2021 Yamaha R7 Teased Ahead Of Global Reveal

It is intended to plug the gap between the YZF R3 and YZF R1

• It will be based on  the Yamaha MT07.
• Could use the MT07’s 689cc parallel-twin engine but in a different state of tune.
• Likely to be a sports cruiser instead of an outright supersport like the Yamaha R6.

There has been a lot of buzz about Yamaha introducing a mid-capacity sports bike. Recently, leaked emission documents confirmed that it would be called the YZF R7. Now, the Japanese giant has officially teased it on YouTube. 

The video doesn’t give away much, but a distinct raspy exhaust note that sounds like a parallel-twin motor featuring a crossplane crankshaft, similar to the MT07’s 689cc engine. We reckon the Yamaha R7 will use the same motor but extract a little more juice from it to better suit the sports tourer’s characteristics.

Considering the YZF R7 wears the ‘R’ badge, it will be a fully faired bike. While we have no details about its styling, we think it could be inspired by the Yamaha R3 or the polarising Yamaha YZF R1. The R7 could also get an extensive electronics suite and a sophisticated TFT dash.

But, why is Yamaha walking the sports tourer path? Well, firstly, because Yamaha has no mid-capacity faired motorcycle between the YZF R3 and the YZF R1. Secondly, and more importantly, sports tourers are more versatile. They’re more manageable and comfortable than the 600cc track tools. Therefore, they appeal to a broader audience. Also, they are the perfect choice for someone seeking to upgrade from a motorcycle like the YZF R3. The Honda CBR650R, Kawasaki Ninja 650, and the latest Aprilia RS 660 are all proven examples of the same.

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All in all, the 2021 Yamaha R7 seems like an excellent addition to the company’s R-series, sure to stir the pot in the mid-capacity faired segment. We expect the bike maker to unveil the R7 by the end of this month or early June. Sadly, neither the Yamaha MT07 nor the YZF R6 landed on Indian shores, so the chances of the new Yamaha R7 coming here don’t look bright, even though it will likely abide by BS6 norms.

*Representative images