2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 – First Look

The 2026 R7’s new styling brings it in line with the current aesthetic of Yamaha’s R-series sportbikes, including the M-shaped opening in the front face. Yamaha says it put special emphasis on reducing the frontal area by using a slimmer, smoother fairing. The headlight is still housed inside the M opening, but it has a new, more aerodynamically efficient shape. Combined with the chin spoiler under the headlight, the front face now directs more air towards the radiator. Like the R9 and the R1, Yamaha also replaced the turn signal stalks with indicator lights integrated into the mirrors, further slimming the R7.

The R7 remains powered by Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 Inline-Twin engine, but it now joins the MT-07 in using a Yamaha Chip controlled Throttle (Y-CCT). This ride-by-wire system allows the R7 to make use of electronic systems. The R7 comes with three preset ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain) to go with two custom modes. With the help of a six-axis IMU, the R7 is equipped with a lean-sensitive traction control system, slide control, lift control, engine brake management, brake control, and a back slip regulator. For track use, the R7 also makes use of launch control and the ability to turn off the anti-lock braking system to the rear wheel.

For smoother gear changes, Yamaha increased the number of engagement teeth for the male and female dog gears for first through third gear, while modifying the dog gear angles for fourth through sixth gear. The R7 also gains Yamaha’s third generation Quick Shift System. The system offers two settings: setting 1 allows for clutchless upshifts while accelerating and downshifts when slowing, while setting 2 offers downshifts while accelerating and upshifts while decelerating. On paper, that sounds needlessly complicated, but we’ll have to see how it works in practice.

Like the MT-07, the R7 receives a brand new frame with increased torsional, longitudinal, and lateral rigidity. The swingarm has also been tweaked to provide better feedback. Yamaha also designed a new triple clamp to optimize feeling and strength, while also providing a visual similarity to the R1 and R9’s clamps.

The fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork now uses aluminum piston rods instead of steel, saving 0.8 pounds. The fully adjustable rear suspension is unchanged from 2025. The braking system is also unchanged, with dual four-piston radial-mount calipers and 298mm discs up front, and a single-piston caliper with a 245mm disc at the rear.

Other highlights include a five-inch TFT, new switchgear, cruise control, and smartphone integration through Yamaha’s MyRide app. The R7 is also compatible with the Y-TRAC Rev app Yamaha introduced with the R9. The track-focused app offers data tracking including lap and sector times, lean angles, engine speed, gear position, throttle position, and electronic settings, allowing riders and their pit crews to analyze their data.

In Europe, the 2026 Yamaha R7 will be available in three color options: Icon Blue, Midnight Black, and Anniversary White. The U.S. gains a fourth, flashier Breaker Cyan/Raven color with purple and yellow highlights. Expect the 2026 R7 to arrive in U.S. dealerships in February 2026 with a starting price of $9,399.