Yamaha have revealed their next generation R1 and
R1M that boasts more efficient aerodynamics, an improved electronics package
and reworked engine internals for greater performance. The drop-dead gorgeous
machines were unveiled at the weekend’s American WSB round in Laguna Seca. The R1 gets a more
MotoGP-inspired styling makeover with new screen and fairing that integrates
straight into the tank, promising a 5.3% increase in aerodynamic efficiency and
greater comfort for a broader range of riders.
Alongside improved aero, there is also greater
fairing rigidity, thanks to an aluminium air duct behind the front section, as
well as titanium lower panelling covering the exhaust. This is coupled with new
LED headlights which help give the bike a more aggressive stance. Both the R1
and R1M will also feature an aluminium fuel tank and aluminium wheels, too. Meanwhile, the now
Euro5-compliant 998cc crossplane crank engine has been reworked to include a
new intake system, complete with new 10-hole Bosch fuel injectors for a wider
spray angle giving a more efficient burn.
Although power remains unchanged at a claimed
197 bhp, the bike receives updated finger-follower rocker arms and new cam
lobes, that deliver more stable valve operation at high rpm. Extracting this
top-end rush is made easier by a lighter ride-by-wire throttle, which is said
to give a more natural feel. To help pass emissions regulations, the reworked exhaust system now
also features four catalysers, with one pair in front of the exhaust chamber
and the other set at the rear. Both the silencer itself and the bike's engine
heat protectors also feature noise reduction measures. Keeping all of that performance
under control is an updated 43mm Kayaba fork with a new damping set up,
alongside a revised steering damper and reworked rear shock settings.
Helping improve feel further are new Bridgestone
Battlax RS11 tyres and a whopping seven electronic control systems, including a
new Brake Control (cornering ABS), which works in tandem with the bike's
six-axis IMU. Featuring two modes (one fixed and one self-adjusting), it assesses
data like lean angle and hydraulic brake pressure, to prevent lock-ups.
Additional braking power is delivered by new high-friction front pads. Available in blue or black, the
bike also gets a new three-mode Engine Braking Management unit, that allows
riders to adjust the severity of engine braking (high, medium or low).
Designed for greater deceleration performance, the
system uses data including gear position, engine rpm, throttle position and
throttle valve position, before the bike's ECU alters throttle opening,
ignition timing and fuel injection to suit. The latest R1 also gets an
updated launch control system, which has now been modified to activate at
9000rpm, at a throttle opening of 41 degrees, producing faster race starts.
What's more, all of these system indicators will be visible through an improved
TFT dash.
The limited-run R1M will feature the same electronic
improvements as the base bike and sheds extra weight thanks to a set of carbon
fibre front fairings, mudguard and tail section, alongside magnesium wheels and
rear subframe. A titanium lower fairing cover completes the look. Alongside weight-shedding, the
Kayaba suspension is replaced with the latest in Öhlins finery, with a new
electronic anti-cavitator NPX gas fork, to reduce negative pressure on the
rebound stroke. The electronic rear shock also gains modified preload settings.
Finished in an updated sliver, blue and carbon
livery, Yamaha have also produced a number of apps to go with the new bike,
allowing riders to produce their own ideal settings with ease. The YRC Setting app allows users
to control the seven electronic systems to ensure they provide the preferred
level of interference. Some controls can be switched off completely.
Meanwhile, the new Y-TRAC app allows customers to
access the bike's Communication Control Unit (CCU) to download a range of data
to your mobile. This can be viewed on a Google Maps rendering of a track,
displaying information including acceleration and G-forces. For some added individuality,
every R1M will also have an engraved plaque with a unique production number,
too.
Although no UK prices have yet been set, the
standard bike to cost US$ 17,399 and the R1M to be US$ 26,099. The standard R1 will
be available from September this year, while the R1M reorder will open on July
25 with delivery details to follow.