My first thoughts on Yamaha’s new YZF-R7, or R7 in short, which has been introduced as the R6 becomes a track only weapon, ostensibly filling the gap in the supersport category.
But is the R7 really a R6 replacement? Almost certainly not, and that’s an unfortunate comparison which doesn’t do the R7 any favours, and is likely to lead to disappointment for anyone going in with that assumption.
The R7 is a road orientated sportsbike, with committed ergos, but a far more usable overall package for the road, than you realistically get on other pure supersport machines. Most of which are peaky, offer 120-130 hp and in their favour also provide rider aid packages.
The R7 does offer the full sportsbike ergonomic, however it’s powered by the CP2 parallel-twin running a 270 degree crank, up-spec suspension – if not fully adjustable, a pretty decent brake package but not Brembos and lacks any electronics but ABS.
Certainly not deal breakers for those who like a more basic machine, or prefer no electronics, which is reflected in the pricing. Carried across from the popular MT-07 is a great handling, fun and very accessible option however.
I’ve got a full review on the way, but the R7 ticked all the boxes for me, with the only real disappointment being a lack of exhaust note, which is a common complain on these modern machines, due to Euro5 requirements. An aftermarket exhaust will no doubt solve that issue though.
