Rejoice Yamaha Fans- R7 and MT-07 Launch Likely in 2022

Yamaha India top brass says small batches of both models are in the pipeline. Yes, Yamaha!

In a recent interview, Eishin Chihana, Chairperson, Yamaha Motor India,  made it official that the Yamaha YZF-R7 supersport and Yamaha MT-07 streetfighter could well be launched in the country. Finally! 

The 689cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine powering the two motorcycles has been well-received the world over by enthusiasts and critics for its friendly, yet exciting nature. The current generation R7 and MT-07 are, arguably, some of the most approachable and practical middleweight motorcycles and they could be the ideal premium bikes from Yamaha for India.   

According to the Japanese marque, a small batch of both models should be coming in via the CBU (completely built-up unit) route from Japan. However, in case it doesn’t, Yamaha claims that these models will certainly be made available in India in 2024. Also in the pipeline is the current generation MT-09.

Both near 700cc motorcycles are BS6-compliant and before the new OBD-2 regulations arrive, Yamaha wants a few customers to be able to sample the motorcycles as is. The 2024 models should feature OBD-2 on-board diagnostic technology as per the new government norms. Hence, in their current form, bikes like these can only be imported and sold up until March 31, 2023. 

Will Yamaha also introduce the uber popular Tenere 700 adventure bike in India? Not anytime soon. That said, we think bringing the MT-07 and R7 is a good start. If Yamaha can sustain enough sales on these 700cc models, the Tenere might actually be a reality not too far in the future.

Given the CBU entry of these motorcycles, we expect the MT-07 to be priced at Rs 9 lakh and the YZF-R7 at 11 lakh (both ex-showroom). While the R7 will compete with bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Honda CBR650R, the MT-07 takes on the Kawasaki Z650 and the Honda CB650R. 

Source