YAMAHA R7 (1999 - 2000) Review

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!