Yamaha YZF-R7  0-60 mph in 3.27 seconds

Below, we take a look at the Yamaha’s new R7 from 0-60 mph, quarter mile time,  in-gear and outright acceleration through the gears and its top speed.

Yamaha YZF-R7 Dyno Curve

The new Yamaha YZF-R7 uses the same revised CP2 engine from the Yamaha MT-07. So, we have the familiar 689 cc parallel two making a claimed 72 horsepower at the crank.

At the rear wheel the New R7 makes a very healthy 71 horsepower but typically you will see 67-68 horsepower, but you may get a good one.
71 horsepower may not sound a lot if comparing to competitors or in general but the YZF-R7 is more about torque which is at 47 ft/lb and is a good number for the class.

Again, though you may be thinking that 47 ft/lb is not that impressive but don’t be fooled, as just like the MT-07 engine the YZF-R7 engine is much more impressive than what it puts down on paper.

This is by and large due to a great spread for torque starting from 3000 rpm and combined with low gearing. (More on that later)

The R7 is not a motorcycle that needs to be screamed, in fact you generally make the best progress if shifting around the 9000-9500 rpm mark, rather than taking the engine into the red like you can with some other motorcycles without losing much in a straight line.

You can even short-shift at 6000-7000k and still make rapid accelerative progress.

Yamaha YZF-R7 gear acceleration

The new R7 is geared a fraction longer than the MT-07 and is a few kilograms heavier. This means that technically it will have slightly slower in-gear acceleration but to be honest it is not something that you would notice too much as we are only talking one tooth difference at the rear sprocket.

Also, consider that the Yamaha R7 has more than enough mid and bottom-end grunt and is a class leader in that department.

For example, In the first three gears anywhere below 8000 rpm the new R7 will out grunt the new Aprilia RS 660 while matching it in fourth and losing out in fifth and sixth gear. (Comparison soon)

Of course the RS660 has more ‘go’ above 8000 rpm in any gear as the R7’s power curve starts to flatten off while the RS 660 goes on to produce almost 20 more horsepower.

Either way, just like the MT-07 the R7’s engine and performance works really well under 100 mph and blasting from one slow corner to the next, or blasting around town with its easily accessible grunt where it is very effective against competitors, even the CBR650R.

Yamaha YZF-R7 Acceleration and top speed

If you have ridden an MT-07 you can expect straight line performance to be in the same ballpark as the new R7, just a little less frantic.

The YZF-R7 is a touch heavier than the MT and Yamaha – as mentioned earlier have opted to lengthen gearing a little. The assumptions would be that it might hurt the acceleration of the R7 if comparing to the MT-07 but this is not the case.

From a dig the R7 is consistently faster as it is a little easier to launch and less wheelie prone. That little extra weight, plus the longer gearing probably helps somewhat.

Then if we combine that with the sportier riding position of the R7 that ensures there is little more weight over the front. When all added up means more consistent times and better PB’s when push comes to shove.

With that said the Yamaha YZF-R7 hit 0-60 mph in 3.27 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 3.43 seconds. The benchmark requires a gear change, though thanks to the quickshifter less time is lost on the upshift.

The dash to 100 mph is pretty rapid for a 70 horsepower motorcycle too, arriving in only 7.88 seconds though the R7 needs fourth gear like many motorcycle in this class. It beats out the Ninja 650 convincingly but is a little behind the RS 660.   R7 vs R6

Just like its ugly sister, the Yamaha R7 can dip into the 11’s on the drag strip. It’s a lot harder on the MT-07 but the R7 manages mid 11s scoring 11.64 seconds on the quarter mile run with a terminal speed of 116 mph. This is a great time but is certainly very close to the pinnacle. Most decent light weight road riders would be low 12s and if you’re rubbish 13s.

Like with all mid to low power motorcycles that 1/8th mile time is key as you don’t have 200 horsepower to make up for your lack of skill or power of the motorcycle.

If you must see what she is capable of you’ll be pleased to know that the YZF-R7 can hit 139 mph if you are of a small stature and every committed. The R7 is very svelte and has a tiny frontal area and is overall narrow, which helped by the slim engine.

I’m told US models have a few more throttle restrictions in the ECU so if you have a US motorcycle your top speed may vary.

Typically, a real-world speed for most would be low 130’s unless you have great conditions, are small and can tuck very effectively. The difference between a good tuck versus a poor tuck added 5 seconds to the 0-130 mph time. So, if you are racing your mates be sure to use our Yoga skills for the best effect.