UPDATE: Here’s my review!
The R6 is dead. Long live…the R7? Motorcycle.com was the first to break that the R7 was coming back, but it’s not an update of the homologation special R7 from 20 years ago. This time around it’s a sportbike with the 698cc parallel-twin engine found in the MT-07, XSR700, and Tenere 700. Yamaha believes that middleweight sportbike sales are suffering because they’re getting too expensive (and most riders don’t get anywhere close to what the R6 was capable of anyway), so they “want to be part of the solution, not the problem” with a detuned sportbike that costs just $8,999.
The main question is, did Yamaha just take the MT-07 chassis and slap some bodywork on it, or did they go a bit further? The short answer is the latter, and I’ll get into the details in my First Ride Review next week – but check out the press release below if you want some info ASAP.
Yamaha is positioning this as a bike that’s at home on the street and on the track, and they’re giving me a chance to test the latter because today I’m at Atlanta Motorsports Park to give it a try.
Pictured: Not Me
What do you want to know about the new R7? Check out the press release below or the new model website (might not be live yet depending on when you click) and let me know your questions/thoughts in the comments! I can answer certain questions today in the comments, but “editorial” thoughts will have to wait till my review next week…
Yamaha Unveils All-New 2022 YZF-R7 Supersport Motorcycle
Yamaha’s Proven CP2 Engine Joins the Next Generation of R World
MARIETTA, GA. – May 18, 2021 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the all-new 2022 YZF-R7 as the latest model in the company’s Supersport motorcycle segment. Built from the ground up with a sleek ultra-thin lightweight chassis powered by Yamaha’s proven 700cc-class CP2 engine, and enhanced with track-focused supersport features, the R7 embodies the R-Series’ rich history of aggressive performance and racing dominance.
R World is Calling
Yamaha has a rich heritage of building the most sought after Supersport motorcycles designed to deliver the pinnacle of performance on and off the track. From the rider-friendly YZF-R3 to the exclusive and track-focused YZF-R1M, the Yamaha R-series model lineup provides options for riders of all skill levels to experience the pure exhilaration of R World. The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 bridges the gap between the entry-level YZF-R3 and the prestigious YZF-R1, offering a midlevel option for both new riders looking to grow into a more powerful motorcycle, as well as experienced riders seeking a fully-faired motorcycle with Supersport performance that fits within their budget. With a unique package of performance, price and sporty styling, the R7 is true to its R-Series DNA and the lineup’s aspirational history of racing success.
All-New YZF-R7
The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 delivers proven power, a narrow chassis, and new styling that reflects the exhilarating next-generation of R World. It is packed with a range of features that include an engaging 689cc CP2 engine, a slim and lightweight frame with excellent aerodynamics, an inverted front fork with excellent front-end feel, and a racing-inspired cockpit with a supersport rider position.
689cc CP2 Engine
YZF-R7 uses Yamaha’s proven 689cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC CP2 engine, giving the rider a feeling of a direct connection from the throttle to the rear wheel. Forged aluminum pistons with direct-plated cylinders integrated with the crankcase makes for lighter weight and excellent strength at higher temperatures, ensuring reliability at higher rpm. The crossplane engine’s 270-degree crank provides an uneven firing sequence with a more characterful exhaust note that emphasizes torquey acceleration and linear power delivery for outstanding response at all engine speeds. Additionally, the R7 has an optimized secondary gear ratio that creates an exhilarating ride and a sporty feel.
Ultra-Narrow Lightweight Chassis
The YZF-R7’s ultra-narrow, high-strength steel frame provides excellent rigidity for a sporty and responsive ride by mounting aluminum center braces near the swingarm pivot which improve torsional rigidity.
Rake, trail, and wheelbase dimensions have also been optimized for superb handling while cornering on a race track or a twisty section of pavement. The narrow, lightweight frame design has resulted in the slimmest bodywork found in Yamaha’s Supersport lineup and reduces air resistance while incorporating the rider’s body into its design.
Sporty New Suspension
The 2022 YZF-R7 features an inverted KYB 41mm front fork with optimized spring rate and damping settings for an excellent front-end feel during cornering and braking. The product-specific settings make for easy and predictable behavior, with a stiff feel for twisty roads and racetracks. The fork is fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping force. The inverted KYB front forks are mounted to the steering tube via a forged aluminum lower triple clamp, and a gravity-cast aluminum upper triple clamp.
A linked-type Monocross single-shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping strikes a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance for capability across a wide range of uses, from urban commuting to track days. The rear shock unit is mounted horizontally, fastened to the crankcase for efficient use of space and weight, contributing to mass centralization and further enhancing the bike’s compact size.
Potent Braking Power
The 2022 YZF-R7 is equipped with a new radial brake master cylinder from Brembo. This new Brembo radial master cylinder provides a more linear supply of hydraulic pressure to the radial mounted-mounted, 4 POT front brake calipers creating excellent controllability and stopping power through dual 298mm front brake rotors.
Comfort-Focused Racing-Inspired Cockpit
The YZF-R7’s new racing-inspired cockpit puts the rider in a comfortable and confidence-inspiring position that evokes an eagerness to ride. A comfortable new seat with material and cushioning used in the YZF-R1, combined with new low-profile fuel tank covers with deep knee pockets for optimal hip and knee positioning gives the rider freedom to adjust positions while also providing a firmly planted feel when leaned over and a sturdy body hold under braking. Separate clip-on handlebars are set in relation to the rider’s hips and footpeg positions for an aggressive position allowing the rider to naturally grip the machine with confidence, especially when tucking behind the windscreen on twisty roads or on the racetrack.
New LCD Instruments
The 2022 YZF-R7 features a new full LCD instrument panel. The high-contrast negative dashboard and its compact and lightweight multifunction display with larger displays for the clock, gear, trip meters and tachometer provide clear information. The use of spot color gives anaccent for the high-rpm range display –and new handlebar switches enables the rider to operate the meter more easily and efficiently.
New LED Lighting
The iconic R-Series M-shaped intake duct and twin-eye front design of the new YZF-R7 houses an adaptive bi-functional LED headlight. The R7 is also equipped with a new LED taillight and front and rear turn signals. Light and compact, the new LED lighting complements the next-generation style of the bike and reinforces the premium specification of the Supersport class. Not only do the LEDs offer long life with minimal power draw, they provide brilliant illumination for confidence and visibility day or night.
2022 YZF-R7 Key Features
•689cc crossplane technology CP2 engine
•270-degree crankshaft for linearpower delivery
•First Assist and Slipper clutch on a CP2 model
•Optional Quick Shift System for smooth upshifts
•Comfortable rider position for excellent handling
•Lightweight frame tuned for rigidity balance
•Slim proportions for aerodynamics and control
•Inverted front fork with excellent front-end feel
•Rear shock absorber with model-specific settings
•Radial master cylinder (by Brembo) and radial-mount brake calipers
•New LED headlight, taillight and front and rear turn signals
•Next-generation colors and graphics
Performance Black
Team Yamaha Blue
The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 will arrive at authorized Yamaha dealers beginning in June 2021 and will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and Performance Black color schemes for $8,999 MSRP. To learn more about the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/supersport/models/yzf-r7. (might not be live yet depending on when you click)