The 2026 Yamaha R7 has been revealed, now with better electronics and handling updates. It is a good move on the manufacturer’s part, after seeing the R9 winning the World SuperSport’s manufacturer title in its inaugural season. Highlights The biggest update is the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) which in turn offers lean-angle sensitive rider aids through three ride modes, and a new three stage traction control system with slide control. Additionally, there are lift control, brake control, engine brake management, and launch control. As mentioned earlier, there are three riding modes: Sport, Street, Rain. There are also two slots of Custom settings, which can be set through the Yamaha MyRide app. The 2026 Yamaha R7 is also fitted with the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (Y-CCT) system. It was the world’s first ride-by-wire throttle system when it was introduced on the R6 in 2006. Yamaha’s third-generation Quick Shift System (QSS): Setting 1 allows “clutchless upshifts while accelerating and clutchless downshifts while decelerating, and Setting 2 permitting downshifts while accelerating and upshifts while decelerating to suit a wider range of both road and track scenarios”. Updated frame with changed and optimised pipe layout, diameter, thickness and reinforcement. The centre brace now uses steel plates with plastic covers, and a new triple clamp. Yamaha has also changed the 41mm upside-down forks’ piston rods to aluminium, which saves 350g. The forks are now fully-adjustable, by the way. The rims are now Spin Forged to save some weight, too. Riding position has also has been revised with repositioned handlebars and a redesigned fuel tank. The seat is now 5mm lower and takes the appearance of the ones on the R9 and R1. The engine remains unchanged, however. Yamaha has added a colourway resembling the first R7 (which was an inline-four racebike) called Anniversary White, which celebrates the maker’s 70th anniversary. Bad new is: There is still no indication that Hong Leong Yamaha Motors will bring the R7 to Malaysia…