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Yamaha's R-line of bikes brings the sports/race approach to different price points, from the entry-level R125 (made for Asian markets) to the wheelie-popping 200-horsepower R1. We wish Yamaha's naming department were as good as Yamaha's engineering. The R1 is the fastest, R9 comes next, followed by R7 and finally the R3. The R7 is relatively new to the R-series, introduced in 2022, intended as a spiritual successor to the Yamaha R6; it is slightly slower than the former middleweight champion.
Its CP2 twin-cylinder engine, borrowed from the MT-07, produces 72 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque. That's 50 horses less than its predecessor's 122, so its top speed is rated at around 130 mph, compared to the R6's 162 mph. For those who like to max out every gear completely, the R7 can achieve 25.6 mph at 5,000 rpm in first gear, according to MotoStatz. Since speed scales linearly with RPM, we can do some simple math to find that the theoretical top speed in first gear at 10,500 rpm would be about 53 mph. Meaning the 0-60 is not possible in the R7 in first gear. For reference, the maximum speed of R6 on first gear is a whopping 72 mph, thanks to its insane rev limit of 14,500 rpm, a whole 4,000 rpm more than the R7.
How does the R7 stack up against its Rivals?
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With a price tag of $9,399, the R7 doesn't sound very "affordable," but given the soaring prices, gone are the days of sub-$10,000 fully specced middleweights. Let's start with its closest rival, the Ninja 650. It is slightly cheaper than the R7 and delivers similar power, but riders complain about its upright commuter-style riding position, soft suspension, and overall less sporty ride. The Honda CBR650R is another solid choice, featuring a high-revving inline-four producing 94 horsepower. However, it is heavier, lacks the latest tech features, and doesn't handle as sharply as an R7.
Where the Yamaha R7 truly shines is on the track. It may not be the most powerful bike in its segment, but it delivers genuine track-ready features like a 6-axis IMU and fully adjustable KYB suspension. The only bike in this price bracket that offers a noticeably better track experience is the Aprilia RS 660; however, it's significantly more expensive at $11,799 for the base variant and still has to prove its long-term reliability. The R7's CP2 engine, on the other hand, has been in production for years and is known to be bulletproof. Plus, the Aprilia's 105 horsepower isn't exactly beginner friendly. According to riders, The R7 is one of the best sport bike options for riders who want solid performance while still keeping things beginner-friendly and approachable.
Additionally, Yamaha also offers a more commuter-focused version of the R7 called the MT-07, minus the R-styling, sportier riding position, and track-ready features. The MT-07 is also an excellent alternative for someone looking for maximum bang for buck performance and doesn't want to switch to another brand.
