Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
[[{“value”:”The 2024 Yamaha YZF-R7 ($9,199). (Yamaha/)OverviewThe middleweight twins category has always been one of the best-kept secrets in motorcycling. Or maybe it wasn’t a secret; legendary machines like the Suzuki SV650 and Kawasaki Ninja 650 quietly proved they could be unintimidating as needed for newer riders but plenty of fun for seasoned motorcyclists looking for an affordable, practical, and capable bike that was a great training tool for aspiring track riders.Yamaha’s YZF-R7 is an extension of that concept. Introduced in 2022, it combines Yamaha’s sportbike-building prowess with the lovable 689cc parallel twin plucked from the MT-07. Importantly, it does this while sticking with traditional sportbike ergonomics and styling cues, which give it a more aggressive appearance than the street-oriented sportbike competition.The YZF-R7 is also available in black or a Matte Gray color (shown). (Yamaha/)The aforementioned 689cc twin has double-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Bore and stroke is 80.0 x 68.6mm with compression ratio coming in at 11.5:1. When strapped to Cycle World’s in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the unchanged 2024 version made 64.8 hp at 8,500 rpm and 44.5 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm.Peak power may be modest, but the smooth delivery and remarkably flat torque curve means the engine is flexible. You’ll shift the bike quite a bit to keep up with higher-horsepower competition like the Suzuki GSX-8R, Triumph Daytona 660, and Aprilia RS 660, but the power deficit doesn’t tell the whole story; this is a character-rich engine that easily lifts the front wheel and sounds incredible with an aftermarket exhaust.Yamaha’s CP2 twin might lack the top-end performance of some of the competition, but it’s still an incredibly entertaining package on a tight canyon road. (Yamaha/)Geometry is unique compared to Yamaha’s MT-07, highlighting the R7′s sportier intent. Rake is 23.7 degrees, trail is 3.5 inches, and triple clamp offset is now 35mm. This shortens the wheelbase by 5mm. Aluminum braces at the swingarm pivot increase torsional rigidity as well.The bike weighed 418 pounds (wet) on Cycle World’s scales, which undercuts most of the similarly spec’d competition and gives the R7 a sense of agility the others can’t offer. It turns into a corner with minimal effort and flicks from side to side with ease, making it an easy bike to ride in the canyons or at the track. A fully adjustable fork and shock with rebound and preload adjustment enables you to tune settings for your riding style, something not all bikes in the class offer. Brakes aren’t the same as you’ll find on a modern superbike, but four-piston radial-mount calipers and 298mm discs at the front are up to the task and are aided by a Brembo master cylinder. Nice parts!Electronics aren’t the R7’s thing. There are no ride modes or electronic rider aids, meaning there’s not much to adjust through this LCD display. The display is tucked into the front fairing and covered by a few wires, meaning it can be hard to see at times. (Yamaha/)The rest of the R7 package can be considered a sacrifice or just right, depending on your tastes. There are no ride modes or traction control, which helps the bike maintain a sense of simplicity, but that means there’s no electronic support when the pace picks up. Low-mounted clip-ons and traditional sportbike ergonomics mean the riding position is aggressive enough to be uncomfortable during long rides, but feel natural and correct at the track.Put simply, compared to the street-oriented competition, the R7 isn’t afraid to show its sportbike inspirations. And despite the power disadvantage compared to the competition, this is an incredibly fun and stylish entry into the new middleweight streetbike category.The R7’s 418-pound measured wet weight and agile chassis makes it an entertaining mount for canyon roads or trackdays. (Yamaha/)Pricing and VariantsNo up-spec M models here. The YZF-R7 is available in standard trim only, for $9,199. Color options include Team Yamaha Blue, Raven (black), and Matte Gray.Competition<a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/honda/cbr650r/”><b>Honda CBR650R, $9,899</b></a><a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki-gsx-8r-first-ride/”><b>Suzuki GSX-8R, $9,439</b></a><a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/triumph/daytona-660/”><b>Triumph Daytona 660, $9,195</b></a><a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/aprilia/rs-660/”><b>Aprilia RS 660, $11,549</b></a><a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/kawasaki-ninja-650-2023/”><b>Kawasaki Ninja 650, $8,299 to $8,899</b></a>News and Reviews<a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2022-yamaha-yzf-r7-first-ride-review/”><b>2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 First Ride Review</b></a><a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/yamaha-yzf-r7-dyno-test-2022/”><b>How Much Power Does the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Make?</b></a><a href=”https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki-gsx-8r-vs-triumph-daytona-660-vs-yamaha-yzf-r7-comparison-test/”><b>Suzuki GSX-8R vs. Triumph Daytona 660 vs. Yamaha YZF-R7</b></a>While other bikes in the new middleweight sportbike category prioritize upright ergonomics and more mellow lines, the R7 wears Yamaha’s supersport with pride. (Yamaha/)2024 Yamaha YZF-R7 Claimed Specs
MSRP:
$9,199
Engine:
DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:
689cc
Bore x Stroke:
80.0 x 68.6mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Fuel System:
Fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate assist/slipper
Frame:
Tubular-steel double backbone
Front Suspension:
41mm KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
KYB shock, spring preload and rebound adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake:
4-piston Advics calipers, dual 298mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
1-piston Nissin caliper, 245mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
17 in./17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Rake/Trail:
23.7°/3.5 in.
Wheelbase:
54.9 in.
Ground Clearance:
5.3 in.
Seat Height:
32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.4 gal.
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight:
418 lb.
Contact:
yamahamotorsports.com”}]]
