SUPERSPORT SAVIOUR
"THE YAMAHA PROVED DOCILE BUT NOT DULL, SOMEHOW MANAGING TO MAKE ME EEL AS THOUGH I WAS THE BOSS OF IT."
Of course, I’m talking about the R7, which has zero to do with the original R7 (OW-02) but hopes to open the door to new riders wanting a slice of sizeable sportsbike sauciness. It’s a fair shout and a worthy addition to the brand’s already extensive supersport line-up, bridging the gap from the entry-level R3 to the all-out R1 – and not just from the point of potency but affordability, too. Hitting UK showrooms from November, the R7 is refreshingly priced at £8200. The question is – what are you getting for your money?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s been hard to escape the online onslaught suggesting the R7’s little more than an MT-07 in fancy dress, but that’s not entirely true. Yes, this sporty addition features the same proven CP2 motor that’s powered many a wheelie and good time at the hands of the MT-07, but it’s been nipped and tucked in all the right places to optimise its performance.
The ECU is different, the fuelling’s been enhanced, and alongside a whole new exhaust and
