Yamaha rolled into EICMA like it owned the place, pulling the wraps off its 2026 street lineup. The big news is a heavily updated YZF-R7 and a brand-new WR125R dual sport, two bikes that couldn’t be more different but share that same Yamaha DNA. To top it all off, the brand is also celebrating its 70th anniversary with a batch of special edition R-Series models dressed in the legendary red and white speed block livery. Think 1999 R7 vibes with modern flair.
Let’s start with the headliner.
The R7 has been the gateway drug into Yamaha’s Supersport family for a few years now, sitting right between the easygoing R3 and the full-send R1. For 2026, it’s taken a massive leap forward. The new bodywork is sleeker, tighter, and more aerodynamic. The mirrors now have integrated LED turn signals, the fairing has slimmed down, and the new winglets make it look faster even when it’s parked. The design screams R-Series, especially with that signature M-shaped intake and pointy tail.
Beneath the fresh styling, the R7 still packs the same 689 cc CP2 crossplane twin. It’s one of Yamaha’s best engines, and I’ll die on that hill. It’s punchy in the midrange, linear at the top, and has that raspy intake growl that makes every twist of the throttle addictive. For 2026, Yamaha gave it a few smart upgrades, starting with a new ride-by-wire throttle system that allows for smoother response and more precise control. The new electronics suite is where things get wild though.
The R7 now has a six-axis IMU just like the R1. That means lean-sensitive traction control, slide control, lift control, launch control, brake control, and even engine brake management. The bike constantly monitors how you’re riding and adjusts everything in real time. It’s like having a crew chief living inside the ECU, keeping you from overcooking every corner. There’s also a new quickshifter that works both ways, handling upshifts and downshifts clutch-free for faster, smoother gear changes.
The TFT display has finally caught up to modern standards too. The new five-inch full-color screen is crisp and fully customizable. You can switch between layouts for the street or the track, pair your phone using Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, and even get turn-by-turn navigation with Garmin’s StreetCross app. You can take calls, check notifications, or track ride stats if you’re into that kind of thing. It’s a sportbike for the smartphone era, and somehow that doesn’t feel weird anymore.
If you spend your weekends chasing lap times, Yamaha added compatibility with the new Y-TRAC Rev app. It lets you record lap data, track your performance, and even get messages from your pit crew through the dash. It’s a fun addition that makes the R7 feel like a baby race bike that’s just as happy on the street as it is on a closed circuit.
The chassis has also been reworked. Yamaha kept the same weight but increased frame rigidity for better feedback and precision. The swingarm has been tweaked for improved balance, and the new SpinForged 10-spoke wheels shave off unsprung mass for quicker steering. The suspension setup remains the same adjustable KYB fork and Monocross rear shock, but the geometry and damping have been refined for better feel.
The ergonomics are a little more forgiving now. The clip-ons are slightly higher and closer, and the seat has been reshaped to make the riding position a bit less punishing. The fuel tank’s new contour also gives you better grip with your knees, which helps you move around the bike more naturally. Even the little details, like the black anodized levers and new switchgear, make it feel more premium.
The R7 will hit US dealerships in February 2026 in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven Black, or Breaker Cyan and Raven for $9,399. If you want the special 70th Anniversary Edition with the red and white livery, that one will go for $9,699. Considering how much tech you’re getting, that’s a solid deal for a Supersport that’s this approachable and this good-looking.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Yamaha also pulled the covers off the all-new WR125R dual sport. It’s a light, friendly, go-anywhere kind of bike that’s perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants a fun commuter that can play in the dirt. It runs a 125 cc liquid-cooled single with Variable Valve Actuation, which basically means it pulls hard down low but still revs happily at the top. Yamaha claims a range of nearly 200 miles on a tank, so you can ride all day without worrying about gas.
The WR125R rides on a semi-double cradle frame with long-travel KYB suspension, giving you 8.5 inches of travel up front and 7.3 in the rear. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wear Dunlop dual sport tires, and the brakes are discs front and back with front-only ABS for better off-road control. The seating position is upright, the bodywork is slim, and the footpegs are nice and wide. It’s basically a street-legal dirt bike that’s also perfect for the city.
Like most new Yamahas, it comes with Y-Connect smartphone compatibility, so you can check messages, record ride stats, and even track your fuel consumption from your phone. It’s available in Team Yamaha Blue or Black for $3,999 and will start arriving at dealers in November 2025.
Yamaha’s 2026 lineup covers every kind of rider. The R7 gives you a legit Supersport experience without the intimidation factor, the WR125R opens the door to dual sport riding, and the anniversary editions tie it all together with a hit of nostalgia. It’s a mix of heritage and innovation that feels uniquely Yamaha, and if this is how they’re celebrating 70 years, the next decade looks very bright.
Source: Yamaha
