2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike Review Specs Price

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike, a fully-faired sportbike, made a dramatic return in 2022, and for 2023, it comes as a direct carryover with a few key upgrades. While the overall design remains unchanged, Yamaha has made thoughtful improvements to the model, making it even more appealing to enthusiasts. These enhancements include an upgraded suspension system and the addition of a slipper clutch for improved traction and control, especially during aggressive riding. That’s why it has been included in our list of Top Ten Best Super Sports Motorcycles One Can Buy in 2023.

The parallel-twin engine that powers the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike continues as the heart of this impressive machine, housed in sleek and purposeful bodywork. Whether you’re looking to race or enjoy spirited rides on the street, the 2023 YZF-R7 has all the ingredients for a top-performing bike.

Notably, the YZF-R7 replaced the older YZF750 model, and from the outset, the bike has been designed with race homologation in mind. That means the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike is ready for track days almost right out of the box. Yamaha also offers an extensive accessory catalog to help you tailor the bike for competitive use or simply personalize it to reflect your style and needs.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike – Features and Specs

Performance and Capability

Powering the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike is a robust 8-valve, DOHC parallel-twin engine that features an oversquare design. This engine has an 80mm bore and a short 68.8mm stroke, resulting in a total displacement of 689cc. This powerplant offers impressive performance, especially considering the high compression ratio of 11.5:1, which demands high-octane fuel.

Also Read: 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 Sports Motorcycle Review

Whether you’re taking it to the track or using it for everyday riding, the engine’s output is designed for maximum performance. The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike delivers 72.4 horsepower and 49.4 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to provide an exhilarating riding experience.

One of the unique features of the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike is the inclusion of ram-air intakes positioned within the fairing. These intakes pressurize the intake tracts, slightly boosting engine efficiency and increasing performance, especially at higher speeds. While the benefits are most noticeable above 100 mph, the added intake air pressure helps boost power delivery during high-speed track runs.

The engine’s firing order is set to 270 degrees, typical for Yamaha’s parallel-twin engines. This firing order gives the engine a distinct, lopey idle, and the power pulses are spaced further apart. It allows the rear tire more time to grab traction between power cycles, making it more stable during aggressive acceleration. This characteristic is one of the reasons why such engines dominate hill-climbing events, where traction and stability are crucial.

For 2023, Yamaha has added a slipper clutch to the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike. This feature lightens the clutch lever pull and broadens the friction zone, making the clutch feel more natural. This upgrade improves overall control and traction, giving the rider better stability when downshifting or riding hard in corners. The YZF-R7’s top speed is an impressive 143 mph, meaning the bike can reach remarkable speeds, making it an excellent option for riders who like to push their limits on highways or race tracks.

Design

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike boasts a sharp, aggressive design that is purposeful and aerodynamic. The bodywork has been optimized to minimize drag and channel air efficiently around the bike, reducing turbulence and helping cool the engine components, such as the exhaust headers and the radiator. At its core, the YZF-R7 is built upon the MT-07 platform, but adding more aerodynamic bodywork transforms it into a sleek, race-ready machine that looks as fast as it rides.

The dual, stacked LED headlights have an adaptive feature that automatically adjusts the light’s direction based on the bike’s lean angle. It means the rider gets optimal illumination when cornering, increasing safety and visibility in turns.

Above the headlights, intake ports allow the bike to channel pressurized air directly into the intake tract, further boosting engine performance at higher speeds. Like many modern motorcycles, the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike has LED lighting, providing excellent visibility, whether riding at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Another key feature is the bubble-style windscreen. It helps reduce wind resistance, but riders must tuck in low behind it to fully benefit from it. The clip-on handlebars also contribute to a more aggressive, tucked-in riding posture, though they prevent riders from shifting to a more upright position. It contributes to a more aerodynamic stance but at the cost of comfort during long rides or when you need a break from leaning forward.

The 3.4-gallon fuel tank has been designed with deep knee pockets to allow for a more comfortable and aggressive riding position. These pockets also help riders gain better bike control when leaning into turns. The seat height is set at 32.9 inches, which is accessible to most riders, although shorter individuals may find themselves tiptoeing when stopped. The pillion footpegs are removable for those who want to race, allowing the bike to shed extra weight for track days.

Chassis

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike’s frame is a blend of high-tensile steel in the front members and an aluminum center brace that helps to reduce weight while maintaining strength. This design provides excellent structural integrity while contributing to a more responsive and lighter feel. The frame’s rear is completed by a gull-wing swingarm, which further enhances the bike’s overall performance better than 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7.

The new Monocross shock at the rear comes with spring preload and rebound damping adjustments, enabling you to fine-tune the suspension according to your preferred ride quality, whether navigating bumpy streets or cornering hard on a track. The front suspension is handled by inverted 41mm KYB forks, which provide 5.1 inches of travel to match the rear. The front and rear suspension work harmoniously to deliver a smooth and stable ride, whether tackling city streets or pushing the bike to its limits on the track.

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike has Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires mounted on cast-alloy 17-inch wheels. The front tire is a 120/70, while the rear is a 180/55, offering excellent grip and stability.

For braking power, the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike uses dual 298mm front discs paired with a radial-mounted caliper, providing robust and responsive braking performance. The rear uses a 245mm disc and single-pot caliper. This brake setup ensures the bike remains stable and controllable at high speeds or during aggressive cornering.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike – Price and Availability

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike is priced at $9,199, a slight increase from the previous year’s MSRP of $8,999. For 2023, in addition to the familiar Team Yamaha Blue and Performance Black color schemes, Yamaha introduces a new color option—Intensity White. It expands the bike’s aesthetic choices and allows riders to choose a finish that best suits their style.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike – Competitors

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike faces competition from several other manufacturers, but one notable rival is the Aprilia RS 660. This European offering from Aprilia features a 659cc engine, which, although slightly smaller than the Yamaha’s, produces a significantly higher 100 horsepower than the R7’s 72. While the YZF-R7 is a formidable performer, the Aprilia RS 660 takes the lead regarding power output.

In addition to the power advantage, the Aprilia RS 660 has a more sophisticated ride-control electronics package, offering features that the Yamaha lacks. However, this comes at a price—at $11,699, the Aprilia RS 660 is significantly more expensive than the YZF-R7. At $9,199, the Yamaha offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much performance or track readiness.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike – FAQ

Q: How much will the Yamaha YZF-R7 cost?

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 is priced at $9,199, up from $8,999 in 2022.

Q: Is the R6 or R7 faster?

The Yamaha R6 is faster than the R7, especially in lower gears. In first gear, the R6 tops out at about 75 mph, while the R7 tops at around 50 mph. The R6 also hits 60 mph in first gear, while the R7 is slower.

Q: How fast can the Yamaha R7 go?

The top speed of the YZF-R7 is approximately 143 mph, thanks to its 689cc engine.

Q: Is the Yamaha YZF-R7 suitable for beginners?

While the YZF-R7 is not the best choice for beginners in regions with tiered licensing, it is a solid option for riders progressing to larger bikes. The bike’s manageable power and lightweight frame make it accessible, but shorter riders may find the seat height challenging, requiring some tiptoeing at stops.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 Sports Bike – Technical Specifications

Engine

Chassis

Dimension