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Yamaha R7 reviewed (Baujahr 2022)

The new supersportsman of the middle class in the everyday test.

08.02.2022

Photo: motorradtest.de

With the new R7, Yamaha finally closes the gap between the R3 and the R1. Although the R7 has the ever-popular CP2 engine of the MT-07, it is otherwise a completely different motorcycle. Volker and Dietmar have tried out what it feels like to travel around on country roads and motorways with a middle-class super sports car.

This is how it stands

The R7 is a very elegant, almost filigree motorcycle. Especially from the front, the slim waist and the graceful look please. It has two position lights and only one main headlight, so it is immediately recognizable as an independent bike compared to the sisters R3 and R1. We really like the design, especially in the Anniversary paint (red, white and yellow), for which a surcharge of 400 euros is due. For those who like it a bit simpler, the R7 is also available in blue and black (see below).

When sitting up, there is a little surprise: The footpegs are mounted high for a race-like inclination, but not as far back as usual with super athletes. Nevertheless, you sit extremely sporty on the R7 and are literally pulled over the tank to the stub handlebars. The machine weighs only 188 kg with a full tank, which gives hope for good controllability and reasonable acceleration, but more on that later.

The pillion comfort is modest, as usual with super athletes. After all, there is a place for the passenger, but he has to huddle together like the driver, there can be no question of comfort here - that's a good thing!!! If you want comfort, please order a travel enduro, this is about sporty riding.

Dimensions and virtual 360 degree tour around the R7

What she should be able to do

The technical equipment of the R7 is spartan. Apart from ABS, there are no technical helpers. No traction control, no riding modes, no ride by wire, no cornering ABS, nothing. Yamaha has only donated one on-board computer to the R7, which is operated via a toggle switch.

Presumably, Yamaha also wants to express what the R7 is supposed to be about - namely driving and not playing around. It remains to be seen whether this will be understood by the presumably younger target group. In any case, we older riders have no problem with it and are rather happy that the smartphone can stay in the pocket and is not connected to the bike.

In terms of light, the R7 spoils with all-round LED incl. the turn signals. The inverted LC display in the cockpit is easy to read and does not distract from driving. To be honest, we didn't even look at it during our test drives, that's how it's supposed to be.

By the way, for a cheap 170 euros there is a QuickShifter, which only works upwards, i.e. without the Blipper function. For a super athlete, we would have liked a full-blown shifting assi in both directions. But no matter, thanks to the buttery-soft clutch, it is also possible completely without.

Photo: Yamaha

This is how it drives itself

The R7 not only feels like a super sports car, it also drives like it. Even the seating position makes the driver feel like the Dottore Vale Rossi, and if you then give the Gaul the spurs, it's also down to business - and that from 3,000 UMin! The wide usable speed range is one of the great advantages of the R7. Even starting in 3rd gear is no problem thanks to the wonderfully controllable clutch. The clutch force is very low and so it is simply a lot of fun to work your way up through the precisely shiftable 6-speed gearbox. Who needs a QuickShifter?

"Well, the racing driver on the racetrack, of course!" one or the other may now think. But is the R7 actually made for racing? Yes and no. Of course, you can do wonderful laps with the R7 in Oschersleben & Co., but the R7 also wants to work for less experienced racing drivers. And that's exactly what it does, thanks to its easy accessibility and manageable performance. Let's be honest: Who can really drive out the 200 hp of a Panigale or R1 on the country road? Nobody, at least not without a driver's license withdrawal. R7 in schwarz

One more word about brakes and suspension. Thanks to the Brembo radial pump, the 4-piston stoppers from Advics at the front are snappy and yet easy to dose. The rear pliers from Nissin are not quite as splendid, especially since their ABS control interval is a bit too long. Nevertheless, the R7 brakes on command and the set-up torque in corners is limited. The chassis is fully adjustable, Kayaba's USD fork does a good job. On the country road, the R7 is tightly sprung, but without annoying. Sure, comfortable gliding falls flat, but hey, we want to drive the R7 sporty and not cruise.

The windscreen stands and falls with the seating position. Those who literally "crawl" into the machine can also master higher speeds without pressure on the upper body. We drove the maximum speed (216 km/h) on the motorway without any problem. Of course, if you straighten up, you have to expect turbulence, but you don't do that on such a motorcycle.

If you drive on the R7 for a long time and are not 30 anymore, you can already feel your wrists. And if you want to keep your head uncharacteristically high while driving, you will notice this after some time in the neck. Therefore: This device is not for long tours or casual cruising.

Conclusion - what sticks

The Yamaha R7 delivers what its looks promise. Although it is moderately motorized with just under 74 hp for an athlete, you can have a lot of driving fun on it. This applies to the races, but especially to the country road and the motorway (see video!).

It is wonderfully balanced and can be safely moved through traffic even by beginners. Yamaha brings with this motorcycle a "racer for everyone". If you don't need 200 hp and like the beautiful look of a super sports car, you should definitely take a closer look at the R7.

Or even better: Take a test drive right away! This works very well, for example, at Tecius & Reimers in Hamburg (near the Eidelstedt motorway exit), because there the R7 is ready for an exit in the beautiful Anniversary livery. Go ahead - you're sure to have some murderous fun!

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