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 a competition meaning, 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Find out more: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2022-yamaha-yzf-r7-mc-commute-review/

Photography: Drew Ruiz

Video/edit: @AdamWaheed

Motorcycle Riding Gear Worn

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Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs
Suit: Dainese Misano 2
Gloves: Dainese Full Metal 6
Boots: Dainese Axial D1

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