Yamaha R7 | Riding The Iconic OW-02

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Wow..what an incredible machine. All that power over 10k.. proper old school ❤ My favourite biking era watching Haga absolutely kill it on the R7. Absolutely joyous. 😊

[@michaelmclarney1994]

What a bike, that must be a highlight for you and the channel, so far! I haven't even seen one in the flesh they are so rare 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah absolutely was Michael! Very special motorcycle 👍

[@christopherhorton5449]

A proper bike! I had an R6 in the same colours. When I worked in a bike shop I uncrated and built an OW01for Racer Dean Ashton. Those homologation bikes were something special.

[@davidbarton7463]

Amazing experience for you Chopsy, I know this is in a different league but I've finally got my old CBR 400RR out of the garage for restoration, this was my first bike after passing my test in 1994 so new exhaust system, fork seals, pistons and seals on front calipers, full service, screen, heal plates & battery. So can't wait to get this working again and just wish I had your new garage to do it in!

[@deanodrives4966]

I rode one of the new R7's on the Silverstone GP track last year. Braking and corner speed really surprised me as it was Epic but it really was the wrong bike for such a high speed track. I'd love to try one at somewhere like Mallory or Brands as you said in the video. Great video as always Chopsy!

[@talkingrock7011]

My favorite was the YZ750 , when Kenny Robert’s was still riding for Yamaha , those are two great bikes thanks Chops

[@bobz1736]

It's amazing and rather disappointing that a 24 year old bike looks so much better than many current bikes. So many recent bikes look like they were designed by a team of people that didn't talk to each other, rather than the homogeneous design of the '99 R7 🤔

[@LambChopRides]

Yes it's truly stunning! 🤩

[@deanharris9331]

That legendary R7 still does it for me......❤ A hot joint second would be the Honda SP1 (castrol livery) and the ZX7RR. But I've got to say that even the GSXR 750 was and still is iconic. Love it Chops. ❤

[@davidellis2021]

I've just sold my Castrol liveried SP2 and some of the tech is very similar. The clocks are similar tech and it also has a fast idle (not a choke really) even though it's also fuel injected. Was a fab bike but just too uncomfortable for me to enjoy any more. Although I made money on it, it didn't go for anything like the OW-02, but then it's not anywhere near as rare.

[@deanharris9331]

@@davidellis2021 You had one of my dream bike's.......I would of loved to of owned one of those machines. I owned the ZX 7R but unfortunately not the ZX7RR , but it was the nearest I could get unfortunately.

[@davidellis2021]

@@deanharris9331 Yes, I was very lucky. I bought it by accident in 2012 for only £4k while drunk ebaying. I didn't ride it much, but it was always a special occasion. Was fab to ride fast, but torture the rest of the time. The quality of the build and design was glorious to look at.

[@deanharris9331]

@@davidellis2021 👌😊

[@koshtie]

Hi John that was a blast from the past , would be nice if you could get your hands on a cbr900 evo now there's another rare one? lets chuck another one in the mix as well nr750 very rare, ATB Wayne..........

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah actually know someone with an evoblade, love them

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

Definitely my favorite production bike ever. Narrowly beating out the RC-30 and RC-45. I can only afford a SP-2 (Nicky Hayden) I am super grateful for that! Thank you Chopsy and greetings from Maui!!

[@LambChopRides]

Love the SP1 & 2 also, need to ride one! 🤩

[@patdwyer6274]

In 1999 I saw one of these in The Gem motorcycle shop in Ranelagh, Dublin. Looked AMAZING! It was for sale for 20 something grand. Mad money at the time (still is 😊). I drooled over it for a while and then bought a Hayabusa. Beautiful too! Happy days!!!

[@paulfowler6665]

Had to watch this. I remember when the owo1 and owo2 came out. I saw one of these secondhand in a local bike dealers about 2 years after its launch. So wish I had the money at the time to buy it. What a machine. Reminds me a bit of my 2-stroke TZR250. All the power right at the top and terrible brakes. This amazing bike and the new R7 have very little in common. My brother has a new R7 but I sat on it and bought a new Hornet instead as I'm 51 and need a bit of comfort these days.

[@LambChopRides]

I had a TZR250 yes very simalar! Haha 👍

[@paulfowler6665]

Ive had 5 of them and still own one. Feels terrible compare to my modern bikes but I still love them and all 80s and 90s 2 strokes to be honest

[@andrewlucas6214]

Great video and bonus having Bruce along. I think there were a lot converted to r1 engine for more power badged R7/1

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid Chops. Really interesting & great to have Bruce along too. The original R7 was a very cool bike & definitely a looker too. Easier said than done but if you can get your hands on any other classic race reps from yester-year, I'd be very happy to watch those vids. 😊

[@LambChopRides]

I would love too! Heres hoping eh 🤞🤞

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

Yes me too!!

[@2wheels4life2]

Yes, the legendary OW-02, date of creation, 1999. I had a 2002 R6 years ago, Excellent bike, I have a comparison for your video between the YZF R7 and this newly named R7 seven, I own the number 200th build 4NX Trx 850, 1995 and I think it would be the a really good bitke to throw between these two, great post man👍

[@whammerjammer1562]

At 59 years of age, I really like the older bikes. I've ridden many of the newer bikes, but they lack the character of that old 750. Many of these older bikes I can't afford (or refuse to). I'd love an RC30. A 500cc two-stroke. An oval piston Honda. A v-4 Ducati. But those prices...! So I settled on a 2000 MV Agusta F4 750 (with only 2900 miles on the clock). Keep up the sharing of these iconic classics!!!

[@stubailey9433]

What a looker! Love the way the power is at the top of the rev range.

[@SPM1966SPM]

Great bike, good roads, sunshine, great video, what's not to like. Thanks Chopsy.

[@fabiena1787]

This was one of my dreambikes when I was a teenager. Looking forward watching this one.

[@weaselswheels5258]

There were a few statements in this video that made me chuckle but my favourite was when he said “absolutely beautiful to watch this thing bouncing off the redline” lol

[@pleenc30]

Hello John, i sold mine last year after around 4 years and as nice as it was visually, it was horrendous on the road as you mention and the early FI was the bug bear as a road bike. It is also difficult to portray just how massive the bike is, very much the size of an early R1 or larger. There are lots more Homologation specials that are far easier to use and live with and supportable parts / cost wise.

[@Maverick-moto]

Magic Chopsy. 👌Your content is like a fine wine - it improves with age. On the subject of glitchy Yamaha fuel injection, they still haven’t got the MT10 right 24 years later.. 😏

[@LambChopRides]

Haha 😄

[@LeeTillbury]

Best looking bike ever imho ❤

[@mickl8212]

I bought the 2000 R6 brand new in the same colours as the PROPER R7. I just love the styling on the R7. It actually sounds very similar to my 2000 R6. About the same road manners too! 😂 Thanks for doing this video, it's made my day.

[@japfourme381]

I had a brand new 1999 R1 fantastic bike! especially the engine. Used to go to bassets pole on a Tuesday night, and saw the R7 for the first time. The chap that owned it was the lottery winner of the time (well his misses actually) not sure of his name, but smart bike, drew a lot of attention!!

[@russcattell955i]

Back in 2000 a R7 was taking up space in my local dealer showroom. Priced above a R1 with the performance in R6 territory it was too salty a deal. My GF now wife would have got me to do the deal if it was Yamaha France blue. Should have listened to the gut feeling & saved for the kit. OW-02 the most beautiful superbike for me.

[@nickrider5220]

Wonderful video of a true legendary bike - remember both the OW01 and OW02 coming out and nearly steam engines too 😂

[@deborahchesser7375]

So rare and timeless in design, you’d have to ride that bike like a 130hp YZ125. What a machine 🐾✌️🇺🇸

[@iankendall]

Fabulous, thank you. Having got back into motorcycling last year, buying a ‘95 YZF750R, I’ve been curious to know how mine would shape up against the new R7. Even better seeing how the new vs old R7 shakes down! How’s about YZF750 v new R7? A clash of ages??

[@almcculloch8906]

I remember big Dave Jefferies riding a V&M R1 powered one of these round the TT in 2000………looked massive on it, what a machine though 😂 Great video mate

[@headrace4863]

Going a bit cross eyed here…. That OW-02. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ you lucky sausage, you…

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Your review reminds me of what it was like riding my old R6, where the motor liked to be revved up.

[@markharrison2484]

Having to bang it down 2 gears to overtake.

[@BN1960]

Good point about electronics - superbikes have 200+bhp and then have electronics to tame them...which is a little bit oxymoronic really when you think about it! Good vid my man.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Brilliant stuff ☘️🙂👍 from northern Ireland great motorcycle,, scary price,,but rare and exclusive 😮

[@szilvesztergombos4826]

Hogy lehet igy motoros videót csinálni, hogy végig pofázod?

[@linepulse]

Maybe front brakes have race pads which won't operate effectively at low temperatures??... Amazing bike. Great vid!!

[@elvisthewart670]

Bang on there chopsy great review but that old r7 what a machine.

[@mjames978]

A really good bike for daily use, high torque and power is the YZF600R Thundercat.

[@AlienApe.]

loved my Thundercat. I think it's still the favourite bike that I've ever owned. Such an underrated real world machine.

[@robertprosser6856]

Couldn't agree more.

[@mjames978]

Because of the high torque the TCat engines were used in IOM TT sidecars (torque matched by ZX6R at the time I think)

[@TheSd1cko]

Tea. Check Bacon butty. Check Mild hangover. Check Roll the intro 👍🏻

[@FilipeDiogo49]

Chopsey, you are one lucky son of a gun!!!! I had a countless amount of wet dreams over that bike.... I actually sat on one 2 weeks ago in a bike show here in New Zealand. I'm still pissed off at Yamaha for naming the new bike "R7"...??! What an incredible amount of disrespect for what was and still is a PHENOMENAL bike. I saw Haga race his R7 live many moons ago.... he won a world sbk title that got taken off him when they took a sample of his pee-pee and found out he'd been on drugs.... again.... not the R7's fault, that bike should officially be recognised as world champion

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

That old 0W07 don't half look like my old Thunderace, nice bike

[@Jonathan-L]

After watching this, I wish I still had my TRX850. And my 1978 TZ250B ... and made one bike out of the two.

[@wattie1050]

Excellent Chopsy , sounds great on full revs 👍👍 a blast from the last the R7 .a mate of mine always said don't try a older bike you always wanted when you where younger ! As it will really disappoint !!! I.e crap brakes Etc but you still want to. 😁 lovely looking bike the R7 still today

[@cabovermike]

The standard brakes on my R7 OWO2 are brilliant , i think the ones on this video need new pads and maybe discs,.

[@johnterry804]

Great video amazing bike but I also love the new r7 in that colour option good video 👍

[@kylejf9059]

Do some used reviews of Bikes from older days? Bikes like SP-1, learner bikes like CBR 600F, older R1's and stuff (like re-reviews). I suppose maybe you just don't have the time 🤣, probably busy enough but would be cool videos to shoot then stash away for winter content...

[@LambChopRides]

I would love too! Getting the bikes to ride is the issue 😫

[@kylejf9059]

@@LambChopRides ask some subscribers? Doesn't have to be 3 days worth but short 15 min reviews of cool, older used bikes on the market? Noise up Superbike factory or someone as well, I love older bikes from 99' - 09. I bet lots of viewers are exactly the same 👍🏻

[@LambChopRides]

I've tried Superbike Factory already... they are not interested, if Wheels Motorcycles have a bike it's possible but means a 6 hour round trip to Peterborough! Very hard riding subscribers bikes due to insurance if the worst was to happen.

[@kylejf9059]

@@LambChopRides fair enough sir! A real shame, would make great winter content when things aren't quite so good for riding.

[@jon_pickett]

As I’m local to you I would have offered my 999 Biposto and my benelli tornado 900 rs once it’s has its paint job and new parts

[@bobsessedonbikes1684]

Bruce? Dunn? If so I think I may know who this bike originally belonged to. I also remember seeing Bruce on bikes visiting a mate of his that lived 5 doors up from me. I was a young one but I think watching him wheelie away definitely sparked my interest in bikes.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Nice gig...living the good life!👍👍

[@MontgomeryPisswhistle]

"Botty dyno" 🤣 What a gorgeous bike; those were the days! Cracking vid, Chops. I hope you're well ❤

[@LambChopRides]

Very well thanks buddy 👍

[@brucekendall52]

Priceless in that condition.

[@gavinmeade8363]

Wow such a good vid matey

[@bazza8947]

Still looks amazing after all these years!

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah really does doesn't it! 👍

[@andyp9040]

The ow02 is quite rare. There is only 3 of my benelli tornado 900rs on the road in the uk.😎

[@johnstephens1447]

Another great video Chops. Are Yamaha still using those brake on the new R1 ? 😂 Can we have a original Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSXR, Honda CBR and Kawasaki ZX11 shoot out from the late 90s ?

[@LambChopRides]

Would make a great video eh! Getting hold of those bikes very difficult and impossible all together 😫

[@ozzyg82]

“He bought it from some Bosnians in Bosnia”.

[@alanshearing7515]

Nice , older bikes have what I’d call character at a time where variety was the spice of life . These days it is more difficult to say quirky , a bit different. Are new bikes better ? , without a doubt safer . Character harder to find .

[@yonniboy1]

Back in 2001 a local N.Ireland race team had two R7s for sale, neither had turned a wheel, they'd been bought to ride at the NW200 and the UGP but ran into financial problems, by the time they were back on their feet R1s were the bike to have so they let both bikes go for buttons, a mate bought one including the stage one kit for 12 grand, a collector bought the other bike, my mates bike was beautiful but totally impractical as well as being the most uncomfortable bike I've ridden (till I rode the Honda CBR1000RR-R.

[@LambChopRides]

Sound like bargains! 👍

[@cabovermike]

I paid £11000 for my kitted 147hp R7 in 2004 !

[@TheHowardski]

Great video as always buddy! 😝

[@peytonhibdon7659]

Imagine that thing completely geeked up in race trim. 10 grand would be wheelie central.

[@humandroid53]

Such a nice look. The new one is probably much better to own but the styling is a little clumsy.

[@douglaswinton826]

Zx6r or R7??? Great entertainment as always Chopsy

[@kimw200blaze4]

I'd rather have the new R7 for the streets than an old R7... As long as the new version has an nice after market pipe to "spice" up it's note. I would probably get the additional Yamaha Quick Shifter for it as well. The parallel twin engine of the new R7 is just more practical for twisties and the public road, more generally than an old R7. However as an pure track bike for the purposes of riding on the track, the older version of the R7 is probably preferable.

[@DavidKing-gi5fv]

A school friend of mine has two plus a goldstar and RS 2000

[@squiretomasie7003]

I was lucky to have ridden one that was full Kitted at Thunder Hill track day. I felt like I was Nori Haga it improved my speed so much! I have never ridden a bike that handled as well.

[@atomicorang]

The R7 is very special

[@ads3533]

Great bike great vid chops

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks 😁👍

[@mathias6423]

I hope Yamaha makes an R9 with the MT09 engine and just a tad bit more comfortable than the R7, but NOT upright ergos. Would make for an awesome sporty streetbike. The MT-07 engine is great for beginners, I just find it a bit boring even though It was great to start with.

[@kristianwebster96]

Could you do a ride review on the MT09?

[@LambChopRides]

Yes I will 👍

[@kristianwebster96]

@@LambChopRides see if you can get the SP version with the Öhlin suspension.

[@marko4205]

So great bike

[@dalemeadows225]

That generic parallel twin R7 doesn’t belong in the same conversation

[@mjames978]

Try the Carb Fazer FZ 1000.. even more fun

[@Ukmongoose3]

Do you have one? I’ve always fancied one of these as a project.

[@johna6968]

A bit run of the mill and do need work. There are lots better these days.

[@mjames978]

@@Ukmongoose3 I had one but changed now ZZR1200. Miss the Fazer Fzs1000 though it was awesome and best bike I've had. Detuned R1, brilliant engine, loads of torque, tons of power, silky smooth, YPVS and super comfy seat. Great bikes! Definately get one if you can get a low mileage..The only thing it needed was a better fairing but think can get them or double bubble.

[@NMdesertracer]

The Holy Grail!

[@lake76]

very nice, you lucky man... 👌

[@johna6968]

I know the new bike got slated on launch by the public but I'd ride it over the classic. The original is a looker and has the history but that's it.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah new one was very good!

[@blueyondermoto]

Wow you jammy git 😂. Wazzing a real R7 up Duncton Hill ! When I used to ride with the well heeled Eastbourne group back in the very early 2000s one of the guys had one of these and an RC45! Brilliant unobtanium bikes. That's a thought the R7 back to back with an RC45? 🤔

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah was rather special! RC45 and OW-01 are another personal favourite and the RD500 🤩

[@simonworley7783]

I love mine

[@Icem4n84]

In the hands of Nitro Nori it was a weapon!

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Jammie bugger i want a go 😅😅

[@coastalrider1155]

A bet the 160hp one was an absolute animal

[@matthewoliver9055]

Ive found one original on A/T for sale at a mere 55k 😮

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah haha crazy isn't it! 🤣

[@matthewoliver9055]

@@LambChopRides your options are either a go fund or only fans page 😂

[@jamest5149]

Think you were excited on this one Choppsie, your facts were all muddled 😂

[@DucatiDale]

This the one chris from bike world was on

[@LambChopRides]

No a different one Dale 👍

[@Warman_12]

Anybody know of a vid where chopsy not mentioned his height or weight 😂

[@johnbacher7481]

An area I remember well

[@stephenchapman8344]

Nice.

[@InfoAction_]

Crossplane crank on a 2 cylinder? Interesting...

[@Dunkensb]

Next week Chopsie rides an NR750…

[@LambChopRides]

Now wouldn't that be nice! 🤩

[@TheJmebe]

Power is nothing, brakes need a refresh, by my goodness, what a great looking machine. Lever is fast idle on Fi bikes.

[@Sticky-gp2yh]

No MOT...naughty, naughty😂

[@stevehaddon151]

Nice bike but give me the OWO1!

[@TheScortUK]

I see it's been christened by 44Teeth, as Jizz-tastic! You lucky bugger Chops - what a bike!!

[@elvisthewart670]

Haha jizz machine keyring BVG getting in on the action.

[@grahammilburn8406]

Zt❤❤❤❤0😊

[@f1hotrod527]

Wow, Yamaha should not let anyone take a picture of the new R7 next to the old one. Is it just me, or where the sports bikes of the late 80's, 90's and 2000's way better looking than the current ones. I actually think the current R1 is one of the better looking sports bikes. Most of the rest are really mehhhhh. Even the ducati is cool but not quite right.

[@Fishing8136]

Nice😎🇨🇦

[@terrazzo]

To be fair,the 2 bikes have nothing in common apart from the name. Imagine if Honda had called the new Hornet a Fireblade. 😐

[@jon_pickett]

Am I right in thinking this belongs to Chris from 44teeth? The only hint towards it is bemoto plastered everywhere and the “jizz” key ring 🤷‍♂️

[@LambChopRides]

No it's owned by Bemoto 👍

[@jon_pickett]

Ahh gotcha 👍

[@cabovermike]

@@LambChopRides Ive seen R7 at nec bike show on bemoto stand ,.

[@fud1376]

Proper Weapon's, both of them...Ha!

[@Digidi4]

I was still a kid when the original R7 came out, so when I heard that Yamaha is bringing it back I got really excited about it and after I found out what the new R7 will be like, I was disappointed. I understand the new bike is good and whatnot, but it's not really an R7.

[@razor1uk610]

Indeed so.. Yamaha and their *R* named bikes, should remain *Racing* styled & based machines, ..though the _R_ can be for road compared to *T* for track..., the YZF's.. R1, R6 and R7, were road racing machines to build upon, particularly the OW-0 series... Yamaha is diluting its softpower marketing with the new MT range based _R_ series, not being from the YZF's, unless they rintroduce the *T* back for racing inspired/suitable machines...

[@gavin-ey4vb]

haha bemoto will not pay out m8 they will say you was speeding if they watch ya vids lol

[@robertprosser6856]

Other than its looks I don't think it has much going for it.