The international launch of the new Yamaha R7 is under way and we get our first detailed look at the game-changing MT-07-based sports bike.

2022 Yamaha R7 Could Be The Shot-In-The-Arm the Sports Bike Market Needs

The new Yamaha R7 super sports bike has been officially launched and promises to be much more than simply a faired version of the MT-07.

While the MT-07 was a friendly-for-all naked bike, often referred to by that hideous phrase, 'commuter bike', the R7 needed to be much sharper and a proper sports bike in its own right. Judging by the specification, Yamaha has done just that, going some way to reviving the middleweight sports bike segment, currently populated by the new Aprilia RS660 and the Kawasaki ZX6R, which is also expecting an imminent update.

Powered by the company's CP2 parallel twin engine, the horsepower and torque figures remain the same as in the MT-07, meaning 74.8bhp and 50lb.ft of torque. With a 270-degree crank offset, it has a nicely gruff exhaust note and has always been praised as one of the best engines Yamaha produces.

Suspension is courtesy of KYB inverted forks up front, adjustable for preload, rebound and compression, as is the single rear shock. Brakes are radial-mounted Brembo units.

Lighting is LED and there is a new LCD dashboard.

The styling is suitably sports-bike oriented and the riding position is much more aggressive than the MT-07. Yamaha has gone to great lengths to make sure the R7 is a potent road riding tool and not just a track-day special.

Price is $8,999 and it is available in the Yamaha 60th Anniversary colours of red and white for an extra cost.