Yamaha has filed two patent applications that suggest an updated YZF-R7 is on the way ... let alone bikes like the Ducati Panigale V2. The new R9 is expected to be slotted into Superbike classes ...

But why a replacement when the R7 already exists? Yamaha is still (fortunately ... to compete with the likes of the Ducati Panigale V2, Triumph with its 765cc engine, and even the MV Agusta ...