Yamaha grows its superport lineup with the introduction of its 2022 YZF-R7 ($8,999). This twin-cylinder sportbike gets the Tuning Fork brand’s YZF-R7 moniker— last used on a limited-edition 750cc superbike offered for the 1999 model year. Although the name invokes competition, today’s R7 is an everyday person’s street bike in the vein of vehicles like Aprilia’s RS 660 and Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 ABS.

We swing a leg over Yamaha’s latest entry into its supersport line-up: the 2022 YZF-R7. (Drew Ruiz/)

Editor’s note: We reported on the technical specifications, features and model positioning of the new R7 during the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Preview article and video.

Throw a leg over the R7 and it feels nice and slim. The reach to the clip-on style handlebar (below the top clamp) isn’t much of a stretch and it’s a fairly easy motorcycle to get comfortable on for a six-foot tall rider. The saddle is thicker than an R6 or R1M which will likely afford greater comfort on the road.

Yamaha repurposes its MT-07 platform to create a new parallel-twin powered sportbike. (Drew Ruiz/)

Although the R7 only weighs five pounds less than the retired four-cylinder R6, due to its parallel-twin engine configuration, it feels lighter and more maneuverable with wheels in motion. Folks seeking an easy handling sportbike will appreciate the R7.

Suspension-wise the R7 offers adequate pitch and damping control even at an elevated track pace on Bridgestone’s grippy Battlax RS-11 competition tires. Battlax S22 street rubber is OE fitment.

Despite only weighing five pounds less than the outgoing YZF-R6. The parallel-twin powered R7 feels much lighter in action. (Drew Ruiz/)

The suspenders also include spring preload and damping adjustment. Still its components don’t offer anywhere near the same level of precise feel and road holding as an R6 or an R1. However, considering its lower speeds, we can certainly live with this setup.

Although the R7 employs an inverted fork with full adjustment, it’s components don’t have the same level of lofty performance as the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1. (Drew Ruiz/)

As usual, we are big fans of the CP2-generation liquid-cooled parallel-twin. Not only does it make for a slim motorcycle, it gives a usable powerband and acceptable character courtesy of its V-twin-like engine firing order. But with only 67-horsepower, we’d be lying if we didn’t miss the high rpm wail and power hit of a four-cylinder. Still the R7 affords just another acceleration to keep you engaged.

The YZF-R7 is a fun little sportbike. It offers just enough performance to keep you engaged but not so much to intimidate riders. (Drew Ruiz/)

Yamaha also offers a GYTR accessory electronic up-shift only quickshifter which makes for faster shifts between each of its six gears. The clutch mechanism has been upgraded with a slipper function to mitigate rear wheel instability if you downshift in too low of a gear for vehicle speed.

The R7 shares its basic underpinnings from the MT-07. (Drew Ruiz/)

Triple-disc hydraulic brakes keep speed in check with fixed always-on ABS. The brakes are adept based on the R7′s velocity but aren’t as rigid-feeling as a true modern sportbike. Aside from ABS, and an accessory quickshifter, the R7 offers a full manual experience. Although other electronic rider aids are absent, considering its lower power output and friendly engine demeanor, we aren’t complaining.

Yamaha offers value in the sportbike class with its sharp looking and affordable YZF-R7 ($8,999). (Drew Ruiz/)

Despite not offering the knife-edge performance of the Tuning Fork brand’s four-cylinder sportbikes, the R7 is a fun little bike. It handles easily, employs a friendly engine and has R grade styling to boot. Consider its price tag, and the R7 will do well for riders seeking a friendly road-going sportbike.

Gear Box

Helmet: AGV Corsa R

Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs

Suit: Dainese Misano 2

Gloves: Dainese Full Metal 6

Boots: Dainese Axial D1

Instrumentation is basic but functional. One gripe: we wish the gear position indicator was larger. (Drew Ruiz/)

2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Technical Specifications and Price

Price:	$8,999
Engine:	689cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	80.0 x 68.6mm
Compression Ratio:	11.5:1
Fuel Delivery:	Fuel injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Frame:	Steel trellis
Front Suspension:	41mm inverted KYB fork, preload, compression, rebound adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Single shock, preload and rebound damping adjustable, 5.1 in. travel
Front Brakes:	298mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	245mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum
Tires, Front/Rear:	Bridgestone Battlax S22; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Seat Height:	32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.4 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	414 lb.
Warranty:	1-year limited factory warranty
Available:	June 2021
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com