Yamaha has globally revealed its all-new YZF-R7 middleweight faired sports bike that has come as a successor model to the iconic track weapon Yamaha R6 model. Priced at USD 8,999 (around Rs 6.80 lakh), the new Yamaha YZF-R7 will be positioned between the R3 and the flagship R1 in the brand’s global portfolio. It will be first launched in Europe in June this year, followed by the United States.
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Yamaha YZF-R7 – Engine
Powering the YZF-R7 is a 689cc parallel-twin Euro5-compliant motor that also propels the MT-07 naked streetfighter. Paired to a 6-speed transmission, this engine belts out 73.4PS at 8750rpm and 67Nm at 6500rpm. It also gets a slip-&-assist clutch and an optional quick shifter (upshift only). While the engine output is quite low against R6's 118PS 599cc inline-four cylinder engine, the peak power output now comes quite earlier which makes it more aggressive on the tracks. Besides, Yamaha has also optimized its secondary gear ratio that intensifies its sporty character.
Yamaha YZF-R7 – Design & Features
Design-wise, the 2022 Yamaha RZF-R7 takes inspiration from both the R6 and R1. That said, it gets aggressively styled front fairing with twin LED DRLs and a single pod LED projector headlamp, positioned right in the middle of Yamaha M1-inspired air intakes. It also gets a relatively bigger windscreen than the Yamaha R6.
The chiseled side fairing & fuel tank of the R7 look relatively sportier than the R6; however, the tail section of the bike resembles the inline-four screamer, highlighting a compact exhaust and a high-positioned split seat with aerodynamics spoilers.
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As for features, the R7 comes equipped with an all-LED lighting system, high rear-set footpegs, low-slung clip-on handlebar, and a fully digital LCD instrument cluster.
Yamaha YZF-R7 – Color Options
Yamaha has offered the 2022 R7 in two color choices – Raven Black and Team Yamaha Blue. The latter will come with signature blue alloy wheels.
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Yamaha YZF-R7 – Underpinnings & Other Specifications
The Yamaha YZF-R7 is based on the modified version of MT-07's chassis, instead of the R6's tried-&-tested twin-spar frame. That's probably for more easy-going mounting of the engine. However, distinct from the MT-07, the R7 sprung on 41mm KYB upside-down forks at the front and a mono-shock setup at the rear. Both these suspensions come with preload & rebound adjustability. Braking duties are taken care of by dual 298mm discs at the front with radially-mounted four-pot calipers and a single 245mm disc at the rear, assisted by a dual-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS). The bike rides on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires with 120/70 front and 180/55 rear-section profiles.
At 188kg, the R7 weighs 4kg more than the MT streetfighter.
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Competitors
In the global market, the Yamaha YZF-R7 will fight against the Aprilia RS 660 and Honda CBR650R.
Will Yamaha launch it in India?
Yamaha is unlikely to bring the YZF-R7 to India. However, potential Indian buyers eyeing a mid-capacity sportier tourer motorcycle can go with the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Honda CBR650R.