The Yamaha R7 – Next Generation Supersport

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When trying out a new bike, most of the time I try not to look at specs or model information. I like to discover each motorcycle by first riding at least once, to then inform myself about the particularities of it. Sometimes my initial intuition is confirmed and sometimes I am completely surprised by one or more elements of the bike.

Today, it is the new Yamaha R7 that I have the pleasure of riding and testing. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I thought to myself two things: Wow & Why a 700?

However, it was without research and with complete curiosity that I took possession of the magnificent Yamaha R7 2022.

Several years ago, when I rode a CBR600, the Yamaha R6 was quite a war machine. Very powerful, with an aggressive geometry focused on track use. The R6 and R1 were, and still are, synonymous with supersport, racing and class leaders.

The model that I have the chance to try today is a splendid blue and matte black. As soon as I get on the R7, the Yamaha racing heritage is there. This is when I am immediately surprised by two things.

First surprise :

The first surprise I had was as soon as the engine started. That’s definitely not the sound of a in-line four! Well, no, the R7 comes with a CP2 engine, which is also found on the MT-07. This one, which I had also tried last year and which I had really appreciated. And I must admit that I didn’t see this one coming. I grew up in the motorcycle world with a very particular sound of supersport motorcycles that can be recognized for miles away!

Second surprise :

Like other Yamaha 700s, you won’t find any technology on the Yamaha R7. You will find a cable throttle, no driving mode, no wheelie control or suspension system control. Although the engine and transmission are state-of-the-art, we as pilots have no direct control. One of the only distinctions might be that the front suspension is adjustable.

Here we go!

Now it’s time to see how this 2-cylinder engine behaves on a supersport model. The Yamaha CP2 engine has adequate power, less horsepower than the R6 but torquier… It takes some getting used to at first, at least in my case, but I quickly realize the potential of this setup.

This engine configuration makes it a more accessible motorcycle to start in the world of sport motorcycling. It allows a wider use of rpm and power without being “forced” to rev at very high rpm.

The 6-speed transmission comes with a slipper clutch and an optional QSS quick-release system. The gear changes are smooth even when our driving is not…

Driving

The riding position is aggressive, I recognize Yamaha’s sport signature. From the first ride, I will work some muscles that normally would be at rest on other motorcycles… If the YZF-R7 is your first bike in this category, you will certainly have to get used to it too.

The bike is very smooth to ride, the geometry is precise which makes it a great platform in itself. The Yamaha R7 is powerful and very pleasant to drive even in town with a power of 75hp and 50lb-ft. It is all in all light and very manageable. Thanks to the possible adjustment of the front and rear suspension, it will be easy to change the settings for daily driving and track days on the weekend.

The inverted front fork accompanied by a Brembo brake system makes it an easy bike to push hard with confidence. I love being able to enjoy solid braking front and rear and have absolute control over the bike.

Good to know

Although the look, performance and ride are exceptional, there are still a few points noteworthy. One of these is the 13-liter gas tank. Personally, I find it a little small and I would have preferred a 15–16-liter tank, but that’s not a defect either, as much as it’s good to know.

Second thing to mention, the passenger seat. It is obvious that the R7 is not designed with a passenger in mind, that said, the space reserved for this one is very limited. In addition, the rear fins, which are almost the same height as the bench, make the whole thing precarious in my humble opinion. I also anticipate a lot of cover (seat fairing) added on this model, which must be said, will add even more to the radical look of the next generation R-series styling of Yamaha.

In Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed the Yamaha YZF-R7, from the looks to the engine to the overall ride. It is a solid and powerful motorcycle, which must be honest, will be easy to exploit and enjoy daily and not only on the track partly thanks to the CP2 engine of 689cc which brings a different and tameable behavior. A great success for Yamaha Motors, that we take the time to thank for making this event possible.

Available in three colors, you will have to decide between white, blue, or black, a choice that will not be that easy!

Jean-Sébastien Mackay
Knuckle / LeCarnetMoto.com