The Ultimate 2023 Yamaha R7 Review - Does it make any sense? 4K
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- The new Yamaha R7 is a beautiful looking midsize sportsbike - however it's based on a parallel twin engine rtaher than a 4 cylinder power plant, does it make any sense?
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Wow Andy I’m impressed with your spread sheet all set up until July 2024 I struggle programming my work more than a few weeks at a time you are obviously very organised, no wonder Teapot & Richy are impressed with your output and work ethic. Thanks for another interesting video
Very kind of you to say (are they then?!)
@@TheMissendenFlyer Hi Andy did you not watch Bru Time with Bruce and Richy they are in awe of your ability to get your videos edited and have them in the bank ready to put them out to keep your twice weekly routine going. Sounds like a lot of discipline and hard work to me, it was interesting listening to them talking about the time and effort required to get the videos out to us, Respect for all the work you put in💪
I bought one just over a week ago at my USA home ( I live between USA and UK). I am 5ft 9, 48 years old and a broad 190 lbs and I fit on it perfectly. I find it more comfortable than 99% of other sports bikes I have ridden. I have done fast bikes, and feel this is a perfect non-leary power with a torque grunt to it. It's absolutely banging value for a bit of non-crazy flickable fun.
Agreed - enjoy!
I love how you do your transitions from riding to stationary! Thanks!
Glad you like them!
I am 57 and road 750 & 1100 Supersports back in the 80's and 90's, I bought an R7 Anniversary and for me it is the perfect bike with a few mods that is (Akrapovic full race system and Yoshimura Airbox), just enough power now (added about 12hp to stock) to have fun and not enough to get me in real trouble. I am 6'2" 180lbs and have no issues with riding position. Great review my friend 🤘😎🎸🏍
Thank you!
3:36 It's crazy that you can now have these experiences in modern bikes. Used to be a car-only thing in the past.
Good vid, slick ride. Hope you had a good Christmas from March.
Thank you - I did!
Thanks for the vid! I managed to catch the text on pause after trying about 10x :))) Love the point no.10
Great job!
Love the color combination and styling. Great for the beginner. Some people wouldn't want for more and that is ok also. A smile at the end of the ride is all that is truly important. I ride 3 bikes. All different in size, weight, and cylinders. All bring me a smile on daily rides. At age 69 I'm not into nitpicking anymore. Lol. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋♂️
Morning mate. Another fine review. I'm prepping my old,new 999s for scratching round Wales. Weather is finally here.😅
At last!
I got all excited for a moment , i thought they’d re-made the legendary R7 from the ninety’s that i drooled over when i had my R1 , I had visions of Noriyuka Haga doing a big wheelie with you cheering him on Andy 😂
You should do a garage video or just a random ride video discussing your thoughts on the ZX4RR & what you think about it in a vacuum as well as what you think about it considering it’s price and place in the market
I absolutely love this bike. If I was in the market for a sport bike..... The CP2 engine is glorious and the bike is stunning.
Not the best out their, but cheap and plenty enough for the road rider.
Great review, I like how you talk a bit, then go to a walk around, then back to some riding......Cheers
Glad you spotted that - I like this format too (though it’s hard for me to make and edit)….
@@TheMissendenFlyer - Worth that extra effort Andy, works well : )
@@TheMissendenFlyer Bit of fore-thought goes a long way!!! Great format, much more engaging. Take care
Brilliant video. Your last comment that you enjoyed the ride spoke volumes for the bike. Never thought of a spreadsheet for organising videos
Oh yes - love a spreadsheet me!
@@TheMissendenFlyer same as.
They are lovely looking bikes, more than a few running round Melbourne these days. I’m keen to see if they release the R9 as rumours are going round.. Great review.
In Melbourne your going from red light to red light every 200 metres. There never green and always red, set-up to burn as much petrol as possible
@@marktiller1383 Yep! 😂
@@marktiller1383 Ha, yes, not to mention the traffic, which seems to have gone mental in the last few years. I went for a ride out to the Yarra Valley on Saturday morning, big mistake, bumper to bumper for almost 40 klms. Even the Warburton highway all the way to Warburton was like an inner city road. The road to Yarra Glen from Warburton was also moderately busy, by the time I got back to the city I felt like I'd been riding in a traffic jam for four hours or so.
'Ive got a spreadsheet!' Of course you have Andy, that'll be the pilot in you 😂 Im pleased to see manufacturers making such an effort with the smaller machines, nice to ride a quality bike as a beginner & it feels part of the bigger bike family rather than a poor entry level bike. 👍
Agreed 100%
Is a 700 considered a smaller machine now. I remember when knowone would even go near a 750cc (cbx750) as they were scary as hell
Lovely looking bike especially in the anniversary colours but does look very small, looks like it would be fun for a pillion😂. Reminds me of my Thundercat (colour & size wise) which I rode from London to Edinburgh a few years back, needed a hoist to get me off it after that journey. As you say though it would be an ideal 1st bike for someone who fancies a sportsbike.
Great review. Thanks. 👍
Thanks for watching!
I absolutely believe that you have a spreadsheet on the go, cheers for the video.
I absolutely do!
I like it. I think it’s a really good looking bike, but for me personally I’ve got my heart set on the new Street Triple. Another great video Andy 👍🏻
Thank you!
It’s a good looking bike, but after riding super sports 600s for years I still have difficulty with this new class of bikes. If I wanted a torquey parallel twin I think I’d buy the MT-07 and keep my 600 in my garage for the screaming fun!
Yeah I don't get it as a sports bike. Probably just Yamaha's answer to a gap in their range and can be produced cheaply. It smacks to me of 125 learner sports bikes. Wrong design for their intended use.
Ppp
This class has been around for a hot min (sv650s)
Also look at MotoAmerica Twins Cup and it may become clearer as to why this bike is a thing :)
@Nathan Howard a partially faired naked bike is not in the same class as the r7
I have to say, when you do the “look-around”, it used to be better when you used your phone instead of the action cam in the past, just because the slight fish-eye look of the action cam distorts the lines of the bikes and they don’t look as good. (I imagine it’s less of a faff just using the action cam so I don’t blame you, considering all the work these videos take). Good vid 👍🏻
Yes I agree with you on all points - maybe I should reconstitute the phone cam once again….thanks for the constructive feedback.
That's a really fair review Andy, I've got my neighbours in my garage (60th anniversary colours), and ive done some miles on it.. Has definite character as you said, not faasst!!, but I held off my mates on their bigger bikes, so it's not slow, and falls into 'likeable' (looks wise loveable) category for me.
Another great video. You comment the dash is TFT. I’m sure you’ll find it’s LCD.
Stunning looking bike Andy not sure I could ride it too far though !!!
Weather here just get nice enough for regular day to day riding round town. I expect I will see a few of those around.
I rode one of these at Silverstone last year. I had a great time, the corner speed and braking were much better than I was expecting. The mid range punch was good for corner exit too but silverstone was definitely the wrong track for 74hp 😂 on a small track such as mallory it would probably be a huge laugh
... or Ollie's Mount.
Totally agree
Had a test ride on the white and red 60th anniversary one today. Lovely bike with the gold forks and wheels. Colours were spot on. I liked it, but I think the position would be too extreme for me long term. I have an MT10, which is a lot more comfortable.
182cm, 90kg.
Decent bike, although I'm interested to see what Honda do with that new 750 motor. Could be a strong contender in a sports configuration.
Geez flyer you can literally see tractor mud tracks on the road...brave man
Yeah I'm having trouble getting excited about twins...but ol man Darcy had the Hornet 9 the other day and that I could do ...
It`s great to see license friendly sports bikes, you don`t need a 200+ hp rcket ship to have fun on the road, they are way to powerful and fast for British roads, so bikes like these make perfect sense. Personally, i`d like to see ALL the major manufacturers building bikes like these, Ducati could bring back the 748, Triumph could build another Daytona using the Trident platform, Honda could build a new Hornet based mini Fireblade etc etc etc. The very fact Aprillia and Yamaha along with Kawasaki`s Z650 Ninja are proving very popular, so yes, they do make perfect sense, they are real world fully useable Sports bikes.
A great review Andy, thanks for posting it.
My pleasure! Thanks for watching….
She's a nice looking bike but I'm not sure about the MT07 engine which is great as a naked bike, a R9 triple would make a lot more sense to me. Great review as always thanks Andy.
I agree. This bike looks good and is fairly inexpensive but sounds like a coffee grinder.
My pleasure- thanks for watching as ever!
@@michaelarchangel1163 You have never heard one in person, it's obvious.
@@michaelarchangel1163 I mean it sounds ok, if a little soft but a good aftermarket can makes it sound quite beastly
@Alex V are your feelings hurt?
I seem to recall that Yamaha said their research found that the vast majority of R6 owners were street riding only and rarely spun them up to the RPMs where the power really comes in. So, this platform is intended to deliver that CP2 grunt down low. However, I rode that bike on both circuits at New Jersey Motorsports Park and its also a great beginner track bike. The Ninja 400 has grown into a great learner bike but I find about 70-80hp to be a sweet spot, on the track, for learning.
So, basically, I agree. LOL It's a great sporty looking machine for street use and a great beginner bike for street or track days. However, if performance at 14k RPM is what you're after, get a super sport.
Agreed all round…
@@TheMissendenFlyer I also had the unique opportunity to ride the R7 and MT-07 back to back on the track and the suspension was SOOO much better on the R7. The MT is a fine street bike but if I were planning even a couple track days a year, I would go for the R7.
I'd have one of those if I wasn't old and aching all the time...from riding sports bikes 😁
I'm absolutely not into sports bikes what so ever, but if I was this would be the bike I'd get. I don't even think I'm being bias by suggesting the CP2 engine is possibly the best motorcycle engine ever made to date. Power to weight ratio good. Ease of & length of service intervals brilliant. Reliability second to none. Sounds like a mini spitfire and it's a Yamaha. Okay, that last is bias , I currently have a Tenere 700 with this same engine & it's brilliant. It's easily the third best bike I've ever owned. It's only third because my memory wears rose tinted glasses. My second favourite was my 1980 Yamaha XT 500 and first was my very first bike. A Yamaha DT 175. Were I grew up when I was 16 I could ride that but had to wait another year for a car licence. By the time I turned 17 I didn't care about a car & only wanted to ride my bike. I was 19 before I bothered getting a full driving licence .
Nice bike that 👌 good review does that camera mount really stay stuck to the screen lol ? Regards Glyn
Yep sure does!
Had an XSR700 and the CP2 is a great engine - then I changed after a couple of other bikes to a 900LC (XSR900 based) and wow, an R9 would be a belter.
Yes looking forward to the rumoured R9!
@@TheMissendenFlyer R9 would be a proper replacement for the R6 the CP3 engine makes great power all the way to redline and sounds absolutely amazing.
Great review as always. Yes, a very nice looking bike, but alas, though my brain tells me it would be ok, my body and arthritis tells me not haha. Looks to be lots of fun on some back roads too.
Nice Vids. Can you tell me if this 2023 R7 comes equipped with Steering Damper?
I don’t recall I’m afraid - sorry!
Nice colours and good looking bike but didn't BMW do this in 2006 with the F800S
I test rode one a few weeks back and I liked it so much I’ve ordered a new model. Until you ride a bike it’s impossible to know if it’s for you. I was very surprised.
Great show as always, thank you. 👍🏼
If I were 40 years younger, I'd surely be attracted by this bike, especially in the anniversary livery. And 40 years ago, these 73 horses were absolutely sufficient.
Anyway, great move by Yamaha to create such a niche product.😅
73horses are even now still sufficient, I've never recalled ever asking myself if I need more than my current 48hp on the cb500f.
@@Daniel-dj7fh This sounds very reasonable and I absolutely agree. But today the industry sells everything below 100hp as beginners bikes. My first bike was a Yammie SR500 with whopping 27 horses and I had lots of fun.
Yes but 40 years ago is 40 years ago - why build a bike that underperforms for the times. It doesn't make sense to this rider of 36 years and 100s of 1000s of miles under my belt.
@@haywired1112 Yes, that's why it doesn't attract me today.
@@haywired1112 Because some people couldn't care less if the bike has >80hp.
I have 48 and can barely make use of the 3rd gear without being illegally dumb on the road, what's the point of more than 75hp, it's unusable therefore no fun
Superb corner slicer exquisite handling I prefer it to my RS 660 for its race feel but the RS is an awesome all rounder especially with its cruise etc you really need to have both so I do
Cool!
My brother has one and it's done 5.5k miles now. Before he had an SV1000 (35k miles) 2010 R6 (55k miles). He suggests the option levers, as standard they are none adjustable for span. Quick shifter is good and worth your money. Riding position, I'm 5ft 11, the R6 has a longer stretch to the bars and feet are tucked up far more than the R7. I was riding the R6 with him on the R7, up to 70 nothing much in it, after that is where the R6 cleared off. Another mate had the cbr650r and again almost nothing between it and the R7. Riding each bike down the same stretch of road, R6 is fastest and the most difficult to get right, narrow window (on road) where it works. Cbr felt heavy to steer but super easy to ride. R7 was good everywhere.
Great feedback thanks….
Bought an Anniversary colour R7 recently for my wife to ride and I love it. And I’m 6’1” and 58.
It won’t appeal to most UK bikers though, who are too narrow minded and have to compartmentalise every bike.
BTW, Andy, that’s an aftermarket exhaust.
Shame the roads were damp as the R7 has stunning handling, better than any sports bike I’ve ever owned , including Blades, GSXR1000s etc.
You do it a disservice saying other similar bikes are better sports bikes.Check out Michael Neeves vid review from MCN. He took it on track and was gobsmacked how good it is.
Yes I saw that video - and I’d be surprised if Yamaha UK fitted an aftermarket exhaust??? This is their press bike…
@@TheMissendenFlyer check out the OE exhaust . Looks nothing like the one you tested .
@@TheMissendenFlyer
it is a Yamaha extra, same exhaust with a different end cover
Nice looking bike TMF , horrible day for a bike roads looked horrible and slimey.! I watched it thinking it was a700 /4 cylinder like Yamaha had out years ago !! But decent looking bike for someone wanting a sporty looking bike but new to biking .And good to see you getting kinda squirrely in that corner .😁😁
Used ZX6R all day. Parallel twins are awesome in classic bikes. New twin bikes should be L or V twins, especially if they cost $9k+
i agree, ZX6R is so close in price, yet SO MUCH MORE BIKE for the money.. esp a 40th anniv
Enjoyed the review Andy, don't think it will sell in vast numbers, it just lacks the kudos of the original R6, but never the less a good quality reasonably priced bike. Thank you.
My pleasure
I really like the idea of the R7. Back in my yoof, I tried 1000cc, 750cc, 600cc and 400cc four cylinder sports bikes and it was the little 400s that were most fun because you could use full power on the road and not lose your licence. Similar performance bit with some actual torque is really appealing. I think it would be a wicked track toy as well.
Kawasaki is releasing a new inline4 400cc, the ZX4R. I'm excited about this one.
I'm excited by Kawasaki reviving the 400 screamer category. Also been curious for years, how it would be if Triumph produced something like a 450 Daytona triple for this category
Well even the cbr400 vfr400 etc could easily get up too 125mph in one stretch of ring road or less than half a mile. On the road the 400 is probably actually faster than a 600 or 1000
@@wolfpackpete6408 That would be wicked. I'd definately be tempted by a small faired triple. Like a baby daytona
@@chrishart8548 Yee, my only issue is that it's making about the same hp as the cbr650r (ignoring the weight), the cbr should be about as fast with more headroom for highway riding due to the bigger displacement (cooling wise).
So I have a hard time deciding if I want the zx4r, the cbr650r or even the R7 because of the grumpy Ducati vibes it gives.
Another great honest review Andy. Since first sering this bike last year I’ve loved the look, especially as you said, the special edition. But being an old geezer, I found the riding position too wrist heavy and tucked. I was gutted.
That’s the big downside with sports bikes isn’t it - look great, uncomfortable AF….
Love it. A sexy SV650S. With (I imagine) the same characteristics. Absolutely thrashable in every gear, nearly everywhere, twistier the better… or brrrapp about on a bimble. If I could have a 3rd bike I would be all over this thing.
They should make a similar bike with the MT09 engine.
But I do like the size and weight. I beleive that more and more people would like that.
That's what my mates says, anyroad...when they look at my 690 Duke, disapearing from them at every corner!
Thank you mr Flyer!
He he - nice one….
Great review as usual but would love to see a review of the aprilia rs660. I've noticed you have a lot of content involving aprilia I'm assuming you have difficulty gaining access to aprilia bikes
Yes you're right - I don't have contact with Aprilia directly and have to rely on loan bikes from ealers (which I do have access too).....
I bought the RS660 as my first bike for a number of reasons: the R7 wasn't available thanks to supply chain issues; the electronics on the RS660 were there to help me; slightly lower seat height (I'm 5'6"). Yes the Aprilia is significantly more expensive so as always its a trade off.
I think I'll stick with the Tracer. I'm not sure I would have got to Portugal and Romania last year on an R7. Looks a nice bike though if you're into the sports bike thing. Each to their own though, what a great choice we have.
Wow, aren't I lucky
I sat on an R1 at MCN London last month and at 6ft 2 i was far too tall! Couldn't even move my feet so i sadly doubt I'd fit an R7, shame as the R7 and R1 look amazing!
Whats your GoPro setup please… external mic to media mod??
Correct!
Dunno about the U.K., but here in the U.S. there are amateur racing classes that this would be perfect for. Cheap way to go racing or do track days.
The bike needs an aftermarket pipe to really "spice up" it's sound. Apart from that, it looks great in the blue colour. The gills in the tank look exactly like the ones in the R1.A solid bike. And refreshing to see a bike without all that electronic stuff like rider modes and traction control, cornering ABS. There's a lot to be said for simplicity on bikes these days.
Agreed!
Pity Yamaha don't make an R7SP version with better shocks and electronics, now fingers crossed they make an R9 based on the MT09SP given how good this bike looks
Agree. Yamaha has a program they call GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) with all kinds of parts for the R7 so they have everything at hand.
Check out Chris from 44 teeth riding one on track with all the GYTR parts on it if you haven’t already, the parts total the price of the bike, but Chris loved it.
I do prefer the RS660 to be honest. Not sure about the exhaust design with the tip finish, like the grill idea but looks a bit naff but whatever floats your boat!
That’s not standard.
@@magaudion Never said it was, I just don't like it.
Have you ever tried a Shark convertible helmet where the chin bar rotates all the way back and makes it look like a 3/4 helmet ? I am so tempted by those for the summer
No I haven’t…
Nice vid. I'm on the fence with the Yamaha R7 and The newly released Kawasaki ZX4RR. 🤔 I'm more of a street rider and not a track rider but want a sport like motorcycle while cruising around town, scenic routes and tourist spots...
This could fit the bill I reckon!
Saw a red and white anniversary edition though it looks great I am how ever too tall and stiff to ride this little beauty 😢
When I first saw this bike on Revzillas daily ride I thought it looked just amazing, but somehow when I saw one in person I was a bit let down. Maybe just due to it being inside and parked close to other bikes. I sat on it for a minute and thought "yep, too aggressive" for I too am a bit of an old geezer with a crap body. I got into a cbr650F instead which I am loving the hell out of. Definitely more of a "sports touring" guy
Great video. It's on my list for next bike. I've had a ninja 650 for 3 years loved it but now looking to change. The ZX6R was number 1 choice but 10k price tag bit too much for me. What other bikes would you say this is competing with ?
Suzuki GSXS-8R worth looking at....Daytona 660 too....
@@TheMissendenFlyer it's between the Suzuki and the R7 for me. Looks wise it's the R7 all day. Obviously Suzuki wins with all the Tech. Have you managed to get out on the Suzuki yet ?
Sat on these at NEC and Excel. Pegs ate just as high as a Panigale, which was surprising. I'm getting old, but CBR650R had a bit more real world comfort. I guess maybe this isn't trying to be a ZZR600 or Thundercat or CBR600F for the new world though, but a Gixxer 6 rival?
Great review - tried and trusted.
DONT RIDE ON ICE - what you playing at? 💙
It's a starter sports bike... ? 72bhp - dont get it.
But it looks fabulous, just fabulous.
Why some people want a starter sports bike , i dont know - use the throttle to control the speed lol.
The "R7" name is questionable - its slower and heavier than a 1998 R6 and I'm not sure its prettier.
For £7,000 secondhand , you get the last R6. 2008-2016 in blue or yellow, black, r&w. 133bhp 10kg lighter.
The new R7 will have wider bars than the R6s >> more leverage when stationary if it leans over>> easier parking/garaging, more relaxing at traffic lights and easier u-turns.
It's hard to find numbers but I think there are less than 400 R7s in the UK - not a big seller? The 1998 R6 sold over 3000 in the first year.(UK)
It does look really nice though.
Had a chance to ride one with some riser clipons about an inch or so and it had the Akrapovic exhaust from the MT07 and my opinion changed quite a bit. Would not mind this in the new Pearl White color
It is a lovely looking machine isn't it..
Its a lovely looking bike, nice idea too. Just not too fussed on that engine to be fair. Great video as always.
That's what I thought and then I tried it - have you ridden one?
@@TheMissendenFlyer I haven't yet. But I will now my friend
I think you might be surprised by the engine....in a good way
I hope to see an experimental 360 self positioning video. Show us what you can to with it. I'm just addicted to positioning the video view to what I want to see at any given moment. thanks again. now that is 03:48, time to go back to sleep. Every day is bike riding weather in south florida Thanks.
Lucky for you!
@@TheMissendenFlyer 😁
I own a FZ8 I think is brilliant Have to admit I like the look of the R7 deffo in the Red White Black speed blocks
So cool looking 80's RD style
Would I swap my FZ8 (the forgotten bike) No ...!
But I do like the R7 style
great looking bike.
I think so too!
Great budget first big bike. Ideal for nervous beginners looking to move into the four cylinder sport bike world but at a comfortable pace. Styling is good but I’d urge more confident riders to not waste their time on it and go for the CBR650R in this segment.
Prefur older model looks but nice review 👍
Would be nice to see you do a review on the MT09😊SP
Stay tuned!
Funny this review popped up today as my brother has just bought one and brought it round to show me Sunday. I agree it looks great if a bit small but the sound of the twin engine on a sports bike doesn't do it for me. For that matter nor does the riding position. Today I took the new hornet out for a demo and that I loved and signed up to buy one as soon as I got back.
Enjoy your new bike - great choice!
I can see this being fun on twisty roads. But on flat broad straight roads & highways? I just feel it’ll leave me wanting. Good looking bike tho.
Probably the era I grew up in, when most bikes were singles or twins, (and dirty, oily and unreliable), because screaming fours don’t do anything for me. I like to know I’m on a proper motorbike. So this R7 might more to my liking than an R6. As always, a great video, sir. 😊
Thank you - and yes, I get that!
Thank you - and yes, I get that!
after passing my full A license last September I was quite interested in getting an R7 as a first 'big' bike... until I got some insurance quotes, some 700 pounds more a year than an equivalent MT-07!!!😅
Yikes!
Would you recommend going from a Honda grom to one of these I’m new to motorcycling but I’m older at 38 and used to fast cars
Yes you’d be fine….
I’m over 60 and only generally ride sports bikes.
Still love my Daytona 675 and Panigales (V2/899)
I was excited for the R7 as I thought they’d reinvented the original but now I know better.
Now I’m wondering what an R9 would be like haha 😂
Yes the rumoured R9 is something I want to see…
I think the R7 should have been more ergonomically aligned to the YZF-R3. It just doesn't have the power/top end or chassis/suspension to justify being so uncomfortable. I really wanted an R7 and I think it's still a good bike - but it's going to get massacred both on track and sales wise if Kawasaki can deliver enough ZX-4r and ZX-4rr bikes to the market. The Kawasaki will be a similar price, cheaper to insure, and have the screaming top end of an inline 4 we all know and love.
Very accessible sporty bike.
One word: ultra reliable.
That’s two
Shame its in the highest tax band in the UK for ved
Twins are cool .. Ducati 916 is a twin ... I like it 👌
I had the same issue with the cable obscuring the screen on my old CBR600Fi (circa 2002). Probably the only negative point about that bike. I assume that the engineering solution must make it uneconomic to overcome !
I guess so! Thanks for watching!
I love this bike great price and looks even. Better In Yamaha Red and White with I think gold colour wheels 👍
Agreed!
I’ve been waiting for your review of this bike as it really appeals to me but I’m 6’2” so doesn’t sound like a good idea?
Depends on your proportions
I love my r7
I test rode the R7 last year. It's a stunning looking bike. but unfortunately, i found it very sluggish and small. Im 6ft and 95kg and found it was too small for me. i was uncomfortable.
Have to say i did have some fun on it. light and nimble chucking it around corners. loved the QS. I see it as an MT07 with fairings. the looks are fantastic, and the dash looks brilliant👏🏻.
unfortunately, i just felt like i was on a 125 with more power.
It drives quite well and the engine has a massive punch from the bottom on. But the footpegs are positioned too high up and too far to the front. If they were more to the back, the seating position would be much better. Compared to a Honda CBR500R the Honda is way better proportioned regarding driving position. But the engine of the R7 is a marvel!
I think they should have made it a four ,with the Yamaha cam induction system.
I think the R7 as a concept makes sense. The price of it doesn’t unless put a lot more into it. I’m a huge Yamaha fan but Kawasaki has 2 bikes in that price range now that really bring the price of the R7 into question. Even the MT-07 is a bit overpriced now with the release of the new Hornet and GSX8S. The power and the concept is all fine with me. I wish the clip ons were raised like the RS660 which also isn’t too far off in price either. So yeah lower the price or add some goodies to make it worth the price because I’d gladly put up the extra money for the Aprilia
By the by, I noticed that the bike has a tiny plastic rear hugger that appears to be effective in keeping krud off the rear suspension. The fact that Honda haven't done this with the new Hornet has really put me off it. It seems like a small thing. But it's also really basic for convenience and comfort. I just wonder how many other small things will come to light with the bike? The new adventure version doesn't appear to have anything either; and for off road....Forget It!
If it had a V twin, it would be exotic. Parallel twin = "Does it come in beige?"
Many thanks Mr. Flyer. I think the R7 is really nice - she's very pretty and reminds me of the R3 but bigger of course. The "special" paint looks really lovely on these bikes and as a non-track rider I think it should be fast enough for most people on the roads. My only negative is despite fully adjustable forks why no rider modes (rain especially useful) or even traction control? If I had this option maybe I'd have got one rather than my street triple. :>)
Fair enough!
It's cable throttle so it's not possible to have rider modes. Traction control is stopping me from buying one. What would rain mode do with 73ps as long as the power is linear it should be fine
@Peter Nicholas I understand the bikes with 200hp have a rain mode that reduces power to 90hp that makes some sense.
Good bike for beginners
Tried to order one early 2022. Bike took way too long, last date I was given was around November 22. Kinda frustrating, bought a fireblade instead.
Sorry to hear that!
Nice review TMF. It's an interesting, if slightly odd concept that at first glance feels a bit like mutton dresses as lamb. Nonetheless it seems to generally be getting good reviews, performs well for a decent price & has it's place as an entry level sports bike. I also imagine other manufacturers will follow suit if it sells well & wouldn't be shocked to see Suzuki make a GSX8R next year for example.
Yeah, so much money goes into developing new engines that cut the mustard while also passing emissions regulations. It just makes sense for manufacturers to use the same engine in more than one of their final products - not that I think it's best for the customer at the end of the day, but it works OK.
I suppose it's more than possible Honda use their new 750 twin in future CBR models.
@@wolfpackpete6408 Agreed, it makes sense if not very exciting at face value maybe. I imagine this new PT 750 engine will kill off the Honda i4 650 fairly soonish too. Reflecting on my last comment, not sure we'll see a GSX8R any time soon but 100% certain we'll see a GSX8GT with an upgraded subframe in the not too distant future.
@Rage Rider part of the problem for middleweight sport bikes was that sales weren't high enough. Rider aids and big power figures made litre bikes seem like a better idea. Plus naked bikes improved drastically, while 600s kept getting more track focused and less comfortable. For the average road rider not going to a track regularly, 600s didn't make the most sense.
Since they've developed the engine already, there's a reason chance of a GSXR 800 being made. Not sure I'd want one though. Twins do work in sport bikes, Suzuki themselves made one of the best, the TL1000R is a legend. I would usually just prefer a 4 cylinder for this type of bike
@@wolfpackpete6408Yes, the market has most definitely changed. Mainly because less & less new / younger riders are joining the fray & those of us riding sports bikes in the 90's & early 2000's are a lot older now & don't fit on Supersport bikes so well anymore. However if I wanted a sports bike, it would be the GSXR750 every time.
@Rage Rider another problem for new bike sales is that the quality and reliability in the used market is better than ever before. My local dealerships haven't been willing to service bikes running on carburettors for about 10 years already. But bikes from early 00s onwards are fuel injected and engineering kept getting better. A lot of bikes especially from 2005 on, are still great performers today... spending 10k-20k when a perfectly acceptable alternative can be had for 2k-5k... seems a bit silly. This will be the same for cars, and probably a contributing factor behind ULEZ punishing older vehicles for being old. As if people with new vehicles won't do an ECU flash, or install a power commander to enrich the fuel/air mixture a bit.
Great bike to take on the Ninja 650
Indeed….
Have you got the name of the service place in Chesham that you took your bikes for their MOTs? I've lost it. Not paying main dealers for service, etc., any more, now my bike is over 3 years' old. Excellent review. Bike not my cup of cha. I think the dash is LCD, not TFT. Looks quite clear though. Bike is a bit of a one trick pony. No idea how many Yam have sold. Perhaps they've done a deal with chiropractors to subsidise them?
Mototune - Tell Nigel I sent you!
Do you reckon the Honda Hornet 750 would give the R7 a run for it's money?
She's got the power. If the suspension and brakes are properly squared away - sure. The R7 has more adjustability though, so if the Hornet isn't set up right out of the box the power advantage can disappear pretty quickly.
I imagine the R7's fairings will also help speed-wise on faster tracks.
P.S.: One (imho) major advantage the R7 has over the Hornet is that it retains its cable-actuated throttle. That's as direct as you get. No matter how good electronic units get, there's no escaping added latency.
Err, no…