The hotly anticipated 2022 Yamaha R7 will make its debut appearance in the UK at the final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend.
Having received rave reviews from journalists at the European press test just last week, the new R7 will be on display on Yamaha Motor UK’s stand in both standard and GYTR race trim, offering UK motorcyclists an exclusive first opportunity to cast their eyes on the 2022 model before it reaches showrooms in November.
There will also be a unique opportunity to see the new twin-cylinder Supersport in action as three-time British Superbike Champion Niall Mackenzie takes the GYTR-kitted R7 for a parade lap on Sunday, immediately before the second of the three Bennetts British Superbike races in which McAMS Yamaha’s Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O’Halloran will be fighting for the 2021 crown.
And that’s not the only reason to pay a visit to the Yamaha Motor UK stand, situated in the trade area along the main stretch adjacent to Brands’ final turn, as the manufacturer will also display Niall Mackenzie’s 1996 title-winning Boost Yamaha YZF750R to celebrate 25 years of the British Superbike Championship.
The Brands finale marks a historic occasion as not only is it 25 years since Mackenzie took that first of three BSB crowns, but a parallel can be drawn between the Scotsman’s 1996 fight with James Whitham and the 2021 battle with both featuring two Yamaha team-mates in contention for the title.
McAMS Yamaha riders Tarran Mackenzie and Jason O’Halloran are split by just ten points in first and second in the championship standings with three races to go, but with four other riders in mathematical contention, the finale is sure to go down to the wire as one of the most exciting in recent times.
Jeff Turner, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Motor UK: “This is a really exciting opportunity for fans in the UK to see the R7 up close for the first time. It’s the first time the bike has been displayed anywhere in Europe, so it’s really special for us to have the official launch of the R7 in the UK at the final round of BSB, where the McAMS Yamaha riders are fighting for the title on the 25th anniversary of our first title in BSB.
“The UK’s press rode the R7 for the first time just over a week ago and the reviews have been really good, so it’s well worth checking out on the Yamaha Motor UK stand this weekend. Niall Mackenzie will also ride the GYTR version around the iconic Brands Hatch track and it’s an honour for us to have Niall’s YZF750R Boost Yamaha on display as well.”
Find out more about the 2022 Yamaha R7 here.