Michael Rutter to race Yamaha R7 at Isle of Man TT 2023

THE Yamaha R7 was launched at the tail end of 2021, and it marked a point at which, along with the Aprilia RS660, the middleweight sports bike market changed, possibly forever.

The R7 mates one of the best parallel twin-cylinder engines on the planet, to an updated MT-07 frame, and uprated suspension and brakes. And it was a huge hit, being both seriously good fun on road and track, yet easy enough to ride that it wouldn’t put off newer riders.

Its toughest test though may have just been revealed, as Yamaha UK has today confirmed that Rutter will be running the lovable sportsbike at the toughest road racing event on the planet, the Isle of Man TT.

Yamaha broke the news this afternoon on social media, confirming that Rutter will be joined in the Bathams Racing team by Craig Neve, also riding an R7 at this year's Isle of Man TT 2023.

The social media post reads:

The legend that is MICHAEL RUTTER will campaign an R7 at the Isle of Man TT Races alongside new Bathams Racing team-mate Craig Neve #4. 

It will be the first time the R7 has competed in the Supertwins class at the prestigious event.

Joining the R7 on the Supertwins grid in 2023 will be the above-mentioned RS660, Suzuki SV650s, Kawasaki Z650 powered specials and the all-conquering Paton S1-R. that does mean the Yamaha will have its work cut out, especially in a field of bikes that have been developed over a number of years to be competitive. That said, with Rutter's 20+ years of racing at the TT, if anyone can turn a bike into a winner, it’s probably him!

You might also want to check out our guide to the Isle of Man TT 2023.

2022 YAMAHA R7 Review