No bike would ever compare itself to the original YZF-R7, produced in 1999 with only 500 of these factory-look racing bikes produced until now.
Where the original R7 was put on the market by Yamaha as a homologation model for the World Championship Superbike, with which Noriyuki Haga just missed the world title at the beginning of this century, the MY22 R7 stands for a new generation Supersport.
The YZF-R7 was developed under the concept of “A Fun Way to Master a Supersport.” Using the main parts and components of the MT-07, the YZF-R7 aims to be a supersport model that motorcyclists of a wide range of skill levels can fully extract its performance.
With a 270 degree crankshaft that gives an irregular firing interval, the 4-stroke, parallel 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled CP2 inline engine delivers strong and linear torque over a wide rev range, making it a lively performer.
Maximum power of 73.4 hp (54 kW) is produced at 8750 rpm and more importantly, maximum torque of 67 Nm is achieved at 6 500 rpm.
Specific changes to the existing CP2 engine include a new ECU specification and optimized air intake channels, as well as a revised exhaust design and idealized fuel injection settings. These measures work to improve steerability and provide a smooth and responsive throttle response.
In addition to these special modifications, the R7 also has a slightly smaller reduction ratio for the secondary gear to give a sportier character with stronger acceleration.
Yamaha has also equipped the R7 with an Assist & Slipper clutch that should shift more smoothly and makes it possible to prevent a rear wheel jump at too high a speed. Another advantage is that this coupling is 33% lighter.
Optionally, the R7 can be equipped with a Quick Shift system, but only for upshifting.
Yamaha has developed the R7 with a slim and lightweight frame, which in part contributes to an ultra-responsive handling and excellent cornering maneuverability.
In combination with a fully adjustable 41mm KYB-made front suspension, it will also have to be deployable on the track.
The rear suspension is also fully adjustable, with link-type Monocross mounted horizontally, closer to the bike's center of gravity.
Stopping power is accomplished with radial-mount 4-piston calipers and radial Brembo master cylinder.
The dashboard is disappointingly a backlite LCD screen and not a TFTP screen as we are used to with the R1. However, all information is available, beautifully executed and clearly visible, including gear indicator.
Roadworthy, this bike weighs only 188kg and together with its compact dimensions it can rightfully bear the title of Supersport.
The Yamaha R7 MY22 will be available in 2 colors, Icon Blue and Yamaha Black and delivery starts around October 2021 with a price tag below 10,000 euros, which is a lot cheaper than the Aprilia RS660.
That is the closest competitor with a hefty price tag, but also 30 hp more ...
