The rumors are gaining momentum. With tightening emission regulations in Europe, theYamaha YZF-R6 (R6)is now a track-only machine. Could the same thing happen in the US? If it does, what will Yamaha use for a middleweight sportbike in its sportbike lineup? What could fill the 700cc gap between the YZF-R3 and the YZF-R1? Could it be its MT-07?
MT-07 sportbike?
Well, several European outlets are saying that Yamaha may be turning to itsMT-07 “hyper-naked”as a base machine. Images are now floating around showing a fully-faired MT-07-based machine.
It’s a good-looking, swoopy machine that could potentially fit the role of a middleweight sportbike. Or does it? That’s a good question.
If the R6 is discontinued (for street use anyway), how would a faired version of the MT-07 compare to the outgoing R6? Depending on your outlook, it could be a decent tradeoff or a dismal performer. And that’s the problem that Yamaha will have to solve if it decides to use the MT-07 sportbike to fill the gap.
Differences
There’s no doubt that the R6 is a true sportbike. Its inline four-cylinder, high revving engine puts out well over 100 hp. The chassis is purpose-built for handling, and the resulting ergonomics are only for those dedicated to track-like performance.
On the other hand, the MT-07 sports a parallel-twin engine providing approximately 75 hp. But it makes its power in a much broader spectrum of the RPM range, and that might make it easier to ride quickly on curvy roads. And, it has a much “softer” upright riding position that should make the journey to those twisties a much more comfortable affair.
What do you think?
So should the R6 become a track-only machine everywhere, what do you think about an MT-07 fully faired “sportbike” taking its place? Do you think that it could be a decent replacement? And, if you are a sportbike fan, would you buy the MT-07 parallel twin over other inline four-cylinder sportbikes out there? Say like the Aprilia RS660? Could a lower price than the competition’s middleweight sportbikes make up for the “loss” of performance?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
