The Yamaha YZF-R7 has finally made its official comeback into the current modern R family, but not in the way that most people would think. After months of speculation, the 2021 Yamaha YZF-R7 makes its debut to fill in the gap left in between the two vastly divided groups consisting of the high-performing R1, R1M, and R6, and the entry-level R15, R25, and R3.

Taking direct inspirations from the very popular Yamaha MT-07 naked platform, the 2021 Yamaha YZF-R7 comes with a number of enhancements to put it rightly in the everyday sports bike category. Judging by how Yamaha is marketing it, the new R7 will be a sports bike that you can ride comfortably on a daily basis, but with just enough oomph to trash around the circuit, just like its closest competitor right now, the Aprilia RS 660.

Starting with the looks, the 2021 Yamaha R7 carries that same 'R' design DNA thanks to that R1-inspired front fairing fitted with LED lights where the main one sits ride inside the front air intake of its front fairing (which Yamaha claims to be the slimmest in its sportbike family). You'll also notice the front air intake resembling the latest Yamaha YZR-M1, Yamaha's MotoGP prototype.

The new Yamaha R7, however, is not just an MT-07 with a new face. Looking at the frame, the R7 still has that steel tube setup, but with enhanced aluminium plate braces in between the swingarm and rear engine mount for added rigidity. Its 689cc parallel-twin Crossplane 2 (CP2) engine still punches out 72hp and 67Nm of torque (just like the MT-07), but with a few sportier additions.

These enhanced features are forged aluminium pistons, direct-plated cylinders to the crankcase, and an assist/slipper clutch. These make the R7 more reliable considering its nature of providing a much more spirited riding style, as well as smoother operations thanks to the new clutch that Yamaha claims to be 33% lighter. Oh, there's also the optional up/down quickshifter. Tasty stuff.

Other highlights include completely revised dimensions for the rake, trail, and wheelbase specifically tailored for the R7, fully-adjustable KYB 41mm USD front forks, rear monoshock with preload and rebound adjustability, twin 298cc front discs with radially-mounted four-piston calipers (plus Brembo brake master cylinder), 13-litre fuel tank, 17-inch wheels (120/70 front, 180/55 rear) and a claimed wet weight of only 187kg.

The US market will be selling each unit at around $8,999 (around RM37,120). It's indeed an interesting model if Hong Leong Yamaha Motor decides to bring it in, and we have a strong feeling that it will (judging by how well the MT-07 and MT-09 been doing). Our educated guess for the price if it does arrive would be somewhere around the RM45,000 mark.