Yamaha has officially revealed its new MT-07-based supersports bike, which comes with an important heritage tag for the brand, namely R7, in honour of the homologation-special YZF-R7 from 1999.
This sees the discontinuation of the iconic R6 moniker, with the R7 taking up the role of stepping stone from the LAMS-approved R3 and the biggie in the range, the R1.
The R7 gets the 689cc parallel twin CP2 engine from the MT-07. Performance figures see the same numbers as that of the MT-07, with 54kW at 8750rpm and 67Nm at 6000rpm.
There’s a revised ECU, new air intakes, a new exhaust and changed fuel mapping.The R7 has a shorter gear ratio in second while a new slipper clutch prevents over-revving or rear wheel hop on aggressive downshifts and is 33 per cent lighter at the lever. There’s an optional quickshifter that can be retrofitted.
The geometry of the R7 remains similar to the MT with a 5mm shorter wheelbase and a steeper head angle. Brakes have been upgraded, with radial calipers on twin discs offering a premium setup over that of the MT-07.
Ergos have been given special attention with Yamaha saying the riding position has been designed to be ‘sporty yet adaptable’, and the fairing has been designed to mimic the MotoGP bike.
Weight is 188kg, 4kg more than the naked bike; that’s down to that fairing.
The full-power R7, as well as a 655cc LAMS version of the bike will land in December at a very competitive $14,999 and $13,999, respectively. Sales competition in the segment sees the bike pitted against the Aprilia RS 660, but the R7 arrives with a hefty price advantage (the Aprilia is $17,990 LAMS and $18,490 for the full-power version).
Snag’s career in motoring journalism spans 29 years with stints at major bike mags Australian Road Rider, Motorcycle Trader and AMCN along with contributions to just about every other outlet worth a hill of beans. He was editor of Unique Cars magazine and hosts his legendary podcast ‘Snag Says’ when he gets off his date.
