Test of time

Bikes are beyond exceptional these days in terms of performance, tech and styling… as I’m sure most of us would agree. It’s crazy to think how rapidly models have evolved over the past decade or two, and who only knows what’s waiting around the corner for us. It’s an exciting time but it never hurts to look back every now and again, to remind ourselves of where our biking roots began. One machine that’s allowed such an opportunity has been Yamaha’s R7, which I’ve covered comprehensively this month, both testing the new parallel-twin version and the original OW-02 that Haga put to good use in World Superbikes 22 years ago. The name’s the same but the differences between both machines are startling… and not just because of the engine configuration. As mad as it sounds, it’s easy to forget how differently bikes smelt 20-odd years ago, kicking out those tantalising petrol fumes you just don’t get these days. And when was the last time you had your hands on a choke? The OW-02 sent me right back to my youth, messing around with bikes that cost a fraction of the Yamaha but delivered similar levels of tangible pleasure. Of course, the new R7 is so much more clinical and contemporary in every which way, but that doesn’t mean I like it any less – as you’ll grasp when you read my piece. Yamaha’s put something truly special on to the market with that bike and I hope we see more manufacturers going down that route, delivering affordable and desirable options for new riders wanting a slice of first ‘big bike action’. In my formative years there were so many more bikes to pick from, with loads of 400s, 600s and 750s on the market, meaning the jump up to a 1000 wasn’t so daunting… or even necessary. In my opinion, that’s exactly what our sportsbikes world needs to bring in those next-generation riders who’ll otherwise find themselves lost in Shoreditch, sipping on mocha choca lattes and oiling their moustaches. The original R7 was a machine of real significance and I reckon the new R7 could prove just as impactful in a wholly different way.