YAMAHA will continue its assault on the super sport segment with the arrival of the 2022 YZF-R7, due to hit Australian shores in December of this year, in LAMS and HO form. The new bike has been built from the ground up, with a sleek, ultra-thin lightweight chassis.
Powered by the proven liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line two-cylinder DOHC CP2 engine, the R7 embodies Yamaha’s rich history of aggressive performance and racing dominance, and bridges the gap between the entry-level YZF-R3 and the prestigious YZF-R1.
Thanks to its LAMS and HO variants, it’s also suited to new riders looking to grow into a more powerful motorcycle, as well as experienced riders seeking a fully-faired motorcycle with super sport performance.
Yamaha’s new YZF-R7 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.
It is packed with a range of features that includes an inverted front fork with supreme front-end feel, and a racing-inspired cockpit with a super sport rider position. The engine offers a direct connection from the throttle to the rear wheel.
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 too.
The cross-plane 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 outstanding response at all engine speeds.
Additionally, the R7 has an optimised secondary gear ratio that creates an exhilarating ride and a sporty feel. Frame rigidity is excellent, with aluminium centre braces mounted near the swingarm pivot to improve torsional rigidity.
Rake, trail, and wheel base 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 super sport line-up as well.
The fork is 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.
A linked-type Monoa -cross 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 a weight, contributing to mass centralisation and further highlighting the bike’s compact size. It’s also the first model to feature a Brembo radial brake master cylinder.
It provides a more linear supply of hydraulic pressure to the radial mounted, four pot front brake callipers, creating excellent controllability and stopping power through dual 298mm front brake rotors.
The YZF-R7’s new racing-inspired cockpit puts the rider in a confidence-inspiring position that evokes an eagerness to ride.
A comfortable new seat with material and cushioning used in the YZF-R1, combines with new low-profile fuel tank covers with deep knee pockets for optimal hip and knee positioning, gives the rider freedom and provides a firmly planted feel when leaning over.
Separate clip-on handlebars are set in relation to the rider’s hips and foot peg positions, allowing the rider to naturally grip the machine with confidence, especially when tucking behind the windscreen on twisty roads or on the racetrack.
The 2022 YZF-R7 features a full LCD instrument panel. The high-contrast negative dashboard and its compact and lightweight multifunction display provides clock, gear, trip meters and tachometer provide clear information.
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, the new LED lighting complements the next-generation style of the bike and reinforces the premium specification of the super sport class. Both variants will be available 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.
