Buying a used Yamaha YZF-R7

For anyone considering a sharp-handing sportsbike on a relatively modest budget, the Yamaha YZF-R7 makes a strong case. In both the Yamaha YZF-R7 and its naked stablemate, the Yamaha MT-07, you can see a clear intention on Yamaha’s part to play in the sub-$20,000 category, where the name of the game is to provide good sports-focused performance and handling for not too much money.

In other words, max bang for the buck with the minimum of fuss.

Yamaha announced the YZF-R7 in May 2021 and in the process managed to cause quite a bit of confusion among those of us who had been riding for a few decades. You see, for us the name belonged to very desirable OW-02 World Superbike homologation special of 1999. With just 500 made, it has long since become a serious collector piece.

Moving forward to the ‘new’ R7 and we have a very different intention: essentially a relatively inexpensive and cheerful sportsbike based on the successful MT-07 naked-bike platform.

Thanks to the two-pronged development of the MT-07, namely in 689cc High Output and 655cc Leaner Approved forms, the YZF-R7 followed suit, being launched in YZF-R7HO and YZF-R7LA variants.

In full-power configuration it claims 59kW (76hp) and for the learner package it’s 39kW (59hp). While the latter may not seem like much, it is in fact more than enough to punt the 188kg package at a very respectable pace. That weight, by the way, is just 4kg up on the MT-07.

Underlying all of this is the CP2 four-stroke parallel-twin, featuring a crossplane crankshaft, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooling, and electronic fuel injection.

The chassis meanwhile is very straightforward, though the company has been reasonably generous with the spec. Holding it all together is a steel frame with KYB upside-down front suspension, featuring the full range of adjustment.

On the rear is a Monocross shock with preload and rebound damping adjustment.

Braking is supplied by a Brembo master cylinder up front working twin discs with four-spotter calipers. The rear is a single disc, while both ends feature ABS.

Aside from the HO and LA variants, in 2023 we also saw a special edition white with red trim paint scheme celebrating 60 years of world GP competition.

It’s worth noting the 2025 MT-07 is coming up for a major upgrade and you might expect some of this to transfer across to the YZF-R7 in a future model year. In the case of the MT-07, it includes a fly-by-wire throttle, enabling more in the way of ride modes, plus an upgraded chassis.

As with the MT-07, the YZF-R7 is a light, easy-going thing to fling around, albeit with a more sportsbike attitude. In some ways, it’s probably the ideal preparation for owning a bigger sports machine, as the package performs well, is responsive and provides good feedback to the rider.

It could be criticised for being a little on the soft side in the suspension, particularly at track speeds and under very hard braking, but it is in fact a reasonable compromise given its intended audience.

Admittedly it doesn’t have the ultra-hard-edged and physics-defying performance of an open-class bike, which in most situations is a good thing. It’s one of those rides that is confidence inspiring while still acting like a capable package on a set of curves.

The trade-off is the lower clip-on handlebars put more weight on the wrists and the ride position is generally less friendly for long distance work.

Yamaha’s CP2 engine has a good reputation for reliability. Basic services for filter and fluid changes are due every 10,000km and in theory a moderately competent home mechanic should be able to manage it.

The oil filter is a spin-on type, while Yamaha says you should feed it with premium fuel.

Major services are every 40,000km, including a check of the shim-adjusted valve clearance. That’s a workshop job.

There has been a clutch plate recall for MT-07 and there has been chatter that one is expected for the R7. The easy solution is to keep in touch with your local Yamaha dealer.

You can buy new or search bikesales for the numerous used bikes available in both LA and HO form.

Keep in mind these are late-model machines, and so tend to be low mileage while holding their prices fairly well. LA (learner) versions start at around $12,000 for something showing 7000km.

It’s a similar story for the HO, although prices tended to be $500 to $1000 lower for equivalent machines.

Happy hunting!

For

Against

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve parallel-twin
Capacity: 655cc (689cc)
Bore x stroke: 78.0mm x 68.6mm (80.0mm x 68.6mm)
Compression ratio: 11.0:1 (11.5:1)
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 52.1hp/38.3kW at 8000rpm (76.7hp/56.4kW at 9000rpm)
Claimed maximum torque: 57.5Nm at 4000rpm (68Nm at 6500rpm)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel diamond trellis
Front suspension: Inverted 41mm fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound
Front brakes: Twin 298mm discs with four-piston calipers, ABS equipped
Rear brake: Single 245mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS equipped
Tyres: Bridgestone; front 120/70-17, rear 180/55-17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 23.7 degrees
Trail: 91mm
Claimed kerb weight: 188kg
Seat height: 835mm
Wheelbase: 1395mm
Fuel capacity: 12.8L

OTHER STUFF
Price (new): $15,399 ride away
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres