give a steep caster angle of 23.7 degrees with 90 mm trail, and with a compact 1,395 mm wheelbase and a 51/49 front/rear wheel weight distribution, this new Supersport is built to corner hard and fast.
The Yamaha YZF-R7 adopts a redesigned link-type Monocross rear suspension system with damping characteristics and a spring rate, that are designed to suit the sporty character of the bike. Being horizontally mounted, the shock contributes towards mass centralisation that enhances handling agility – and is easily adjustable for preload and rebound damping, enabling the R7 chassis to be quickly set up for track or street use.
The R7’s sporty riding position is the result of many hours of test riding by factory riders, and the use of clip-ons confirms the bike’s genuine Supersport DNA. After experimenting with a wide variety of bar/seat/footrest configurations, the final result is designed to give a sporty yet adaptable riding position that allows plenty of freedom of body position to master different riding situations – especially race tracks and twisty roads.
An important feature is the seat design which is narrow around the rider’s inner thighs and wider at the rear, allowing maximum freedom of movement. The back sweep and drop angle of the clip-on handlebars and the positioning of the rear sets have been carefully considered in order to realise a tucked-in riding position that enables the rider to achieve optimum control together with the greatest possible aerodynamic efficiency. The ability to tuck tightly into the machine is enhanced by the deeply indented tank cover, and these knee pockets also enable the rider to grip the bike during braking and cornering.
The solo-style seat features a bump-stop design with a passenger pad on top of the tail, and the optional Yamaha Genuine Accessories seat cowl can be easily fitted to the R7 for riders who only go solo.
Radial mount calipers and radial master cylinder: High performance with fingertip control
The R7’s genuine R-Series credentials can be seen in the high specification front braking system, featuring radial-mount 4-piston brake calipers that give accurate and uniform stopping power for the ultimate in fingertip control. This advanced front braking system also includes a Brembo radial master cylinder that delivers linear brake pressure for enhanced controllability.
What makes the R7 such an attractive Supersport for a wide range of customers is the fact that it is designed to enable its rider to achieve a high level of control in many different situations. A key element that makes the R7 owner feel truly at one with their machine is its compact and athletic outline that allows the rider to be in charge of the machine, rather than the machine dominating the rider.
With a wet weight of just 188 kg and compact proportions, it means that the bike is highly accessible and riders can become an integral part of this new generation Supersport. Along with its mass centralised design, low frontal area and small moment of inertia, the compactness gives the R7 rider a feeling of total control that helps to elevate their riding and confidence to another level, while at the same time boosting the enjoyment of a trackday experience, weekend ride or daily commute.
The key to pushing any Supersport bike through the air most effectively is to keep its frontal area as small as possible, and this is where the R7 has a strong advantage. Its compact CP2 engine is one of the narrowest in the 700cc class, and the minimalist tubular chassis keeps overall dimensions to a minimum. These factors have enabled Yamaha to create the slimmest ever R-Series – that’s even narrower than the R3 and R125 – making the R7 one of the most aerodynamically efficient bikes with a rider on board.
The incredibly small frontal area not only makes the R7 one of the most stunning looking supersport models, but it also pays dividends in terms of performance. Producing the same maximum power as any other CP2-powered Yamaha, the aerodynamic new R7 is capable of achieving a significantly higher top speed.
With its aggressive twin-eye glare and YZR-M1 MotoGP™ bike style M-shaped air intake, there can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the R7 is a fully paid-up member of the R-Series family. The R7 represents the evolution of the R-Series face, and features a single LED headlight recessed within the iconic M-shaped air duct, while LED position lights are located within the twin-eye face – and there’s a new air deflector located at the base of the intake.
The compact Supersport cockpit features newly designed lightweight LCD instruments with a high-contrast negative mode display that gives clear and easy to absorb information, allowing the R7 rider to focus on the road ahead. Features include gear indicator as well as a shift indicator light, and a QSS indicator when this optional feature is used.
For easy manoeuvrability together with agile handling and responsive suspension action the R7 is equipped with lightweight 10-spoke cast alloy wheels. A high level of traction is provided by a 120/70ZR17 front tyre and a wide 180/55ZR17 rear tyre that deliver stable and confident roadholding when cornering, accelerating and braking.
Technical Highlights
Compact, high-torque, 689cc, CP2 crossplane technology engine
EU5 compliant
Ultra-compact design with pure R-Series DNA
Highly aerodynamic full fairing with aluminium lower cover
High specification inverted 41 mm front forks
Link-type Monocross rear suspension with newly designed shock
A&S clutch
Lightweight tubular frame with aluminium centre brace for tuned chassis rigidity
Clip-on handlebars and lightweight rearsets with stylish heel guards
Sporty and adaptable tucked-in riding position
Aggressive R-Series twin-eye face with LED position lights
Powerful central LED headlight
Lightweight 10-spoke cast alloy wheels
Radial mount front brake calipers with Brembo radial master cylinder
Supersport cockpit design with full LCD instruments
Central M-shaped front air duct
Powerful front and rear brakes
Slimline 13-litre fuel tank with deeply sculpted knee indents
R-series style tail
120/70 front tyre, 180/55 rear tyre
R7 colours, availability and price
The dynamic new Yamaha YZF-R7 is available in two colour options, and has been chosen to debut the next-generation R-series colours and graphics.
The first colour option is Icon Blue which is used on the upper body surfaces as well as the lower aluminium panels and wheels – while the sides of the fairing feature a contrasting darker matte blue. Engine, frame covers and swingarm are finished in Crystal Graphite that accentuates the power and dynamism of the R7.
The Yamaha YZF-R7 will also be available in a Yamaha Black colour option with minimal graphics and accents. This gloss black finish gives the bike a purposeful look, and is complemented by the Crystal Graphite engine and chassis. The beauty of this pure colour scheme is that is works well with a range of different riding gear, and gives the R7 an understated character that looks right in any situation, from the race track to the open road or city.
Deliveries to European Yamaha dealers will commence from October 2021. Prices vary per region, please contact the national Yamaha distributor for full information. Yamaha’s extensive range of Genuine Accessories includes a constantly evolving line of performance, protection and cosmetic products that are designed for both track riders and road oriented customers.
The track line-up is aimed at riders who want extra performance, and includes an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system as well as a Quick Shift System, billet engine cover kit and radiator and engine protectors. For the road rider Yamaha’s offer includes a shorter licence plate holder, LED indicators and tank pad, as well as a wide range of billet items and engine protection. The Paddock Blue clothing range has a fast choice of leisure wear, and there is also a wide selection of CE-approved riding gear.
MyGarage App
Yamaha’s MyGarage App is the quick and easy way for anyone with an interest in Yamaha motorcycles to build a virtual R7 with a range of accessories while sitting at home with their smart phone or laptop. The free App allows users to add and remove accessories to create their ideal Yamaha YZF-R7, and the finished result can be viewed in 3D from every angle.
MyGarage App takes the guesswork out of choosing which accessories to fit, and to make things even easier the customer’s final selection can be emailed to their chosen Yamaha dealer who will fit the selected Genuine Accessories to the new Yamaha YZF-R7.
For full information on Yamaha Genuine Accessories, GYTR Performance Parts, Paddock Blue clothing or MyGarage App please visit www.yamaha-motor.eu
MyRide App
Yamaha’s free MyRide App gives Yamaha YZF-R7 riders the chance to get more enjoyment and information out of every ride. Available for iOS and Android devices, it tracks and stores every route covered, and enables users to create their own story and add pictures which can be shared on social media. MyRide App also allows users to review all riding statistics including total distance, elevation, top speed, average speed, acceleration and lean angle to compare with fellow riders.
