Yamaha launches the new 2021 R7 supersport bike based on the MT-07
Yamaha launched the 2021 R7 in Europe, its new medium-size supersport bike, which comes with YZF-R6 look but with the ‘naked’ MT-07 base.
It arrives to be an ‘affordable’ model for those who want to climb the brand’s sports line, leaving the YZF-R3. In addition, it is focused on young riders who one day want to reach the top of the line, the YZF-R1.
The MT-07 is the base used in this new bike, with its 2-cylinder CP2 engine, which is known for its strong and linear torque delivery, as well as for its reliability.
Yamaha says that the new R7 was named to show respect for the original limited edition YZF-R7 superbike, launched in 1999 for the World Superbike and Suzuka 8 Hours.
Design
The new 2021 Yamaha R7 has a design based entirely on the supersport YZF-R6 (called by the brand as R-Series DNA). The lines are fluid with an aggressive front, achieved with two LED lines for daytime running lighting.
The headlight is a single LED cannon, and is positioned inside the front air intake (M-shaped, similar to the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike).
In general, the design is aggressive, but compact. According to the brand, the new R7 is narrower than the ‘small’ YZF-R3 and YZF-R125. With that, it is one of the most aerodynamically efficient bikes with a rider on board.
The rear is practically the same as the YZF-R6, with aerodynamic tunnels on the sides that act as grab handles and ‘wings’ to increase downforce.
Engine and Gearbox
The engine of the 2021 Yamaha R7 is the well-known 689 cm³ 2-cylinder CP2 with liquid cooling, capable of generating up to 54 kW / 73.4 HP of maximum power at 8,750 rpm and 67Nm / 6.9 kgfm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Changes to the existing CP2 engine include a new ECU specification and optimized air intake ducts, as well as a revised exhaust design and idealized fuel injection configurations.
In addition, the second gear has been shortened to a more sporty feel.
The gearbox is 6-speed with an assist and slip clutch. There is also, as an option, the Quick Shift System, for faster and smoother full throttle upshifts.
Chassis
The new Yamaha R7 has a diamond-type chassis with steel tubes of various strengths in key locations. A rigid mounted aluminium centre brace contributes to excellent handling.
The R7 adopts a redesigned Monocross link rear suspension system. The damping and spring rate characteristics are designed to suit the sporting character of the bike.
The front suspension is the fully adjustable inverted 41 mm KYB, which provides a high level of stability along with confident grip on race tracks and roads.
The weight in running order (wet) is only 188 kg and the capacity of the fuel tank is 13 liters.
The front brake has four-piston calipers and radial mounting, which act on two 298 mm floating discs. In addition, the radial master cylinder is from Brembo, which provides linear brake pressure for greater controllability.
The 10-spoke 17-inch wheels are made of aluminum alloy. They are fitted with tires measuring 120/70-17 at the front and 180/55-17 at the rear.
Technology
The R7 is the first Yamaha with a CP2 engine to come equipped with an assist and slip clutch, which provides smoother gear changes and avoids engine over-rev and locking the rear wheel during sudden downshifts.
The instrument panel is completely digital in LCD, newly designed, with high contrast negative mode screen. Features include a gear indicator as well as a Shift Light.
The lighting is Full LED, that is, headlight, flashlights and turn signals rely on this technology.
Availability and price
The new 2021 Yamaha R7 hits stores in Europe in October 2021, in two color options: Icon Blue and Yamaha Black.
Yamaha says that prices vary per region, so please contact the national Yamaha distributor for full information. If you want more details on the Yamaha 2021 R7, you can access the UK Yamaha website here.
