Yamaha has released its heavily updated YZF-R7 at an exclusive road and track event, held in Western Sydney. Spanning two days, Exhaust Notes Australia got the chance to test both the learner approved (LAMS) and High Output (HO) variants.
Designed to reinvigorate the declining super sport segment back in 2022, and having gone through a complete overhaul save for the engine itself, for 2026, the latest generation YZF-R7 builds on that original platform, offering plenty for riders of all levels.
Forming an integral part of Yamaha’s R family, it holds the enviable position (alongside the MT-07) as the model that allows you to transition from LAMS to your first big bike, aboard the same core motorcycle. It was Australia’s best-selling road bike in 2024 and 2025.
Not surprising then that the LAMS variant accounts for just over 80 per cent of sales locally. With that in mind, that is where we would focus the majority of our testing, both on the road and track.
For the record, the only real difference in between the LAMS and HO offerings is that the latter offers 689cc while the former is restricted to 655cc. Our adventure began at Yamaha HQ, in Sydney’s west, with a brief introduction to the new model.
We think the bikes looked great, but as the media contingent sipped coffee and compared initial thoughts on its updated styling, discussion turned to the colours. Raven (black) kicks things off, because every sports bike rider loves a black motorcycle.
Team Yamaha Blue always looks terrific, while Breaker Cyan/Raven (a combination of fluro colours) is definitely aimed at younger buyers. The pick of the bunch is the heritage-inspired 70th Anniversary edition, which looks absolutely magnificent.
Back to the task at hand; testing bikes. Soon enough we would find ourselves on Sydney’s M7 and newly opened M12 (stay with us, there was a reason we were on the freeway). One of the key updates to the 2026 YZF-R7 is the introduction of cruise control.
A speed limiter features too, and this was the perfect opportunity to test both. Cruise control works exceptionally well. Combined with the revised ergonomics, which include a stretched rider triangle, higher bar position, and a lower and wider seat, it adds a touring aspect.
Chassis revisions, a ride-by-wire-throttle and a new six-axis IMU all provide enough evidence that the Yamaha design folk have gone all out ensuring the refreshed 2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 is truly something to write home about (and here we are doing exactly that).
Once on the back roads, where there were more corners than straights, the YZF-R7 more at home. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, with enough bumps and average road conditions to truly test the R7’s revised suspension.
Sydney’s west served up some less-than-ideal road conditions and more than once I found myself hitting a bump and squashing my man berries between the tank and the seat. That aside, the front KYB 41mm USD fork has been updated.
Aluminium rods replace the steel items to save 350 grams, and remain fully adjustable. Allowing 120mm of travel, they perform well in real world conditions. The rear suspension has also been revised, with a new swingarm.
Combined with the revised chassis, the YZF-R7 provides a confident and sharp handling package on the road. There are ride modes to temper throttle output, with the LAMS variant getting Road and Sport, and the HO model scoring Rain, Road and Sport.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres are fitted as standard kit and perform well on both the road and track. The braking package remains relatively unchanged, with four-piston calipers and 298mm discs up front.
A single-piston caliper with a 245mm disc sits at the rear, with cornering ABS a new addition. An updated 5.0-inch colour TFT allows functionality for cruise control, a traffic speed limiter, phone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
Yamaha’s Y-TRAC app (data logging and track analysis) features, as does a substantially upgraded electronics suite. Aside from ride modes, traction and wheelie control, engine brake management, launch control and a bi-directional quick shifter are all standard.
After a spirited ride to Warragamba Dam and back, it was time to prepare ourselves to head to Sydney Motorsport Park’s South Circuit, where we would be hosted by MotoSchool Australia to push both variants of the YZF-R7 to the limit.
A brisk chilly morning greeted us for day two. After a coffee to kickstart the adrenalin, we got the lowdown from Yamaha on all the new technical wizardry bestowed upon the new model. From there it was time to don our leathers and hit the track.
Again, we gravitated towards the LAMS variant. It’s only a few laps in when we notice the superior drive out of corners from the High Output model. The learner approved YZF-R7 carries itself well through the low to mid-range, and is comparable to the HO in most areas.
But the numbers do tell a story, and it’s the latter that has a lot more in the top end, which is clearly evident on the track. The HO’s CP2 engine produces 54kW, compared to the LAMS version at 38.3kW, giving the former a clear advantage pulling out of corners.
We spent the first two sessions of the day piloting the LAMS model around the South Circuit before climbing aboard the High Output for comparison. Although top end speed was limited on the South Circuit thanks to a lack of long straights, there’s no denying the fun factor.
That aforementioned bi-directional quick shifter is probably the most appreciated upgrade across the entire impressive package as it allows for easy up and downshifts across the entire rev range (for the most part).
Yamaha has long owned the learner market, with their MT-07 considered the go to choice, although we reckon that crown might have been passed to the YZF-R7. Engaging but not intimidating, it’s a desirable package that will attract new riders.
It also offers existing riders something to get excited about. Pricing starts form $16,549 ride away for both the LAMS and HO variants, with both models being backed by a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
You can out more on the Yamaha Motor Australia website, where there are three separate pages for High Output, the standard LAMS colours, and the 70th Anniversary LAMS bikes, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bikes were provided by Yamaha Motor Australia as part of a two day media launch. Images courtesy of Madeinmotion and Pitlane Media. Exhaust Notes Australia was not paid to attend this event.
