Yamaha YZF-R7LA loves slicing through turns
The Yamaha YZF-R7LA may not have as much power as its more potent brother, but it is still a very enjoyable instrument for slicing through turns. The engine is lively and eager off the line, and acceleration through the first few of its six gears is swift without being terrifying, so there's more than enough power to fascinate novice riders and keep them interested and engaged as they gain experience.
Power
The power delivery is completely smooth; there is no discernible power band, and the car pulls adequately in most ratios up to its rev-limiter, which is located just north of 10,000 rpm. Even at 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in sixth gear, the engine only revs to 4000 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Both the cable clutch and gearbox are very smooth and light. However, the HO model offers a quickshifter as a cost-extra.
The CP2 engine in this bike is identical to the one in Yamaha's MT-07LA naked bike, but the R7's 'head down, bum up' riding posture, together with its wind-cheating screen and bodywork, allow it to reach far greater peak speeds. Track testing has shown the R7's terminal velocity to be up to about 190 km/h, given a long enough straight, so it's no slow-poke!
This power plant is elegant in its simplicity. The 270-degree crank and the irregular firing sequence it generates give the YZF-R7LA some character, particularly as the revs increase into its top-end, despite the exhaust sound being almost apologetically quiet at idle. It's quite quiet for a twin, and the only noticeable vibration comes via the clip-ons as a little blurring of the very small mirrors.
Putting aside its impressive engine perf
ormance, the YZF-R7LA is a joy to ride over twisty roads because of its low weight and quick handling, which are unaffected by the bike's aggressive steering geometry (a short 1395mm wheelbase and a sharp 23.4-degree rake). It's a huge improvement over the two-stroke racing replicas I learned on, when the risk of a tank slap on a rough corner exit was always there.
In contrast, the Yamaha YZF-R7LA is excellent at maintaining a course, and altering course requires just the lightest touch to the handlebars. And there's a lot of room to maneuver around corners.
Suspension
You may rest easy knowing that there will be no corner clearance difficulties. The KYB suspension really works well. The setup is as hard and athletic as desired, but compliant to some extent, and all the manual adjustors are conveniently placed. New purchasers, take our counsel. Have the dealer adjust the preload at each end for your weight, and keep the damping at its factory values to start.
A radial Brembo front brake master cylinder and four-piston radial-mount front calipers make the brakes "proper" for a sportsbike. These are fantastic stoppers—not that they have too much of a challenge before them at this weight—and they give a wealth of feel and feedback, all reinforced by ABS.
Even the back brake has decent stopping ability. Although this is not always the case with sportsbikes, it is beneficial for a vehicle that will spend the vast majority of its time on public roads rather than racetracks.There is a lot of feel and feedback from the brakes, and the stopping force is excellent.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics? The bike seems to be a good fit for my 188cm (6ft 2in) frame. This is the sports riding posture, so brace yourself for some wrist strain as you bend forward to grab the clip-ons and the little space between your legs.
It's an excellent choice for daily use. Unlike on other sportsbikes, the steering range isn't overly restricted, and the bike is narrow enough to make lane filtering easy (though we wouldn't advise doing so until you've honed your riding skills and confidence).
Inexperienced drivers will spend most of their time on public roads rather than the track, but the R7LA is useful in both environments.
If you're looking to cover more ground or simply want a more relaxed riding posture, the Yamaha MT-07LA ($12,749 ride away) is a great option. The same reliable engine, in a more accommodating riding posture for those with longer torsos. The high and broad bar also facilitates low-velocity maneuvers such as U-turns.
Fuel Economy
Our average fuel efficiency was a remarkable 3.6 liters per hundred kilometers. That translates to a healthy, safe range of around 325 kilometers. Superb efficiency, not to mention a long driving range.
The Verdict
The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7LA looks the part for novice riders who want to pretend they're in MotoGP or on their way to R1, even if the available performance begs to disagree. This bike looks terrific, handles well, and will keep riders interested and involved from the moment they get their temporary license until they get their full license.
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, DOHC parallel-twin
Capacity: 655cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0mm x 68.6mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 52.1hp (38.3kW) at 8000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 57.5Nm at 4000rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed, constant mesh
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel Deltabox
Front suspension: 41mm inverted KYB fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, adjustable for rebound and preload
Front brakes: Twin 298mm discs with radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers, ABS equipped
Rear brakes: Single 245mm disc with single-piston Nissin caliper, ABS equipped
Wheels: 10-spoke alloy
Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 23.4 degrees
Trail: 90mm
Claimed wet weight: 188kg
Seat height: 835mm
Wheelbase: 1395mm
Fuel capacity: 12.8 litres
OTHER STUFF
Colours: Icon Blue or Yamaha Black
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Motor Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres
Power
The power delivery is completely smooth; there is no discernible power band, and the car pulls adequately in most ratios up to its rev-limiter, which is located just north of 10,000 rpm. Even at 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in sixth gear, the engine only revs to 4000 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Both the cable clutch and gearbox are very smooth and light. However, the HO model offers a quickshifter as a cost-extra.
The CP2 engine in this bike is identical to the one in Yamaha's MT-07LA naked bike, but the R7's 'head down, bum up' riding posture, together with its wind-cheating screen and bodywork, allow it to reach far greater peak speeds. Track testing has shown the R7's terminal velocity to be up to about 190 km/h, given a long enough straight, so it's no slow-poke!
This power plant is elegant in its simplicity. The 270-degree crank and the irregular firing sequence it generates give the YZF-R7LA some character, particularly as the revs increase into its top-end, despite the exhaust sound being almost apologetically quiet at idle. It's quite quiet for a twin, and the only noticeable vibration comes via the clip-ons as a little blurring of the very small mirrors.
Putting aside its impressive engine perf
ormance, the YZF-R7LA is a joy to ride over twisty roads because of its low weight and quick handling, which are unaffected by the bike's aggressive steering geometry (a short 1395mm wheelbase and a sharp 23.4-degree rake). It's a huge improvement over the two-stroke racing replicas I learned on, when the risk of a tank slap on a rough corner exit was always there.
In contrast, the Yamaha YZF-R7LA is excellent at maintaining a course, and altering course requires just the lightest touch to the handlebars. And there's a lot of room to maneuver around corners.
Suspension
You may rest easy knowing that there will be no corner clearance difficulties. The KYB suspension really works well. The setup is as hard and athletic as desired, but compliant to some extent, and all the manual adjustors are conveniently placed. New purchasers, take our counsel. Have the dealer adjust the preload at each end for your weight, and keep the damping at its factory values to start.
A radial Brembo front brake master cylinder and four-piston radial-mount front calipers make the brakes "proper" for a sportsbike. These are fantastic stoppers—not that they have too much of a challenge before them at this weight—and they give a wealth of feel and feedback, all reinforced by ABS.
Even the back brake has decent stopping ability. Although this is not always the case with sportsbikes, it is beneficial for a vehicle that will spend the vast majority of its time on public roads rather than racetracks.There is a lot of feel and feedback from the brakes, and the stopping force is excellent.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics? The bike seems to be a good fit for my 188cm (6ft 2in) frame. This is the sports riding posture, so brace yourself for some wrist strain as you bend forward to grab the clip-ons and the little space between your legs.
It's an excellent choice for daily use. Unlike on other sportsbikes, the steering range isn't overly restricted, and the bike is narrow enough to make lane filtering easy (though we wouldn't advise doing so until you've honed your riding skills and confidence).
Inexperienced drivers will spend most of their time on public roads rather than the track, but the R7LA is useful in both environments.
If you're looking to cover more ground or simply want a more relaxed riding posture, the Yamaha MT-07LA ($12,749 ride away) is a great option. The same reliable engine, in a more accommodating riding posture for those with longer torsos. The high and broad bar also facilitates low-velocity maneuvers such as U-turns.
Fuel Economy
Our average fuel efficiency was a remarkable 3.6 liters per hundred kilometers. That translates to a healthy, safe range of around 325 kilometers. Superb efficiency, not to mention a long driving range.
The Verdict
The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7LA looks the part for novice riders who want to pretend they're in MotoGP or on their way to R1, even if the available performance begs to disagree. This bike looks terrific, handles well, and will keep riders interested and involved from the moment they get their temporary license until they get their full license.
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, DOHC parallel-twin
Capacity: 655cc
Bore x stroke: 78.0mm x 68.6mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 52.1hp (38.3kW) at 8000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 57.5Nm at 4000rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed, constant mesh
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel Deltabox
Front suspension: 41mm inverted KYB fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, adjustable for rebound and preload
Front brakes: Twin 298mm discs with radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers, ABS equipped
Rear brakes: Single 245mm disc with single-piston Nissin caliper, ABS equipped
Wheels: 10-spoke alloy
Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 23.4 degrees
Trail: 90mm
Claimed wet weight: 188kg
Seat height: 835mm
Wheelbase: 1395mm
Fuel capacity: 12.8 litres
OTHER STUFF
Colours: Icon Blue or Yamaha Black
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Motor Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres
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