Best Yamaha Motor Super Sport Bikes
Yamaha YZF-R1
Best Supersports Bike – I've owned my Yamaha R1 for just over a year now. 2016 anniversary. The bike sounds amazing with its cross plane engine. More than enough power at… Read more
200hp. If you're looking for fuel efficiency, look elsewhere, this monster drinks petrol like a car if you're driving in an urban setting. Not for the faint hearted as it can be jerky at slow speeds and does get hot in start stop driving lock traffic.
Pillion passengers will be very uncomfortable on the small seat. But overall the bike is top tier and reliable.
amazing bike, but tough on your back – This is an amazing bike build amazing handling. Acceleration and speed would blow your mind. But this bike is not ideal for long rides as the sitting… Read more
position and would make your back very sore . Riding in the city might be a little bit challenging because of the riding position as it compromises handling on low speeds.
Yamaha YZF-R7
The R1 for LAMS riders – This is the most powerful ‘supersport’ learner approved motorcycle you can buy from Yamaha. If you’re chasing the big bike aesthetic, but have a few… Read more
years left on your learner licence, this is one of the most popular options for a lot of first-time riders.
The construction quality of the pedals, levers, wheels and decals scream longevity and should pass the test of time with ease. But, I think Yamaha should have done a better job of organising the cables around the handlebars, as they distract from the superior build quality evident throughout the R7.
Ride away pricing for the R7 is $14,049. That’s going to shock a lot of first time riders and those used to spending hours online looking at used bike prices. However, it’s not extremely dear when entering the 600cc new bike club. Plenty of competitors offer larger displacement learner bikes at this price point, but really is it worth spending a few more dollars to graduate from the 300cc club to this? That depends...
For those doing lots of highway riding and more frequent longer rides on weekends, you’ll reap the benefits of more torque and a bigger frame. However, it’s not really for those who mainly commute and rarely hit up those twisty back roads on their days off.
A lot of riders will be tempted to opt for a louder pipe, but I think the R7’s stock sound offers enough feedback without being overly obnoxious for a learner bike.
The CP2 655cc parallel twin motor in the R7 produces 38.3kW (52hp) and 57.5Nm. That larger torque figure will be more appealing to larger riders or those who have already had some experience riding.
Pick up feels immediate, with that wave of torque reaching its peak at 4,000rpm. However, that’s a fair way from the peak power delivery of 38.3kW at 8,000rpm. You can feel that torque peel back as you run up the rev range, but it’s not something that feels like a dealbreaker by any means.
The upside down KYB forks handled the weight transfer of the R7 with excellent precision. Additionally, the rear shock’s placement is designed to keep the weight of the bike more centred, allowing for even greater control when cornering.
I averaged around 4L per 100km; the R7 is surprisingly fuel efficient for a larger displacement bike. The warranty is 24 months, unlimited parts and labour. Servicing costs are set by the individual dealers, but service intervals are every 10,000km, with valve checks every 40,000km.
Although the R3 needed a little more encouragement via the throttle when entering freeways and getting up to speed, I found it to be more than appropriate as a learner bike.
The R7 exists for more power and more bikes. It’s for riders who know they don’t want anything less than 600cc. It’s for riders looking for a little more speed and performance, and a more ‘grown up’ looking motorcycle. If you’re on the fence about spending more on the R7, just get the R3. However, if you’re looking for a bike that feels closer to riding the full-fat R1, the R7 is an excellent step in the right direction.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
