When Yamaha start talking about how long the R-Series models have been around it makes some of us (me) feel a little old. The Yamaha R1 has been ridden by thousands of us for over two decades at this stage. The R6 is still the short circuit riders bike of choice, just ask Nicole Lynch, and the rest of the range including the R3 and the R125 continue to introduce younger riders to the best of Yamaha's sports bike range.
Indeed the company has been very busy over the last number of years putting out new machines and updating established ones. Now there’s a new addition to the range that’s going to do even more to welcome a whole new generation of riders into this world of ‘R’ machines. Yamaha have now launched a new fast, agile and very easy on the eye, sports bike. The new bike is the R7. It has been designed to offer sports performance with plenty of everyday fun.
This one is once again propelled by the lively 689cc CP2 engine that we’ve come to know and love from the MT 07. It’s fitted with an A&S clutch via which it provides torque-rich acceleration. This promises to provide the rider with an exciting riding experience on both the track as well as on road road.
At first glance this bike is such an R series machine. It’s incredibly narrow and aerodynamic bodywork features that aggressive twin-eye face with a powerful central LED headlight. Meanwhile the sharp tail and the wonderfully shaped tank just shout out their intentions for speed and handling. This is only added to when we note the new R7’s high specification brakes and suspension. After all, what us is power without control?
The frontal area of the Yamaha R7 is the smallest of all the R-Series models. It has been specifically built this way to ensure the very highest levels of aerodynamic efficiency. Meanwhile clip-on handlebars, rear sets and a bump-stop seat give the rider an adaptable and sporty riding position. This outstanding next generation supersport machine has what it takes not just for the track, but also for the road.
The whole affair is powered by that high-torque 689cc CP2 engine. The A&S clutch offers increased controllability while the lightweight frame has been fine-tuned for chassis rigidity without adding unnecessary weight. The suspension is also up to a high standard with an adjustable link-type rear shock which are complimented with a set of fully-adjustable inverted 41mm front forks.
The lightweight ten spoke cast wheels host a set of radially-mounted front brake calipers. These don’t just work well, they also look really, really good! There are a selection of bits from Yamaha including levers and protectors for track and road use which are made for the Japanese giant by Gilles Tooling. Very nice indeed! There is also an optional quick shift system for seamless upshifts.
With this new Yamaha R7 the promise is pure supersport design with exciting real-world performance at an accessible price. Talk to your local Yamaha dealer about price and delivery times…
