Yamaha’s R-line of bikes brings the sports activities/race method to completely different worth factors, from the entry-level R125 (made for Asian markets) to the wheelie-popping 200-horsepower R1. We want Yamaha’s naming division have been pretty much as good as Yamaha’s engineering. The R1 is the quickest, R9 comes subsequent, adopted by R7 and eventually the R3. The R7 is comparatively new to the R-series, launched in 2022, meant as a religious successor to the Yamaha R6; it’s barely slower than the previous middleweight champion.
Its CP2 twin-cylinder engine, borrowed from the MT-07, produces 72 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque. That is 50 horses lower than its predecessor’s 122, so its high pace is rated at round 130 mph, in comparison with the R6’s 162 mph. For many who prefer to max out each gear fully, the R7 can obtain 25.6 mph at 5,000 rpm in first gear, in line with MotoStatz. Since pace scales linearly with RPM, we are able to do some simple arithmetic to seek out that the theoretical high pace in first gear at 10,500 rpm can be about 53 mph. That means the 0-60 shouldn’t be potential within the R7 in first gear. For reference, the utmost pace of R6 on first gear is a whopping 72 mph, due to its insane rev restrict of 14,500 rpm, a complete 4,000 rpm greater than the R7.
How does the R7 stack up in opposition to its Rivals?
With a price ticket of $9,399, the R7 would not sound very “reasonably priced,” however given the hovering costs, gone are the times of sub-$10,000 absolutely specced middleweights. Let’s begin with its closest rival, the Ninja 650. It’s barely cheaper than the R7 and delivers comparable energy, however riders complain about its upright commuter-style driving place, smooth suspension, and total much less sporty journey. The Honda CBR650R is one other strong alternative, that includes a high-revving inline-four producing 94 horsepower. Nonetheless, it’s heavier, lacks the most recent tech options, and would not deal with as sharply as an R7.
The place the Yamaha R7 really shines is on the monitor. It is probably not essentially the most highly effective bike in its phase, however it delivers real track-ready options like a 6-axis IMU and absolutely adjustable KYB suspension. The one bike on this worth bracket that provides a noticeably higher monitor expertise is the Aprilia RS 660; nonetheless, it is considerably dearer at $11,799 for the bottom variant and nonetheless has to show its long-term reliability. The R7’s CP2 engine, then again, has been in manufacturing for years and is understood to be bulletproof. Plus, the Aprilia’s 105 horsepower is not precisely newbie pleasant. In line with riders, The R7 is without doubt one of the finest sport bike choices for riders who need strong efficiency whereas nonetheless retaining issues beginner-friendly and approachable.
Moreover, Yamaha additionally provides a extra commuter-focused model of the R7 known as the MT-07, minus the R-styling, sportier driving place, and track-ready options. The MT-07 can be a wonderful different for somebody in search of most bang for buck efficiency and would not wish to swap to a different model.
