Yamaha YZF-R7: 5 things to know

Yamaha recently introduced the new YZF-R7, which replaces the venerable YZF-R6 as the company's new road-legal supersport machine. Here are five things to know about it.

1. It is based on the Yamaha MT-07 

The Yamaha YZF-R7 is based on the widely popular MT-07 street naked motorcycle. It shares the same steel frame as well as the 689cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. 

This cross plane engine features forged aluminium pistons with direct-plated cylinders integrated with the crankcase.

As far as specifications are concerned, this engine produces 73.4hp at 8,750rpm and 67Nm at 6,500rpm. It is paired to a 6-speed gearbox and also has an optimised secondary gear ratio for a sporty feel, says Yamaha. The company will also sell you a quickshifter as an option. 

2. It has a slim form factor

Being based on a slim street naked like the MT-07 also has its advantages, when it comes to size and weight. 

Yamaha says that owing to the narrow chassis, they could wrap a slim body work around it. In fact, the company says that the YZF-R7's fairing is smaller than the YZF-R3. 

In all, the Yamaha YZF-R7 looks attractive, with its sharp fairing and YZF-R1 inspired design. 

3. The chassis has been tweaked  

Although it shares most of its components with the MT-07, the YZF-R7 features a few tweaks to its chassis setup. 

Firstly, the YZF-R7 has a revised geometry, with a sharper steering angle and 5mm shorter wheelbase, compared to the MT-07. 

This should result in slightly quicker turn-in and direction changes, like when encountering a chicane.

The bike is suspended by a new, fully-adjustable 41mm KYB USD fork and a link-type monoshock at the rear that can be adjusted for rebound and preload only.

4. It gets different braking components

Another area where the YZF-R7 trumps its sibling is in braking. The R7 is equipped with twin 298mm front discs and radially mounted brake calipers. The radially mounted Brembo master cylinder will also help improve braking performance and feel through the lever.

5. Yamaha YZF-R7 price 

The Yamaha YZF-R7 is priced at $8,999 (Rs 6.57 lakh) in the United States. That's about $1,300 (Rs 94,000) more than the Yamaha MT-07 that it's based on. For the additional money, you get a better equipped motorcycle that is built for track and road use.