First day at ‘school’ but not the same nerves as a Phillip Island build up to round one. Aragon is quite a usual track for us because we do a lot of testing here. It is just nice to get underway. Today the track was a little bit greasy, not so much rubber down and high temperatures, so it was a little bit different to what we had in the tests. So we are just working through that, understanding the set-up a little bit. We are trying not to get too carried away because on Saturday it seems like the temperature is going to drop a little bit. That window of five or ten degrees is huge. For day one I feel OK on the bike but I think there is a lot to improve for these kinds of conditions, so we’ll see what conditions tomorrow brings and be ready to react
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📸 @geebeeimages
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The Tuning Fork brand pulls the wraps off its latest addition to its supersport sportbike segment: Introducing the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 ($8,999). The R7 replaces the R6 on paper, but not in spirit. The R6 was discontinued for the 2021 model year citing low sales volume due in part to its high cost ($12,199).
Yamaha revives the YZF-R7 nameplate for its twin-cylinder sportbike. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
The R7 revives Yamaha’s 1999 YZF-R7 (limited-edition 750cc superbike) nameplate. But instead of a screaming inline-four, this YZF is powered by the Japanese company’s tried-and-true CP2-generation 689cc liquid-cooled parallel twin.
The R7 benefits from Yamaha’s R-bike family styling inspired by the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
Based around the current MT-07 naked bike (read about it in the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 First Look Preview), the ’22 R7 isn’t engineered for competition. Instead it’s designed for general street riding and occasional trackdays. However with the popularity of the middleweight twins class, especially in amateur roadracing, this platform will be popular among racers.
A negative-lit LCD keeps tabs on vehicle information. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
The powertrain benefits from an uneven firing order which affords a V-twin-like character. This twin is good for 67 hp and 46 pound-feet torque at the business end of the 180-series Bridgestone Battlax S22 rear tire (as measured on a ’21 MT). It also boasts a slipper clutch to mitigate rear wheel instability when downshifting in too low of a gear for vehicle speed.
The YZF-R7 is powered by Yamaha’s tried-and-true 689cc CP2 parallel twin. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
Yamaha also offers a GYTR electronic quickshifter as an OE accessory. This allows for clutchless upshifts through the six-speed gearbox. Traction control and adjustable engine power/throttle maps are absent from this model.
Unlike the outgoing YZF-R6 and YZF-R1, the R7 isn’t designed specifically for competition. Instead, it’s a fun and affordable streetbike that can do a little bit of everything. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
The engine is bolted inside a reinforced steel frame (directly, without rubber mounts) that employs different geometry measurements versus the MT-07. Aluminum plates on either side of the swingarm pivot boost rigidity.
The YZF-R7 benefits from a full LED light package. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
Suspension consists of a three-way-adjustable inverted KYB fork and a spring preload and rebound damping adjustable horizontally mounted link-type shock. Both ends offer just over 5 inches of wheel travel. Seat height has been lifted by over an inch, and the saddle is a thicker version of the R6. This elevates comfort for extended street rides.
Radial-mount front disc brakes keep speed in check with an oversize rear disc brake. The system is augmented with a radial-mount Brembo front brake master cylinder. Fixed, always-on ABS eliminates tire lockup if you squeeze either brake too aggressively for road conditions.
The YZR-M1’s signature fish gills atop of the fuel tank are also used on the YZF-R7. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
Styling-wise, the R7 benefits from Yamaha’s signature R styling package and a set of low-slung clip-ons. We like YZR-M1-esque fish gills above the 3.4-gallon fuel tank and its sleek bodywork that resembles the outgoing R6. LED lighting is another nice touch. A negative-lit (black background with white numbers) instrument panel keeps tabs on vehicle settings.
The YZF-R7 was designed as a natural steppingstone for Yamaha riders who want to move up from the YZF-R3 sportbike. (Yamaha Motor Corp. USA/)
Stay tuned for review articles and videos from the official US press introduction in June.
2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Technical Specifications and Price
The 2021 Aprilia RS-GP, ridden in the races by Aleix Espargaró and Lorenzo Savadori, has cut a fine figure in the initial rounds of the current Championship, proving to be significantly more competitive than in previous seasons. Work on developing the project, which was brought to an abrupt halt just after it started in 2020 due to the limitations imposed by the Covid situation, resumed this year and will be able to progress further, thanks in part to Andrea Dovizioso’s contributions.
On Thursday afternoon, Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) was subjected to a series of check-ups by the medical team that has cared for him since his accident in Portimao and subsequent surgeries. Despite having noted that the healing process is proceeding positively, the doctors advised Martin against returning for the Italian GP, considering the tough and demanding nature of the Italian circuit.
“At a point, you have to know, that you have more of a disadvantage if you are at the back. We have to be clever. As with Fabio, he was in Pole and his pace was not really good but because he went in before many of the others he was able to be on the podium. We have to start more in the front to have a better position, especially for a flag-to-flag race.”
Ride for Kids is the longest-running, most successful motorcycle charity event in the nation – and Comoto, America’s largest Powersports aftermarket retailer, has just revealed that they are joining up with the Pediatric Brain Tumour Foundation (PBTF) to support the organization’s month-long 2021 Ride For Kids Challenge.
With brain tumors now being the most common cancer found in children under 15, it is more important than ever to connect communities and contribute to forging the path to a cure.
Comoto has pledged to make a direct donation to PBTF for every mile logged in their REVER app, as well as offering proceeds of store sales. The two also plan on upping social media, fundraising, and other efforts to help PBTF meet its fundraising goal.
There are a few ways to become a part of this amazing event; you can ride with Comoto’s REVER app (or find a location to sign up for a Ride For Kids event), donate directly to PBTF, or shop at any of Comoto’s brand stores (Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and RevZilla). On Sunday, September 12th, 10% of all proceeds will go to PBTF.
“The work that is being done by PBTF is both personally and professionally close to my heart,” said Ken Murphy, President, and CEO of Comoto Holdings and Member of PBTF’s Board of Directors. “By joining forces with industry giants like Honda, we hope to help inspire the entire Powersports community to make Ride for Kids one of the industry’s most prolific philanthropic events for years to come. We’re grateful to be able to do our part, and hopefully, motivate our communities to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.”
Consider this article an invitation, and come ride for a cause!
The United Kingdom has plans to eventually phase out diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles in favor of low-carbon emitting and carbon-neutral/electric vehicles.
While this new diet plan is extremely ambitious, the drive to end the sale of fossil fuel engines by 2030 has become a very real goal – and one that will also impact the motorcycle world.
In a recent survey held by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), participants were asked a series of questions surrounding the potential of a future without fossil fuel engines.
Some of the results may come as a surprise, but overall the survey pointed toward a community still very much in love with internal combustion engines.
The report states that 4805 participants (both affiliated with MAG and not) were asked a series of questions on the future of motorcycle riding – here they are, with their responses.
On the potential of gas-fueled vehicles being phased out:
8% of respondents accepted the inevitable
36% wanted a delay of the phase-out
55% completely refused and opposed the idea
On whether participants would like MAG to partner with other organizations to fight the ban:
83% were in favor
17% were opposed
On the eventual removal of fossil fuel vehicles (with the expected switchover being EV, of course):
31% said they would quit riding
56% would delay the switchover to EV for as long as possible
13% would adapt and move on
Selena Lavendar, Chairman of MAG, states, “MAG always represents the views of all riders, regardless of their choice of motorcycle. We have worked hard to develop the channels that get riders’ opinions heard by Government. We will not misrepresent those opinions.”
When I first started shooting cars and bikes professionally, I got myself a highly-regarded book on small business. It was full of wisdomful pearls that explained everything in excruciating detail. And while I didn’t read it from cover-to-cover (it was eye-gougingly boring), I’m sure that at no point did it say anything about explaining in detail how you make money so that any blow-in who wants to copy your schtick can do so.
But you know what? That’s exactly what I’m gonna do. So read on as I stupidly explain all my little tips, tricks and secrets to you in the hope that you will send me out of business, or at the very least, figure out just how fun and rewarding automotive photography can be.
Step 1: What You’ll Need
If you’re thinking that they will be an expensive exercise, you’ll be pleasantly surprised right about now. All you’ll really need are four key things and thankfully, two of these four things are completely and utterly free. That’s right, free. Like the air you breathe, a good sunset and laughing at the Kardashians. Come to think of it, one of them IS actually a sunset. The other freebie here is a great location.
Photos courtesy of Nikon USA & Canon USA
Luckily, I’ve already gone to great lengths to describe these so the only other things you need are a motorcycle and a camera with manual settings. What’s that mean? Put simply, a manual camera is one that allows you to set your own f-stop, shutter speeds and focus. They are a dime a dozen, and I’d be surprised if you don’t have one already. Think of the Canon EOS Rebel series or the Nikon D5600. But if you don’t have one, just ask a relative or friend if you can borrow theirs.
Remember, do not use your phone. I can’t stress this enough. You won’t get decent shots if you use your phone; show me a pro that uses an iPhone and I’ll show you an Instagrammer with a big head.
Step 2: Get Prepared
Wash the bike. Next up, you’ll need to get meteorological and check for a decent sunset. You’ll need to know what time the sun goes down and you’ll also need to make sure the weather will be clear so your sunset isn’t hidden behind the clouds.
Now figure out how to work the camera in manual mode. More specifically, put it in ‘aperture priority’ mode and pick the widest possible aperture you can. It’ll be something like f2.8, f2, or even f1.8. This is the mode where the camera will lock its aperture (the part of the camera’s lens that opens and closes like the iris in your eye) to one specific value and vary all the other settings like shutter speed to work around that.
Photos courtesy of FujiFilm America
Now it’s time to plan out the shoot. If the sun on the day sets at (say) 7pm, you’ll need to arrive at the location 90 minutes beforehand to make sure you are good to go when the light gets golden. And for the love of all things that are right and holy, clean the camera’s lens with a proper cloth so it’s crystal clear.
Step 3: The Set-up
OK. The day’s arrived and you’re at the chosen location with the bike, the camera, great weather and the sunset due in an hour and a half. Now you’ll need to position the bike. Let’s use a clock face metaphor to make this as easy as possible. Place the bike at the twelve o’clock position with its ‘exhaust side’ facing directly at you. Position yourself at the six o’clock position with a good 5 metres (or 15 feet) between you and it, and make sure that the setting sun is either at the 3 or 9 o’clock position.
Time to turn that camera on and frame up the shot. I won’t go into excessive detail, but take a look at the photos here and try to copy what I’ve done in terms of how big the bike is in the shot and how much space is around it. Hot tip – it’s better to be a little too far away than too close; you can always crop your photos if you want but you can’t add space to a photo that’s too tight without the help of a Rocket Scientist, Pixar Studios and a supercomputer.
Step 4: The Shoot
Look through the viewfinder again, make sure the camera is level and the bike is positioned nicely in the centre of the frame. Now take a photo or three. Next, review the photos you just took. The absolute best thing about digital cameras is this thing right here; you can actually look at what you’ve just taken and see whether or not it’s any good.
Is it in focus? Is it exposed OK? Is everything behind and in front of the bike nice and blurry? Is the bike itself nice and sharp? Also check to see if you have details in the shadows and the highlights, like the sky behind the bike. With less than an hour to go before sunset, you should be seeing colours in the sky rather than pure white and no super black shadows, either.
Once you’re sure that everything’s hunky dory, it’s your time to shine. You’ll need to take three to four photos of the following scenes. First, shoot the bike by walking around it and – to use the clock metaphor again – shoot it from every ‘hour’ until you have 12 sets of angles. These photos should be taken at the same height as the bike’s headlight for the best results. Trust me on this one. Now get close, change the aperture to f5.6 or thereabouts and shoot the following details: the tank, the seat, the headlight and taillight, the speedo, the exhaust, both wheels and both sides of the engine.
Step 5: Download and Grade
By now you will have noticed that despite all your best intentions and efforts, the photos still don’t look like what I’ve got. This is probably the biggest secret to how pros get their shots looking the way they do. They know that for all the effort and time you’ve put into the bike shoot, a cool-looking bike photo needs a heap of love in ‘post’ to really make it shine. I never cease to be amazed at how grading can turn an OK photo into something really, really cool. Especially if your camera can shoot in RAW format, as this vastly increases the photos’ ‘tweakability’.
There’s no single ‘proper’ way to do this, but the one I have selected is not only free, but it’s quick and it should result in some pretty impressive results. Step one is to download Adobe Lightroom on your phone. Note that I also use Lightroom, but on my laptop. This is a better option, but it also costs you so there’s that. And no, they didn’t pay me to say this. Like the OG Photoshop software, It’s a genuinely good product that many pros use.
Now you should be able to open the photos you’ve just shot, get them into the Lightroom app and go nuts. As for how exactly to ‘get them looking cool’, this depends entirely on things like what camera you’ve used, the colours in the photos and the light at the time you took the shot. It’s also down to your personal preferences, too.
But a good place to start is to download some free Lightroom presets and try them out. Another great option here is to hit up YouTube and watch some vids. Here’s one. Here’s another. Watch and learn. And be patient, too. You won’t get it immediately.
Step 5: Do It Again
OK, so by now you will have probably figured out my sneaky little ruse. Like most things in life that are worth doing, there’s pretty much zero chance that you’ve followed these amazing and beautifully worded instructions and absolutely nailed it. I’ll admit to knowing that before I started.
Please don’t hate me; I have a wife and three kids to feed. The truth here is that like most genuinely cool things in this world – take riding a motorcycle, for instance – this isn’t something you can get right the first time. Or the fifteenth. And if it was, then everyone would be doing it and you’d be bored in five minutes flat.
Taking truly great photos of cars and bikes is something people spend a lifetime perfecting. But you know what? Even after doing it for more than a decade, I still get a real buzz when I start fiddling around in Lightroom and realise that I have managed to capture an amazing shot of a beautiful vehicle. There’s not much else on this mortal coil that beats it and I strongly suggest that you give it a go.
