
YAMAHA R7 (1999 - 2000) Review

Highlights
- Legendary homologation special
- Incredibly rare - just 40 sold in the UK
- Purebred for racing
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 106 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
Weight: | Low (388 lbs / 176 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Yamaha YZF-R7 was a limited edition machine top dollar machine only sold to the public so Yamaha could race it in World Superbike.
- Related: 2022 Yamaha R7 review
Just 500 were sold for road use (40 in the UK) and they were about £22,000. Also known as the OW02, the Yamaha YZF-R7's race success was limited partly due to the rules favoring twin cylinder bikes at that time.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineJust looking at the Yamaha YZF-R7 you know it’s going to be good. The Yamaha YZF-R7's chunky frame screams ‘racer’, and there’s Ohlins forks and rear shock too. Ride it and it’s as good as you’d hope. Reassuring stability is combined with phenomenal precision that belies regular bikes. Ditto brakes. The Yamaha YZF-R7 is stiff though and wasted on bumpy roads.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityYou’d expect massive power. But a standard Yamaha YZF-R7 doesn’t deliver it. Output is very modest 106bhp. Yamaha do two race kits – the one is £750 and adds 25bhp while the £10K version adds about 55bhp. It’s based on the old YZF750SP but with much tricker internals. In road trim it’s smooth and quick but not outrageous. Some Yamaha YZF-R7 owners fitted R1 engines – sacrilege but effective.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueReliability of Yamaha YZF-R7 road bikes seems to be good – but there’s so few out there and most lead pampered lives. Take them to the track and tune them and you’re playing a whole different game and naturally longevity is compromised. Beware race bikes put back on the road.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentNot good value for money in terms of bhp or mph per pound spent. If you want to go fast a GSX-R1000 is the way to go. But as a thing of beauty, an engineering masterpiece or for rarity value the Yamaha YZF-R7 takes some beating. The top end offerings in the 916/999 family and Honda’s RC45 are close but can’t match the Yamaha YZF-R7 for rarity value. Find Yamaha YZF-R7 motorcycles for sale.
Equipment
If you’re after top boxes and grab rails for your Yamaha YZF-R7 you’ll be disappointed. But if it’s top-spec race components designed and built without compromise you crave then you’ll be impressed. The Yamaha YZF-R7 race kit enable adjustment of the rake, trail and height of the steering arm pivot. Mirrors and lights aren’t the best but they’re an afterthought.
Specs |
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Engine size | 749cc |
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Engine type | 20v in-line four, 6 gears |
Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 23 litres |
Seat height | 820mm |
Bike weight | 176kg |
Front suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
Rear suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
Front brake | Twin 320mm discs |
Rear brake | Twin 320mm discs |
Front tyre size | 120/70x17 |
Rear tyre size | 180/55x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 38 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £101 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 106 bhp |
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Max torque | 53 ft-lb |
Top speed | 170 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 11.2 secs |
Tank range | 192 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1999: Yamaha YZF-R7 launched.
2000: Yamaha YZF-R7 discontinued.
Other versions
None.
MCN Long term test reports

Yamaha R7 60th Anniversary Edition long-term test
Contact: gareth.evans@motorcyclenews.com I’m aware that there’s always a honeymoon period when you get a new bike, but how long does it last? I’m asking because I’ve been heading into my garage pretty much daily since it arrived simply to stare at the R7, resplendent in the famous Speed Block liv…
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA R7 (1999 - 2000)
1 owner has reviewed their YAMAHA R7 (1999 - 2000) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA R7 (1999 - 2000)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
I purchased the bike almost 4 years ago in April 2002 and it is by far the longest I have ever kept a machine so it must be good! The previous owner had left it completely standard so the first task was to get it de-restricted. This involved fitting the longer throttle cables supplied with the bike, wiring up the second bank of injectors, lowering the gearing with the supplied front sprocket & fitting a Promotive titanium end can. Total cost about £500. Definitely worth doing, especially fitting the sprocket since it is geared for 190mph as standard! Now lowered to a more sensible 178mph. Suspension is firm & seat is like a plank, but hey it's a WSB racer so what do you expect?! Handles like a dream and you exit every corner thinking 'I could have taken that 20mph faster'. I would advise against the full de-restrict which unleashes 160bhp unless you're a serious track day enthusiast. I've heard of engines going pop unless you service & rebuild them regularly. Strengths: Handling, low depreciation if bought second hand, looks, quality components, rarity. Weaknesses: Since it is so rare there are very few people who you can trust for servicing, good advice, etc. Spark plugs £25 each!