2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Specs, Price, Top Speed & Reviews

• Engine: 689cc
• Power: 72.4 HP
• Mileage: 58 mpg (24.7 km/l)
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 L (3.4 gal.)
• Seat Height: 836mm (32.9 in.)
• Wet Weight: 188 kg (414 lb.)

2023 Yamaha YZF R7 Review: A Perfect Blend of Power and Agility

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Specifications

Engine Performance

At the heart of the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 lies a potent 689cc parallel-twin engine. This liquid-cooled engine is derived from the Yamaha MT-07, known for its smooth power delivery and impressive torque. With an output of approximately 73 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque, the YZF-R7 provides ample power for thrilling acceleration and impressive top speeds.

Engine

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valves (4-valves/cylinder), inline twin cylinder
Displacement	689cc
Power	72.4 horsepower
Bore x stroke	80 x 68.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Maximum Torque	6.9 kg-m (50 ft-lbs.) @ 6,500 rpm
Lubrication	Wet sump
Ignition system	TCI
Starter system	Electric
Transmission system	6-speed; multiplate wet clutch; with Assist & Slipper clutch
Fuel consumption	4.6 L/100km (58 mpg)
Fuel delivery	Fuel injection
Final Drive	“O”-ring chain

Chassis

Front suspension system	Telescopic fork; 5.1-in travel, adjustable for preload, rebound and compression
Rear suspension system	Linked-type Monocross shock, adjustable preload and rebound; 5.1-in travel
Front brake	Dual 298mm hydraulic discs / 4-piston calipers / ABS equipped
Rear brake	245mm hydraulic disc / single piston caliper / ABS equipped
Front tire	120/70ZR17
Rear tire	180/55ZR17

Dimensions

Rake/ Trail	23° / 1016 mm
Overall length	2,070 mm (81.5 in.)
Overall width	706 mm (27.8 in.)
Overall height	1,161 mm (45.7 in.)
Seat height	836mm (32.9 in.)
Wheelbase	1,394 mm (54.9 in.)
Ground clearance	135 mm (5.3 in.)
Wet Weight	188 kg (414 lb.)
Fuel tank capacity	13 L (3.4 gal.)

Competitors

Model	Price	Engine	Top Speed
2023 Suzuki SV650	$7,499	645cc V-twin	125 mph
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650	$7,799	649cc parallel-twin	130 mph
2023 Honda CBR650R	$9,399	649cc inline-four	140 mph

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Features

Design and Ergonomics

The aggressive design of the YZF-R7 not only turns heads but also serves a purpose. The aerodynamic fairings and sculpted bodywork not only enhance the bike’s visual appeal but also improve its stability at high speeds. The riding position is sporty yet comfortable, thanks to a well-padded seat and strategically positioned handlebars that facilitate both spirited riding and long-distance journeys.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Chassis and Handling

The YZF-R7 features a lightweight aluminum frame that ensures optimal rigidity and agile handling. Its compact size and low center of gravity make it easy to maneuver through tight corners and city streets. Equipped with fully adjustable KYB suspension components, including inverted front forks and a rear monoshock, the YZF-R7 offers customizable settings to suit individual riding preferences.

CHASSIS

Inverted Front Fork

The YZF-R7 features a preload, rebound, and compression adjustable inverted KYB 41mm front fork that offers optimized spring rates and damping settings for an excellent front-end feel during cornering and braking.

Lightweight Frame Tuned for Rigidity Balance

A high-strength steel frame with a rigid-mount aluminum center brace provides an optimized balance of rigidity for linear and nimble responsiveness to rider input.

Monocross Rear Shock

The all-new linked-type Monocross single-shock design reduces weight and further centralizes mass. Its adjustable spring preload and rebound damping are tuned to strike an ideal balance between ride comfort and sporty performance, capable across a wide range of uses from urban commuting to track days.

Potent Braking

A newly-designed radial brake master cylinder from Brembo combines with radial-mounted front brake calipers on dual 298mm front brake rotors to optimize braking pressure for linear delivery with excellent performance and controllability.

Sporty New Suspension

The YZF-R7 features an inverted 41mm front fork with an optimized spring rate and damping settings for an excellent front-end feel during cornering and braking. An all-new linked-type Monocross single-shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping strikes an ideal balance between ride comfort and supersport performance, capable across a wide range of uses from urban commuting to track days.

Supersport Riding Position

The YZF-R7’s carefully developed rider’s triangle and racing-inspired cockpit put you in a comfortable, confidence-inspiring riding position. A new seat combined with new tank covers featuring deep knee pockets provide optimal hip and knee positioning. Riders have the freedom to adjust positions while also maintaining a firmly planted feel in corners and a sturdy body hold under braking. Separate clip-on handlebars are set in relation to rider hip and footpeg placement for a commanding riding position.

Thin Proportions for Perfect Control

All-new dimensions give the YZF-R7 the slimmest proportions of the entire R-Series family, aiding in confident cornering performance on the track and quick, agile direction changes on twisty roads. The slim design also reduces wind resistance for optimal aerodynamics, while new bodywork incorporates the rider’s body to improve the flow of air around the bike.

ELECTRONICS

Digital LCD Instrumentation

A new full LCD instrument panel provides the rider with information on gear position, fuel capacity, real-time and average fuel economy, water temperature, clock, and more. All of this is presented in a high-contrast display.

ENGINE

All-New A&S Clutch

For the first time on Yamaha’s CP2 platform, the all-new Assist and Slipper clutch reduces clutch lever force while providing seamless downshifts and a controlled feeling during engine braking. This makes the supersport riding experience more accessible to a wider range of riders. For fast and smooth upshifts, the YZF-R7 also offers an optional Quick Shift System (QSS).

Linear Torque with Smooth Acceleration

The all-new YZF-R7 features a 270-degree crankshaft that provides a tactile experience of pulse and acceleration with minimal vibration. The CP2 engine offers a linear-feeling, direct connection from the throttle to the rear wheel.

Quick Shift System for Smooth Upshifts

To enable speedy and smooth upshifts, the YZF-R7 can be equipped with the optional Quick Shift System (QSS). When the sensor on the shift rod detects movement in the gearshift lever, the engine output is adjusted based on ECU calculations to instantly eliminate the drive torque of the engaged gear, promoting faster gear changes.

Strong, Lightweight Pistons

The YZF-R7 utilizes forged aluminum pistons with direct-plated cylinders integrated into the crankcase. This design ensures lighter weight and excellent strength at extreme temperatures, providing reliability at higher RPM.

Torquey CP2 Powerplant

Yamaha’s proven 689cc liquid-cooled, inline 2-cylinder DOHC fuel-injected CP2 engine delivers exceptional power and performance throughout the RPM range, offering an exhilarating ride and a true supersport experience. Its 270-degree crankshaft delivers linear torque for exciting acceleration with minimal vibration.

TOP FEATURES

Adaptive Bi-Functional LED Headlight The all-new YZF-R7 features an iconic R-Series M-shaped intake duct and twin-eye look, complemented by an adaptive bi-functional LED headlight.

All-New A&S Clutch

A first for Yamaha’s CP2 platform, the all-new Assist and Slipper clutch reduces clutch lever force while providing seamless downshifts and a controlled feeling over the bike’s engine braking. This helps make the supersport riding experience more accessible to a wider range of riders. For fast and smooth upshifts, an optional Quick Shift System (QSS) is also available on the YZF-R7.

Sporty New Suspension

The YZF-R7 is equipped with an inverted 41mm front fork with optimized spring rate and damping settings, ensuring an excellent front-end feel during cornering and braking. An all-new linked-type Monocross single-shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping strikes an ideal balance between ride comfort and supersport performance, making it suitable for a wide range of uses from urban commuting to track days.

Thin Proportions for Perfect Control

With its all-new dimensions, the YZF-R7 boasts the slimmest proportions of the entire R-Series family, enhancing confident cornering performance on the track and enabling quick, agile direction changes on twisty roads. The slim design also reduces wind resistance for optimal aerodynamics, while the new bodywork incorporates the rider’s body to improve the bike’s airflow.

Torquey CP2 Powerplant

Yamaha’s proven 689cc liquid-cooled, inline 2-cylinder DOHC fuel-injected CP2 engine delivers excellent power and performance throughout the rpm range, providing an exhilarating ride and a true supersport experience. Its 270-degree crankshaft delivers linear torque for exciting acceleration with limited vibration.

Supersport Performance and Handling

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Top Speed

The R7 beast can reach a maximum speed of about 231 km/h (or 143.5 mph) – slightly faster than its long-time rival, the Kawasaki Ninja 650. However, what is not so impressive is that the bike’s speed increases gradually after reaching 210 km/h (130.4 mph) and changes digits slowly after 220 km/h (136.7 mph). Some may question why we consider this impressive. The answer is simple: despite Yamaha claiming that the R7 is not a replacement for the R6, it actually falls in the same category. Moreover, our top speed tests only prove that it doesn’t even come close to the R6’s top speed of 165 mph! Instead of being positioned between the R1 and R3, the R7’s capabilities are actually closer to the R3 and miles behind the R1. Anyone looking to experience the power of the R1 will not find the R7 to be a suitable choice. Is it Yamaha’s strategy to pave the way for an R9 model derived from the MT-09? Only time can tell.

Acceleration

For experienced riders who have previously owned the MT-07, they might expect the straight-line performance of the 2023 R7 to be similar – only slightly less aggressive in everyday street riding. In fact, the R7 now weighs more than the MT-07 due to its lengthened gearing. Initially, we assumed that this change would negatively impact the R7’s acceleration and put it at a disadvantage compared to the MT-07. However, to our surprise, this was far from the case. Despite having a shorter wheelbase, frequent testing revealed that the R7 was more consistent, easier to launch, and less prone to wheelies than the MT-07. The longer gearing and additional weight – contrary to our initial expectations – actually helped. Combined with the sportier seating position, these factors ensure that there is little extra weight on the front to control wheelie tendencies. All of these features contribute to better personal bests and more precise timing when maneuvering through turns.

So what are the exact numbers? Our testers discovered that the R7 can:

• Go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.27 seconds (gear changes are required for this benchmark, but thanks to the R7’s quick shifter, we didn’t waste much time shifting into second gear).
• Reach 0 to 100 mph in approximately 7.88 seconds – quite fast for a 70-HP motorcycle.

The well-developed racing cockpit and rider triangle of the R7 provide us with a confident and extremely comfortable riding position. The seat is equipped with deep-knee pockets and tank covers that offer optimal knee and hip positioning. We were able to adjust our positions to our liking while remaining firmly planted in corners and under braking. Furthermore, the Brembo master cylinder brake comes with radial-mounted calipers on dual front rotors (298mm) to optimize braking pressure. During test rides, our control, engine performance, and linear delivery were top-notch. To seal the deal, Yamaha features a rebound-adjustable spring preload and compression inverted front fork (41mm, KYB), which utilizes damping settings and spring rates. Regardless of our braking and cornering techniques, the front-end feel was unbeatable.

Handling

Our biggest criticism of the MT-07 was its lack of handling performance. It’s great to see that the Yamaha YZF-R7 has addressed most of these issues and now provides us with a more responsive experience. Its suspension upgrades allowed us to confidently navigate challenging intersections. The advanced CP2 engine remains as playful and exciting as we remember from the MT-07s. The bike launches off with a satisfying quickness, although it may not be considered fast in terms of top speed. The testers were delighted by this characteristic! Unfortunately, at higher powerband ranges and higher speeds (such as overtaking slow cars on long straightaways or twisty roads), the engine’s handling limitations were still evident. It is important to exercise caution under these circumstances.

Technology and Electronics

Yamaha has equipped the 2023 YZF-R7 with a range of advanced technology and electronics to enhance both performance and safety. One standout feature is the six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which enables precise control of the motorcycle’s traction control system, slide control, and ABS. The YZF-R7 also comes with selectable riding modes, allowing riders to tailor the bike’s characteristics to their preferred style.

Price and Availability

As for the price, the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 is competitively priced in its segment, making it an enticing option for riders looking for a high-performance sportbike without breaking the bank. While prices may vary depending on location and optional features, expect to find the YZF-R7 in the range of $9,000 to $10,000. As for availability, Yamaha dealerships are expected to have the YZF-R7 in stock by [insert date].

Top Speed and Acceleration

With its powerful engine and aerodynamic design, the Yamaha YZF-R7 boasts impressive performance figures. While specific top speed data may vary depending on factors such as rider weight and road conditions, riders can expect the YZF-R7 to reach speeds upwards of 130 mph (209 km/h). As for acceleration, this sportbike can go from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in just under 4 seconds – a testament to its quickness off the line.

Reviews from Riders

Early reviews of the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 have been overwhelmingly positive. Riders have praised its nimble handling, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics. Many have also commended Yamaha for equipping the YZF-R7 with advanced electronics such as the IMU and selectable riding modes, which enhance both safety and rider confidence. Overall, riders have been impressed with the YZF-R7’s blend of track-ready performance and street-friendly features.

Conclusion

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 is a formidable contender in the world of sportbikes. Its combination of power, agility, and advanced technology make it a thrilling choice for riders seeking adrenaline-pumping performance on both the track and the street. With its competitive price tag and rave reviews from early riders, the Yamaha YZF-R7 is poised to become a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. So strap on your helmet, twist the throttle, and get ready to experience the exhilaration of the Yamaha YZF-R7!