5 Reasons Why We Love The Yamaha R7 (And 5 Why The Old R6 Is Better)

Between the legendary Yamaha R6 and all new R7, we have two very different sport bikes that cater to different riders

Welcome to the world of sport motorcycles, wherein Yamaha has made a name for itself as an established and formidable opponent for those who desire bikes that are engineering marvels and performatively; the pinnacles of the industry, on both, the road and racetrack. This article gets into the nitty-gritty of a battle between two of the biggest gems in Yamaha's beautiful sportbike lineup, with the spotlight on two stalwart models: the Yamaha R7 and its forerunner, the Yamaha R6. It's a showdown between Godzilla and King Kong, the predecessor and the successor, both thriving currently.

The Yamaha R7 is the epitome of strength and flexibility, but something that gives it a run for its money, in the other corner of the ring, is the icon, the myth, the legend, the Yamaha R6, known globally for its flawlessly executed engine that dominates performance and track capabilities.

Related: 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7: Performance, Price, And Photos

The Yamaha R7 enters the scene with its powerful 698cc parallel-twin engine, producing impressive numbers of 73 horsepower (54 kilowatts) and 67 pound-feet (91 Newton-meters) of torque. Its one of the several CP2-based models, but has been revamped and enhanced with performance minded improvements.

It's worth mentioning that it has a 270 degree crank, creating a distinct sound and sensation that must be experienced firsthand. The signature Crossplane crank, contributes to combustion efficiency, vibration reduction, and seamless power delivery for linear performance and noticeable torque.

The king, the Yamaha R6, is powered by a commanding 599cc inline-four engine that produces impressive numbers of 118 horsepower (88 kilowatts) and 61 pound-feet (82.8 Newton-meters) of torque. Known for having one of the most potent engines in its class, its performance is ideal for experienced riders seeking an adrenaline rush with its high-revving nature. The engine's variable intake system optimizes airflow across different RPM ranges for enhanced power delivery. The inclusion of a slipper clutch prevents rear wheel hop when going through aggressive downshifts, resulting in a wholly rider-controlled, powerful, and engaging riding experience.

The R7 comes with an effective electronics package, featuring essential components like ABS, traction control, and two riding modes— Standard and Sport. A bidirectional quick-shifter derives seamless clutchless upshifts and downshifts, taking the riding experience to wholly new levels. The six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) quietly and steadfastly measures the parameters of the bike, enhancing the working and functionality of the aforementioned electronics. These sophisticated devices inspire rider confidence, ensuring precise control in various riding conditions, though the safety electronics are unfortunately absent.

Related: Here Are The Key Differences Between The Yamaha MT-07 And The R7

The Yamaha R6 is equipped with advanced electronics that raise its capabilities on both, the road and track. It features control over traction, slide, lift, launch, a quick shifter, and six riding modes—Standard, A, B, C, D, and E. These cutting-edge electronics provide customizable and adaptable performance, enabling riders to exploit the bike's full potential while maintaining safety. With the integration of a six-axis IMU, the R6 accurately measures various parameters, ensuring precise and dynamic control.

The extra control that the R6 offers is optimum for motorcycle savants, whereas the R7's versatility is the nouveau belle for intermediate drivers and virtuosos alike. In this context, the electronics on this machine continue to get better and better with time as newer models are released, turning the R6 into an unstoppable force on the track.

The Yamaha R7 boasts a modern and sleek design that perfectly captures its sport-oriented nature. Its striking front end features LED headlights and daytime running lights, giving it an assertive yet refined look befitting a bike of its caliber. The sculpted fuel tank and seat, combined with a compact tail section adorned with LED taillights, enhance the R7's aerodynamic profile and add to its "wow factor". With its full fairing, and beyond the bells and whistles, the R7 bears a resemblance to its larger sibling, the R1, truly embodying the essence of a versatile high-performance sport bike.

The Yamaha R6 displays a chronologically standing and iconic design, paying due homage to its illustrious racing lineage. Its distinctive round headlight, fitted with LED daytime running lights, accentuates the bike's aggressive front-end styling that screams "super-sports bike". The curved fuel tank and seat create an aerodynamic silhouette that flawlessly merges form and function. The pointed tail section, adorned with LED taillights, adds an element of elegance and dynamism, one that is quite unlike the other. Twin side-mounted exhausts not only enhance the bike's visual appeal but also contribute to its unmistakable exhaust note, one that you'll remember for years to come. The R6's full fairing and chassis optimize aerodynamics, accentuating its racing DNA.

Related: 10 Fun Facts You Should Know About The Yamaha R6

The Yamaha R7 comes duly installed with numerous features that offer stellar rider convenience. An adjustable Kayaba (KYB) suspension lets riders fine-tune the ride quality for desired control, an autonomy that most sportbikes don't seem to offer, rather focusing on achieving optimum speeds, which the R7 also provides in abundance. Radial-mount brake calipers ensure powerful and consistent braking performance each and every time, which is a much-desired quality among sport-bikes when exposed to erratic weather or road surfaces.

The R6 comes with an aluminum "Deltabox" twin-spar chassis that ensures just the right amount of rigidity and weight. Meanwhile, the R7 has a narrower steel frame, much like the MT-07. The use of magnesium in the rear subframe makes the R6 lighter, centralizing the mass to enhance control, and the fully adjustable inverted front forks and a rear monoshock, allow its riders to adjust their suspension settings for their desired handling.

The articulation of nimbleness is embodied by this bike, tipping the scales at a slight 414 pounds (188 kilograms), that can dance with exceptionally unique maneuverability and agility, an appealing and tempting choice for both, those who would like to prowl the streets and dominate the track.

The Yamaha R7 shines as a chameleon, effortlessly adapting to diverse riding environments with a finesse. As for its grand entrance into the market, the Yamaha R7 stands proud with a base price that starts at a tantalizing $8,999, a bargain for those seeking a taste of the sport bike world. And the top speed? 143 miles per hour, more than enough for most riders.

The Yamaha R6 has rightly earned the admiration of many, and its prestigious reputation stems from the fact that it is a true maestro of performance, both off-track and on-track. Weighing in at a mere 419 pounds (190 kilograms), a little more than its successor in its wet form, this marvel of machinery boasts a power-to-weight ratio that leaves competitors furious, and its riders supremely happy (provided they know how to handle this spirited monster). When it comes to pure velocity, pure speed, pure POWER, the R6 soars (and roars) to dizzying heights, with a top speed that breaches the 156 miles per hour barrier.

Raghav Narang is an aspiring mechanical engineer and wrider, whose expertise in automotive technology owing to his field of study puts him smack dab in the middle of motor-heads; and hence, on the seat of a motorbike. In idleness, he likes to customize, or as he says, "celebrate" his RE Classic 350.