As I waited with several other journalists today in Hollywood, California for Yamaha to take the wraps off the all-new R1, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sport bike sales are down, and you might expect a mild makeover in this market. Far from it. I was blown away, in fact.
How about these features on a production motorcycle: stock magnesium wheels, stock aluminum gas tank, stock titanium rods, and the most sophisticated electronics we have seen on a production motorcycle to date. Yamaha says the new R1, and even more exclusive R1M (which includes, among other things, Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension) will get you closer to the experience of riding a MotoGP bike than any other production machine. We will reserve judgment on that, but take a look at the full Yamaha press release below:
Cypress, CA – November 3, 2014 – When the Yamaha YZF-R1 debuted in 1998, it was called a “game-changer.” The term “R1” entered the motorcycle lexicon and became synonymous with the pinnacle of Superbike performance and racing success.
For 2015, Yamaha introduces two all-new R1 models that promise to make as big of an impact in sportbike and road racing circles as the original R1 did nearly two decades ago. The 2015 R1 and limited-edition R1M are both highly advanced, distinctive, and paradigm-shifting motorcycles.
2015 YZF-R1: THE SUPREME EXPRESSION OF “SUPERBIKE”
The all-new 2015 R1 was conceived, designed, and built to showcase Yamaha’s engineering and performance prowess, and the advanced features of the bike are destined to make it not only a success on the racetrack, but also a superior performer on the street.
A New Dimension In Controllability And Performance
Featuring the first six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ever featured on a street-going motorcycle, the 2015 R1 represents the dawn of a new digital era where all riders can experience total 3D controllability.
Fully equipped with banking-sensitive Traction Control, as well as Slide Control, Anti-Wheelie Control, Quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, a Unified Braking System, and much more, the all-new R1 gives street riders, track day participants, and full-on racers an unmatched and unprecedented level of rider-adaptive performance. For the first time, all riders have the opportunity to experience MotoGP-winning YZR-M1 technology previously only available to Yamaha Factory Riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.
An Engine Designed To Fully Fuel Your Superbike Passion
The 2015 R1 features a completely new, lightweight and compact, crossplane-concept, inline-four-cylinder, 998cc engine that delivers high horsepower and a strong pulse of linear torque for outstanding performance.
The R1 has twin injectors fueling each cylinder. A bi-directional spray in the lower injectors directs fuel toward the back of the intake valves to maximize the number of droplets that go directly into the combustion chamber and, at high RPMs, the secondary injectors add a boost in fuel delivery.
Among the many innovative, breakthrough features on the new R1 engine are titanium fracture-split connecting rods, which are an industry first for a production motorcycle. The specific titanium alloy used to manufacture the new con rods is around 60% lighter than steel, and this major reduction in weight gives the new R1 engine an extremely responsive and potent character at high rpm.
And, speaking of titanium, the 2015 R1 is equipped with a newly designed exhaust system manufactured mainly from titanium. Plus, a compact, midship muffler contributes towards the mass centralization that is a key feature on the R1.
A Chassis And Bodywork Sharply Focused On Winning
A brand-new Deltabox aluminum frame was designed and developed for the 2015 R1. The engine is incorporated as a fully stressed member and is mounted rigidly to the frame at four points. Also, an upward-truss-type aluminum swingarm create an immensely strong and lightweight structure.
The new short-wheelbase chassis benefits from weight-reducing features such as a magnesium subframe and–another first on a production motorcycle–magnesium wheels. Also, an aluminum fuel tank is 3.5 pounds lighter than if it were made from steel.
The M1-inspired fairing on the new R1 is equipped with LED headlights and position lights, which not only provide weight savings but also deliver high luminosity and style. Two small-diameter LED headlights are positioned on either side of the central air intake and, because of their compact design, they appear to be virtually hidden in the new fairing.
In addition, twin-LED linear position lights located within the front fairing give the R1 a truly unique frontal expression. And, for added style, when the ignition is turned off, the LED position lights gradually lose their luminosity as if the bike is gently going to sleep.
The all-new 2015 YZF-R1 will be available in three distinctive color options–Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red/Pearl White, and Raven–and will retail for $16,490, with bikes available in dealerships beginning in late February 2015.
2015 YZF-R1M: THE CLOSEST YOU CAN GET TO A PRODUCTION YZR-M1
From the beginning, Yamaha has always faithfully adhered to the mantra, “We Race. You Win.” And the YZF-R1M is arguably the truest and most direct representation of that belief. As much as the 2015 R1 bristles with performance, style, and race-bred substance, the R1M actually kicks things up yet another notch, giving you a production Superbike that’s as close as you can get to a street-legal M1 MotoGP bike, effectively blurring the line between the two.
The R1M showcases an additional range of highly sophisticated components–including Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), carbon fiber bodywork (upper fairing, side fairings, and front fender), and a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS that enables the rider to capture ride data (including GPS tracking) and then download it via WiFi to the Yamaha Y-trac smartphone and tablet app. Once the data is downloaded, the rider can analyze it overlaid with the track map, make setting changes, and upload those changes back to the R1M.
The R1M’s specially developed tires are the result of a joint collaboration between Yamaha and Bridgestone. The 200/55-ZR17 rear tire and 120/70-ZR17 front tire use a special compound formulated to optimize the performance characteristics of the R1 and allow the rider to experience outstanding levels of traction with extreme lean angles.
Additional R1M features include a clear-coated aluminum fuel tank, a highly polished aluminum swingarm, gold-colored front radial-mount calipers, specially finished gold inner tubes on the 43mm Öhlins front forks, and a special R1M badge on the airbox cover.
After riding this Superbike taken to the Mth degree, four-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion Josh Hayes said, “If you’ve ever ridden an R1–or any literbike for that matter–chances are, you’ve got a secret wish to swing your leg over a full-on, race-ready Superbike. Well, with the R1M, now you can.
“The R1M is as close to race-ready as I’ve ever seen in a production bike. It’s so far ahead of the competition that it’s tough to even make comparisons. It’s really in a league of its own, and I can’t wait to race it next year in the new MotoAmerica series.”
Since the R1M is intended for professional racers and highly experienced riders who demand the ultimate in track performance, less than 500 of the limited-edition model will be available in the U.S. beginning in late February 2015. Offered in a first-of-its-kind Carbon Fiber/Liquid Metal color scheme, the R1M will carry a suggested retail price of $21,990.
For more information on all Yamaha models–including features, specifications, photos, and videos–please visit www.yamahamotorsports.com.
How much 2015 R1 Cost!?
Finally Yamaha make a copy like motogp this bike we do good on st and track
Great looking bike. A refreshing change from the butt ugly 09 – 14 version. Lots of great technology. I have been waiting a long time for a new R1 that I actually liked better than the 04 – 06 version. A little disappointed that it’s 6kg heavier (wet) than my old 04. Was really hoping it would be more like the R6. I would rather see it lose 10kg than gain 20hp. I guess all that technology has to weigh something.
re: “A little disappointed that it’s 6kg heavier (wet) than my old 04.”
Nutrisystem For Men. worked for Dan Marino, and it worked for me.
re: “Was really hoping it would be more like the R6.”
whew tall order, but ok.
re: “I would rather see it lose 10kg than gain 20hp.”
Brookes, Hayes, and Yamaha Italia sever ALL TIES with you.
Best looking sport bike in the last 10 years, hands down.
I wish the guy who styled the R1 could do something with the cobbled up looking FJ and FZ09 series.
Does this mean a potential reentry into World SBK? We can only hope so.
I’d love to see Yamaha back in WSBK!
now this is a bike with an appearance that
oozes more technology than a ‘5 guys’ burger
oozes cheese & mayo.
I’m shocked at the level of integration almost
all components display in relation to one another.
it’s as if every single last bolt was CAD-designed-
from-scratch for this very bike, and not for any
other product in the range (a level of ‘engineering-filigrania’
that’s almost non-existant these days!).
such a rich ‘technical sculpture’ as this one, appears only
once in many years in the contemporary motorcycling world.
this is a bike that one could just spend hours watching it
and drinking-in all exquisite details and the harmony of
how its parts are integrated.
and this is even before one starts to think about what it
could be like to ride…
the Y-brand has officially entered the realm of adult
entertainment with this one.
Just to add to my last message:
UBS inhibits unwanted rear end motion during braking by activating the rear brake when the front brake is applied, with force distribution based on the bike’s attitude and lean angle. I’m able to disable this feature… ? Sometimes I want the damn wheel to slide… thats the whole point…
And I wonder how is the fly by wire sorry drive by wire: The R1 uses YCC-T® (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), fly-by-wire technology providing optimum power delivery. YCC-I® is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power in both low and high rpm.
re: “UBS inhibits unwanted rear end motion during braking by activating the rear brake when the front brake is applied, with force distribution based on the bike’s attitude and lean angle.”
Q: I’m able to disable this feature… ?
A: NEGATIVE…!!! I’ve been sent to protect you. (Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 voice)
I knew Yamaha would really make a good go at this, but this is more than I expected. It looks absolutely killer in my opinion and could potentially have the performance needed to not be embarrassed by an S1000RR. In fact, it may run right along with the S1000RR. Can’t wait to see.
re: “In fact, it may run right along with the S1000RR.”
on a track with a skilled pilot…? thanks to the Law of NATCORK, the odds are now improved to 50/50 (fitty,fitty).
however (comma) one thing has me concerned, though they made some significant changes to the valve train (ie. rocker arm/lift ratios now employed, something you don’t see listed above), the absence of calling out FULL Ti there has me concerned.
granted this may be deliberate for a future update…? but I see an oh so slight “hold back”.
Looks cool but my question is this, I’m able to disable all the electronic gizmos in this think if I want to?
Beautiful machine. Insurance will be what? $$$. Like Mickey says, it’s out of my league. But as x-planer says, if I were young…when I WAS in my 20’s though, I had college to pay for. My parents paid half and the other half was me having no spending money because I earned minimum wage. The girls all said no too LoL! So I had no one to spend money on anyway. They though I was a trials bike riding geek, which I was on my 74 YAM TY250. I socialized with my motorcycle.
I don’t really need or want a liter bike but this one sure looks great. Kudos to Yamaha!
Magnesium wheels a first on a production bike? My ’93 Honda NSR250SP had magnesium wheels….STOCK.
as did Erik’s 1190RS.
Well, looks like Honda joins the new Superbike party. Check it out here:http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/honda-unveils-road-going-rc213v-s-prototype-eicma?dom=mcy&loc=contentwell&lnk=honda-unveils-roadgoing-rc213vs-prototype-at-eicma
looks good, but wait for the wierdness. remember, thats a honda product.
what is that ‘coat’ over engine head? Is it part of frame? How you get to service the engine?
not that you ever accomplish much of anything going thru there, but step #1…
remove engine.
“How you get to service the engine?”
There are two choices:
1) Many hours of your time
2) $$$$
Pick your poison.
The triangulation undoubtedly strengthens the frame, too bad it’s so unattractive aesthetically besides being a servicing nightmare.
No DDC suspension????
no, ERS suspension.
Not on the mere mortal version. Only on the M1 racer version. Too bad.
Wow, dats purty
That Blue and Silver one makes me feel like I should rub up against it like a cat LOL
re: “As I waited with several other journalists today in Hollywood, California for Yamaha to take the wraps off the all-new R1, I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
no worries, you could’ve stayed home. instead you up and relocated yourself EXACTLY to where you at least “thought” you needed to be, and were rewarded. good man.
awwwwww if only I could be 18 again! Hey street riders rip! They are just as fast as the racetrack guys and I’ll bet much braver. Just don’t live so long. This Yamaha is beautiful, looks like a GP machine, love it.
re: “looks like a GP machine, love it.”
SAY GOODBYE LOBSTER FACE AND HELLLOOO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND…!!! (T. Montana)
(sidebar: while one’s “lil friend” could now be mistaken for Admiral Akbar…? or an ’01 CBR600F4i…? anything’s an improvement over the outgoing A350 “widebody”)
Tons of pics here…
http://www.mcnews.com.au/2015-yamaha-yzf-r1-full-reveal/
Dang… 197hp, 440lb wet and 3d traction/wheelie control? For $16k?
Is this the new king of the hill?
errr no… Panigale 1299 S – Ducati claims the 1285cc engine will produce 205 hp at 10,500 rpm, and just under 107 pound-feet of torque at 8,750 rpm.
with 285ccs extra I should think so!!!
Not to mention the Panigales $25k base price
And the list price of the 1299 Panigale S is?
‘Zacktly. This is why despite a Euopean bike being the highest aspiration piece, bikes like the GSXR have always been “King of the Hill”.
Considering all the tech in this as well as the basic stats of the bike, the price of $16k is almost a miracle.
By the looks of that exhaust it’ll be considerably lighter with an after market pipe.
“a newly designed exhaust system manufactured mainly from titanium”
They’ve already added lightness…
But that won’t stop the addition of new exhaust cans and full systems. More Noise! More Crossplane Soundtrack! Coming right up
re: “Among the many innovative, breakthrough features on the new R1 engine are titanium fracture-split connecting rods, which are an industry first for a production motorcycle. The specific titanium alloy used to manufacture the new con rods is around 60% lighter than steel, and this major reduction in weight gives the new R1 engine an extremely responsive and potent character at high rpm.”
OMG… TFM (Total Fap Material). you’ll have to excuse me. no no no, keep talking… i’ll just be over here.
Sorry to interrupt your wanking NG.
You missed the obvious mistake stating Ti being 60% lighter than Fe. ( correct figure is about 40% )
Aren’t most motorcycle engine rods made of aluminum (lighter than Ti)?
Nope. Steel.
re: “Aren’t most motorcycle engine rods made of aluminum (lighter than Ti)?”
you’re thinking of a different discipline… drag racing. a discipline where complete tear down and inspections aren’t an optional “will we/won’t we” thing…?
it’s a quit your whining little girl, I don’t care if the engine’s red hot like a fire poker…!? you’ve got 90 minutes to get it done thing.
to that end, it’s your lucky day. in my memorabilia collection, I just so happen to HAVE an actually ally conrod. that’s right… and not just ANY old conrod, but one from BME (for Dmitri, it may as well be BFE ’cause he doesn’t know from any of this).
and not just one from BME (Bill Miller Engineering), but an actual discarded ally rod out of Don Schumacher’s 8,000HP Top Fuel Dragster, signed by non other than 2012 NHRA (Worl’ Champeen) driver Antron Brown.
http://tinyurl.com/pehr6t4
who is Bill Miller…? well he’s only the guy supplying rods to Tony Schumacher, Antron, John Force and the like…
http://bmeltd.com/rods.htm
re: “Sorry to interrupt your wanking NG.”
no worries, you’ve interrupted NOTHING…!
re: you missed the obvious mistake stating Ti being 60% lighter than Fe.”
looks like you’ve missed, they’re obviously just regurgitating press info given DIRECT from Yamaha.
now careful I think I got some on ya. look, you may wanna put one of those EBOLA SUITS to guard against splash if you’re gonna be in here…? fair warning.
So, Mr. know-it-all doesn’t know it all. What a surprise.
If you’ve got Ebola, go see a doctor ASAP.
re: “So, Mr. know-it-all doesn’t know it all. What a surprise.”
haters gon’ hate. is that what the kid’s say…?
http://tinyurl.com/llmwwqx
dimitry I’m afraid you’re the new “poster child” for those not paying attention. I’ve already commented on this more than a few times now.
A testament to how revolutionary Kawasaki’s H2 appears to be may be the decidedly dated appearance of even brand spanking new designs like the 2015 R1 we have here. I’m not convinced at all that Honda will have anything to match Kawasaki’s bold move in this market segment. Can’t wait to see the head-to-head evaluations, but as a Kawasaki fanatic I’m putting my money on Big K topping this year’s class list.
You’re joking, right? I’d bet that the R1 would beat the pants off the H2 around the race track. The only place where the H2 will dominate is at the drag strip. And in terms of design, the Yamaha is just leagues ahead of the Kawasaki. The H2 looks like it was drawn by a 12-year-old boy in his middle school notebook, while Yamaha hired actual designers.
actually i’ll settle this. neither one of the bikes named are sure as hell going to win any beauty contests. each one excels in a different area of the “talent portion” of the competition.
I’m not even sure a drag strip will be long enough for the H2 to stretch her legs. Not without a longer swingarm and lowered stance.
BTW, I like ’em both (H2 and R1), they’re different strokes but both will fuel the fire a-plenty for their respective audiences.
With these new electronics systems, drag racing ought to be a breeze. With wheelie control and traction control, all you need is an extended swinger and a couple tie downs…dump the clutch and let ‘er eat
re: “they’re different strokes”
pun intended…?
Yum! That is gorgeous! (Jim- no way….Yami’s have always looked better than Kwakas, as does this…..)
Great job Yamaha!
That is one purposeful though ugly machine. Kaw’s got them beat in looks.
What Kawasaki has this beaten on looks, the cracked-oragami H2?
This thing is beautiful!
im really surprised how much the “special K” stays true to the R. i thought they’d at least leave off the special color scheme but nope…? everything’s nearly the same (visually) ‘cept the addition of catted exhaust for emissions and head light for DOT.
Re: “im really surprised how much the “special K” stays true to the R”
They just clipped off some of the wing-things & carbon and changed the color. I won’t be convinced until I see that both are out in the real world. Methinks we’re looking at over-marketed concepts here.
This R1 looks *real*.
re: “I won’t be convinced until I see that both are out in the real world. Methinks we’re looking at over-marketed concepts here.”
fairplay. but just in case you missed the 1,285 videos…? we may have just witnessed the greatest release campaign in the history of motorcycling.
Don’t see any Hp numbers? Is the engine spec same for both?
“a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS that enables the rider to capture ride data (including GPS tracking) and then download it via WiFi to the Yamaha Y-trac smartphone and tablet app. Once the data is downloaded, the rider can analyze it overlaid with the track map, make setting changes, and upload those changes back to the R1M.”
Keee-rist.
The more I read about these Multistradas and R1s with all the crazy electronics, the more I like the idea of my simple Street Triple R, or even mickey’s new, air-cooled Honda ‘dinosaur.’
Now you’re talkin!
Very nice package for Yamaha and the H2 for Kawasaki. Nice to see the Japanese kick some European butt! They have played dead for to long
No Euro butt kicking yet. You have seen the specs and ride reports for the updated S1000RR, no?
Yes I have, maybe for the Valentino Rossi’s its going to make a difference but for the average street rider I doubt it. Besides I was more referring to the Japanese finally updating some of there models that kinda been running long on the tooth. No details on the street H2 yet so will have to see how much juice that one will have.
Where will they put the headlight stickers on the WSBK machine? Love it!
the freaking PRICE!
and the e-control wars have officially come to the street.
its gonna get more and more spendy out there.
glad i like small-bore.
re: “its gonna get more and more spendy out there.”
yeah, but this was always going to happen. hopefully this doesn’t come as an epiphany.
the sooner we match what’s in our heads…? with what’s going on in the real world, the better we’re gonna feel. (Det. Alonzo)
Lets see if the headlights make school, I like them.
The beefy section around the upper part of the cylinders scream “I have power”.
Love the details as the caliper piston covers.
But you all know what you want to read.
R1 vs H2
Too bad the H2 is going to cost more than the R1M
it’s a good job the H2 is going to give more power than the R1M.
ya gets what ya pay for… err… come off the dime for.
Probably but remember that H2 it’s a different category.
Yamis are still superbike category bikes.
H2s are “fck off rules, let’s see how much power it can handle (Engineer in the background screams “hey I found a super charger”)” and cannot race superbike categories anymore
re: “remember that H2 it’s a different category”
ya think…? how could anybody forget…?! LOL
re: “cannot race superbike categories anymore”
x-man, I see you’re still figuring things out (and that’s good) you’re on the path to enlightenment.
however (comma) you will soon come to realize I’m the WRONG GUY to ever use the word “superbike” in a conversation with. just don’t do it…
http://tinyurl.com/o6uxk8z
http://tinyurl.com/p32fyry
Smart.
Yamaha has been very busy!
Awesome. What are the hp numbers on these beauties? Love the headlights.
If I were still young, I’d be on that like a rat on a June bug! Very nice and looks to have the goods to go head to head with anybody’s sportbike. Well done Y guys.
Pretty, but out of my league lol