The Yamaha R7, isn't that a bodybuilder who 'leg-day' always skips? More looks than substance? We figured it out for you!
The Yamaha R7, there was one before, but it can hardly be compared to the Yamaha R7 that we see here before us. That Yamaha codenamed OW02 had a 749cc 4-cylinder block that effortlessly squeezed out more than 100hp in 1999. Limited to 500 pieces, you can now pay serious money for it. Some people call that a Collectable..
But the 2021 Yamaha R7 (690cc, 2 cylinder), that is Yamaha's brave attempt to breathe new life into the affordable Supersport segment, with a not too heavy twin cylinder. Just like Aprilia does this successfully with the RS660. For a good impression of the bike on the street but also on the track, watch the video below!
But we would also like to give you the summary in text.
Yes, I myself have a Yamaha MT-07 (for full disclosure), that's what this R7 is based on. So I was the first to look for the differences and similarities.
Of course, the bodywork stands out, compared to the naked bike that is the MT-07. But also the Full-LED lighting, the Kayaba 41mm USD front fork and Nissin radial brake calipers that are linked to a thick Brembo master cylinder. The well-known MT07 block gets an optional quickshifter (for upshifts worth €165). The frame has been modified, resulting in a shorter wheelbase. Just to give everything away, this is also just an MT-07 that brakes, shifts, steers much better and on which you sit more sporty!
Yamaha R7 on the street
The test took place in and around Almeria (Spain). Here a motorcycle has to be very bad not to have fun. There is even space in this area to install a 200hp engine ‘free’ to leave on the street. But we are with the R7 with its 73 horsepower. And yet we never have the feeling that we are falling short. The bicycle section convinces with stability and steering sharpness.
The bike weighs a small 188kg roadworthy and can be easily laid flat without you sitting on the Yamaha with your buttocks squeezed when accelerating. The modest power doesn't mean wheelies are impossible and yes, it pulls smoothly towards 200 km/h. It's just all a lot more accessible and better to manage than with many other sporty motorcycles.
The reasonably folded seating position takes revenge on the street. Your knees are very high and the saddle is quite uncomfortable. Perhaps Yamaha is taking the hardcore route too much here and a compromise would have been more desirable for many potential buyers.
Yamaha R7 on the track
On the circuit (Circuito de Andaluci) I am less bothered by the extreme sitting position and the suspension setup also deserves a positive mention. The R7 is the epitome of 'Less is more'. Once we've got through the circuit, it's fun. The R7 excels in forgiveness. Both in terms of steering and braking, as well as in terms of torque to get you going again when you come out of the bend.
It's important to show commitment on this track, so maintain cornering speed, accelerate very early and brake later than late. The combination of limited (but very linear and accessible) power with a chassis that clearly shows its limits is the ideal recipe for a lot of fun and sensations and in that respect Yamaha gets 10/10 for me
So what? Yamaha R7 are we missing the horsepower?
All this has a price, of course, and that is not disappointing. € 10,299 in the Netherlands and due to the absence of BPM he can already join in Belgium for € 9,299. Not free but in my opinion a lot of value for money! And no, definitely not a disabled athlete with too little power!
What stood out positively?
- Price/quality
- brilliant engine
- sharp handling
What could be better?
- extreme sitting position for the street
- Dashboard deserves color tft (hello, it's almost 2022!)
- bragging rights (horsepower shortage compared to competition.. ?)
text + photos: Maxxmoto.be