2022 Yamaha YZF-R7

With the tractable engine seen in the Ténéré 700 and MT-07, the R7 is a well-balanced machine for a great time at the track. It has confidence-boosting characteristics that make it appropriate for riders ranging in skill level.

The new Yamaha YZF-R7 is the bLU cRU’s answer to the sales slump in the middleweight sportbike category. It houses the same 689cc parallel twin seen in the Ténéré 700 and MT-07, but is a fully faired and sport-focused option that replaces the outgoing R6.

This is a new model for the 2022 model year.

The YZF-R7′s competition includes Aprilia’s RS 660, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s SV650, Kawasaki’s Ninja 650, and Honda’s CBR650R.

The fun-loving, tractable 689cc parallel-twin engine and six-speed transmission make its way into the R7. The YZF-R7-specific slipper/assist clutch is claimed to reduce clutch pull by 20 percent. The lack of positive shift feel during gear changes is one gripe our test rider had during testing. And while power figures are not currently recorded, the MT-07 was run on the dyno and produced 67 peak horsepower and 46 pound-feet of torque and the R7 is expected to make the same. In his first ride review, Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert commented on the engine saying, “The power delivery is broad, the speed is exciting without being intimidating, and without massive horsepower to fall back on, rider skill in carrying corner speed is necessary to making good time. Smooth is fast.”

Differentiating the R7 chassis from the MT-07 are slightly revised dimensions, specifically, the rake is now 23.7 degrees, trail is 3.5 inches, and triple clamp offset is now 35mm. Overall this shortens the wheelbase by 5mm. Aluminum braces at the swingarm pivot increase torsional rigidity as well. Gilbert reported that the chassis “boosts confidence in a way even track-prepped MT-07s couldn’t. At a claimed 414 pounds fully fueled, the YZF-R7 is 8 pounds heavier than the MT, but is more nimble and more than willing to tackle quick side-to-side transitions and midcorner corrections. It also does so without requiring serious upper body strength to capitalize on its sporty handling”

The R7 features a newly designed Brembo master cylinder paired with Advics radial-mounted calipers and 298mm discs at the front. 245mm discs are located out back. Nonswitchable ABS comes standard. Braking performance is reported to be strong, but feel at the lever struggles to precisely communicate brake pressure, Gilbert wrote.

Yamaha claims that this supersport racks in 58 mpg from the 3.4-gallon fuel tank.

According to Yamaha, the R7 is the slimmest in its sportbike lineup. Gilbert concurred on its narrowness in his report: “It’s tight between the legs and an appropriate fit for my racer-sized 5-foot-7-inch frame. The aggressive control position is also favorable; modeled after the outgoing YZF-R6, the lower stance is sporty and allows the R7 to be hustled underneath you, while the clip-on handlebars are positioned slightly higher to reduce fatigue, a positive for everyday street riding.”

LED lighting is found at both the front and the rear and a new LCD dash displays information such as gear position, fuel capacity, real time and average fuel economy, water temp, clock, speed-, tach-, and odometers all operated from handlebar switches.

The R7 has a one-year limited factory warranty.

Quality is as you would expect from Yamaha. The R7 offers a balance of power and an approachability that makes it a fitting replacement for the outgoing R6.