Overnight Yamaha have released a mid-range sportsbike using the CP2 engine and paying homage to the famous inline-four YZF-R7 of the late 1990s and early 2000s, have named it the YZF-R7! It’s the bike we have all wanted, so let’s dig deeper and take a look!
We can expect the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 here in December this year and we will be testing the bike mid December.
The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 is the latest model in Yamaha’s supersport segment. Built from the ground up with a sleek ultra-thin lightweight chassis powered by Yamaha’s proven CP2 engine, and enhanced with track-focused supersport features, Yamaha say the R7 embodies Yamaha’s rich history of aggressive performance and racing dominance.
The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 will join the high-tech Aprilia RS 660 as this new mid-capacity street supersport class develops. The CP2 engine is ideal for this application and the bike is looking promising on paper/specification.
The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 bridges the gap between the entry-level YZF-R3 and the prestigious YZF-R1, offering a mid-level option for both new riders looking to grow into a more powerful motorcycle, as well as experienced riders seeking a sportsbike with supersport performance that fits within their budget. With a unique package of performance, price and sporty styling, the R7 is true to its R-Series DNA and the lineup’s aspirational history of racing success.
The new model comes in two formats – a Learner Approved 655cc LA model with an engine tuned to maximise Australia’s LAMs limit and a high output 689cc HO model. Yamaha say that the all-new 2022 YZF-R7 delivers proven power, a narrow chassis, and new styling that reflects the exhilarating next-generation of R World. It is packed with a range of features that include an engaging 689/655cc CP2 engine, a slim and lightweight frame with excellent aerodynamics, an inverted front fork with supreme front-end feel, and a racing-inspired cockpit with a supersport rider position!
Who can forget Nori Haga the ‘Sultan of Slide’ and his legendary antics on the amazing 2000 season Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 Factory World Superbike? Nori and the bike are completely legendary. It’s great to see the R7 name back again!
The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 will be available from December 2021 with both models in Team Yamaha Blue or Performance Black colour schemes. The HO model is able to be fitted with an optional Quick Shift System (QSS) for seamless upshifts.
Ride away pricing for the new models will be $13,999 for the learner approved LA model and $14,999 for the high output HO model. We will be riding the YZF-R7 at the Australian Media Launch in December, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here are all the details you need to know about this exciting new model.
The Mighty Yamaha 689/655cc CP2 Engine
YZF-R7 uses Yamaha’s proven liquid-cooled, four- stroke, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC CP2 engine. Forged aluminium pistons with direct-plated cylinders integrated with the crankcase makes for lighter weight and excellent strength at higher temperatures, ensuring reliability at higher rpm. The crossplane engine’s 270-degree crank provides an uneven firing sequence with a more characterful exhaust note that emphasises torquey acceleration and linear power delivery for response at all engine speeds. Additionally, the R7 has an optimised secondary gear ratio for a sportier performance.
Narrow, Tuned Steel Frame
Yamaha claim the YZF-R7’s ultra-narrow, high-strength steel frame provides excellent rigidity for a sporty and responsive ride by mounting aluminium centre braces near the swingarm pivot, which improve torsional rigidity. Rake, trail, and wheelbase dimensions have also been optimised for superb handling while cornering on a racetrack or a twisty road. The narrow, lightweight frame design has resulted in the slimmest bodywork found in Yamaha’s supersport lineup and reduces air resistance while incorporating the rider’s body into its design.
KYB Suspension Front & Rear
The 2022 YZF-R7 features inverted KYB 41mm front forks with optimised spring rates and damping settings for front-end feel during cornering and braking. The product specific settings make for easy and predictable behaviour, Yamaha state, with a stiff feel for twisty roads and racetracks. The forks are fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping force. The inverted KYB front forks are mounted to the steering tube via a forged aluminium lower triple-clamp, and a gravity-cast aluminium upper triple-clamp.
Yamaha say the link-type Monocross shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping strikes a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance for capability across a wide range of uses, from urban commuting to track days. The rear shock unit is mounted horizontally, fastened to the crankcase for efficient use of space and weight, contributing to mass centralisation and further highlighting the bike’s compact size.
The new Yamaha YZF-R7 features a Brembo radial-pull master-cylinder and 298mm front rotors.
Brembo Radial Master-Cylinder
The 2022 YZF-R7 is the first Yamaha model to feature a radial brake master-cylinder from Brembo. This new Brembo radial master-cylinder provides a more linear supply of hydraulic pressure to the radial mounted, four pot front brake calipers creating excellent controllability and stopping power through dual 298mm front brake rotors.
The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 has a race inspired riding position and cockpit, with an aggressive sports stance.
Racing-Inspired Rider Cockpit
The YZF-R7’s new racing-inspired cockpit puts the rider in a comfortable and confidence- inspiring position that evokes an eagerness to ride. Yamaha say the comfortable new seat with material and cushioning used in the YZF-R1, combined with new low-profile fuel tank covers with deep knee pockets for optimal hip and knee positioning gives the rider freedom to move while also providing a firmly planted feel when leaned over.
Separate clip-on handlebars are set in relation to the rider’s hips and footpeg positions for an aggressive position allowing the rider to naturally grip the machine with confidence, especially when tucking behind the windscreen on twisty roads or on the racetrack.
No TFT, but New LCD Dash
The 2022 YZF-R7 features a new full LCD instrument panel. The high-contrast negative dashboard and its compact and lightweight multifunction display with larger displays for the clock, gear, trip meters and tachometer provide clear information. The use of spot colour gives an accent for the high-rpm range display – and new handlebar switches enables the rider to operate the meter more easily and efficiently.
Bi-Functional LED Lighting
The iconic R-Series M-shaped intake duct and twin-eye front design of the new YZF-R7 houses an adaptive bi-functional LED headlight. The R7 is also equipped with a new LED taillight and front and rear turn signals. Light and compact, Yamaha say the new LED lighting complements the next- generation style of the bike and reinforces the premium specification of the supersport class. Not only do the LEDs offer long life with minimal power draw they provide brilliant illumination for confidence and visibility day or night.
VIDEO: THE ALL NEW 2022 YAMAHA YZF-R7
2022 YAMAHA YZF-R7 Specifications (LA in brackets)
Price: $14,999 ($13,999) RRP R/A
Warranty: Two-years unlimited km
Colours: Team Yamaha Blue/Performance Black
Claimed Power: LA 38.3Kw[52.1hp]@8000rpm, HO 56.45kW[74.8hp]@9000rpm
Claimed Torque: LA 57.5Nm[42.5ft-lbs]@4000rpm, HO 68Nm[50ft-lbs]@6500rpm
Wet Weight: 188kg
Fuel capacity: 12.8L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-twin, four-stroke, four-valve, 80 (78 LA) x 68.6mm bore x stroke, 689cc (655cc LA), 11.5 (11 LA):1 compression, lightweight one-piece two-into-one exhaust Gearbox: Six speed Clutch: Wet, multiple disc
Chassis: Steel Deltabox frame with alloy sideplates and alloy swingarm.
Rake: N/A° Trail: N/Amm
Suspension: KYB 41mm forks, fully adjustable, 130mm travel, KYB shock preload and rebound adjustment, 130mm travel.
Brakes: 298mm rotors (f), dual four-piston calipers and Brembo radial master-cylinder, 245mm rear rotor, two-piston caliper, ABS.
Wheels & Tyres: 10-spoke cast alloy wheels, 120/70 – 17 and 180/55 – 17 Bridgestone S22 tyres.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: N/A mm
Seat height: 835mm
Ground clearance: N/Amm
Overall width: 705mm
Overall Length: 2070mm
Overall height: 1160mm
Instruments: LCD multifunction dash.
2022 YAMAHA YZF-R7 GALLERY
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May 20, 2021
A question for you. Is $14,999 the starting price or the out the door price? In Canada this bike is $10,799 but then we add freight, PDI, taxes, so in Alberta that is probably about 12 grand out the door. In dollar conversion that is $12,840. It appears that Canada is better, no surprise. We are much better at hockey as well. We are very close in rugby, we are aiming to peak for the Rugby World Cup 2059, so watch out. LOL.
May 23, 2021
I have the MT07 HO 2019 model.
The CP2 engine is in no way the engine for a sports bike.
CP2 is a torque motor with not much top end and is best short shifted and suits the naked style of riding.
IMO Yamaha made a big mistake making the MT07 and MT09 while having the MT10.
They only need a single model here. It should have been a 750cc triple (MT08 ?).
The MT07 is a little under done and the MT09 a little over at 120HP.
90% of riders are in the city and a 105HP MT08 750cc triple would have been the goldy locks bike,