Updated Yamaha R7 Coming for 2026
Sportbike to receive electronic throttle and the MT-07’s updated engine
Yamaha is preparing to launch a new YZF-R7 for 2026, with an updated Euro5+ compliant engine. The confirmation comes to us via homologation filings submitted in Switzerland indicating both a new model code and engine code for the R7.
We’ve been anticipating a new R7 for a while now, after uncovering patent filings from Yamaha for a new radiator design that showed drawings of a sportbike with the CP2 engine under a new fairing design. The R7 has not had an update since it debuted in 2022, and after Yamaha debuted an Euro5+ compliant naked MT-07 for 2025, we expected the faired model to follow suit. Instead, the R7 returned unchanged for North America, while being held back in Europe for 2025, even though the revised engine was ready to go.
Whether there was a delay in the R7’s development, or a strategic marketing decision to put the focus on the 2025 YZF-R9, it now appears Yamaha is ready to go ahead with the new R7 for the 2026 model year.
According to the Swiss homologation filings, the new R7 has the model code RM60 instead of the code RM39, which the sportbike has used since its debut. The filing also lists the engine code M427E, which is the same code as the new MT-07’s Parallel-Twin. The MT-07 also received an electronic throttle with selectable ride modes and switchable traction control, all of which we expect to come to the new R7.
Like the MT-07, the new R7 is certified with a peak output of 72.4 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 50.2 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm, which is not too far off the previous engine’s figures. When we put the MT-07 on the dyno, for our naked middleweight comparison, the new engine measured 65.1 hp at 8,750 rpm and 46.3 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm.
Along with the engine details, the homologation filing confirms some changes to the R7’s dimensions, listing a width of 28.5 inches compared to the current model’s 27.8 inches. The filling also lists a tare weight (curb weight plus 75 kg to account for a rider and certain accessories) of 264 kg (582 pounds), which is a kilogram heavier than the current R7’s certified tare weight. That means we can expect the new model to have a curb weight of about 417 pounds.
We expect Yamaha will announce the new R7 on November 4 at EICMA, if not next week at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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The only thing worse than "tuned for torque" is "tuned for overreaching environmental regulations".