Top 5 Key Aspects Of the YZF-R7, Yamaha’s Latest Mid-capacity Weapon

Yamaha has taken wraps off its latest mid-capacity sports bike, the YZF-R7. Here are its top five aspects: 

Edgy From Head To Toe 

The R7 might be an all-new offering but it looks right in line with Yamaha’s existing (and discontinued) R-badged offerings, thanks to its radical fascia featuring fang-like LED DRLs and the Yamaha M1-inspired air intake. Between the air intake is the R7’s exclusive single-pod projector headlamp, a first for the R lineup. Moving forward, its new fuel tank and fairings compliment the sharp appeal, giving it a hot summer bod. At the tail end, its resemblance to the R6 becomes more significant, thanks to the similar taillight and seat along with the aerodynamic spoilers.

Fully Featured Yet Not Overloaded

The R7’s feature list comprises all-LED illumination and a digital LCD instrument cluster. While the fully digital dash and LED lighting are a step up from the R6, many modern electronics aids are missing from here. What you do get is a slip and assist clutch along with an optional upshift- only quickshifter. 

Tractable Powertrain

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As revealed by leaked documents, the new Yamaha R7 is powered by a 689cc, twin-cylinder motor churning out 73.4PS at 8750rpm and 67Nm at 6500rpm, borrowed from the Yamaha MT-07. This should result in a versatile motorcycle, ideal for the city as well as occasional track days. The powerhouse is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch (a first for this motor). As compared to its outright rivals, the Aprilia RS 660 and the Honda CBR650R, the 2021 R7 suffers a 21PS and 14PS deficit, respectively. 

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Track-friendly Equipment

Nowadays, we’re used to seeing manufacturers go the sports tourer way with their mid-capacity bikes. Luckily, Yamaha has stayed true to its R badge. The Yamaha R7 features low clip-on handlebars and high rear-set footpegs, probably drawn from the R6, that should result in an aggressive seating position.

Further, to enhance the riding experience, Yamaha has thrown in a fully adjustable 41mm KYB USD fork up front coupled with an adjustable monoshock at the rear. Twin 298mm radial discs and a radial 245mm disc perform the braking duties, while the whole package rides on 17-inch rims shod with grippy Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport rubber.

Bang-for-buck?

Now, the YZF-R7 might not ever make it to India because Yamaha India is weirdly focused on smaller bikes here, but it is priced very competitively in the US. At $9,000 (Rs 6.7 lakh), it undercuts the Honda CBR650R by $700 (Rs 50,000) and the RS 660 by a massive $4,000 (Rs 2.9 lakh). If there’s even a slight glimmer of hope this comes to India at such pricing, we’re sure it’ll cause a storm in our market! But realistically speaking, we expect the Yamaha R7’s Indian price to be around Rs 10 lakh-12 lakh (ex-showroom).