2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S
Earlier today, Yamaha announced its 2016 U.S. supersport models, and the big news is a third version of the new R1 introduced last year. Together with the standard R1 and the R1M, Yamaha will offer the R1S next year (all R1 models will be available in dealers in February, 2016). Priced at $14,990 ($1,500 less expensive than the standard R1), the new R1S features all of the performance and electronic aids found on the more expensive model with the exception of the substitution of some heavier parts (the connecting rods and exhaust headers, for instance, are steel rather than titanium, and the wheels are shifted from magnesium to aluminum), and the elimination of a standard quick-shift feature (which becomes optional on the R1S). Surprisingly, the R1S is only 9 pounds heavier than the standard R1 at a claimed 448 pounds wet.
Together with the R1S, Yamaha announced 60th Anniversary paint schemes for both the R1 (pictured at the bottom of this article) and the R6. Here is the press release from Yamaha describing all of the 2016 supersport models, followed by tables showing the differences between the three R1 models.
2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S
Cypress, CA – October 6, 2015 – The 2015 YZF-R1 took the liter-class sportbike world, and the world’s racetracks, by storm, winning accolades and trophies around the globe. For 2016, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has upped the ante, giving sportbike riders a third R1 model from which to choose.
The 2016 YZF-R1S offers yet another level of perfomance specifically geared towards budget-conscious sportbike enthusiasts who do most of their riding on the street. Yamaha engineers replaced some of the R1’s higher-spec components like the titanium connecting rods and exhaust headers, magnesium oil pan and wheels, and softer-compound tires with lower-cost components. The result is a liter-class sportbike with a slightly higher curb weight that sacrifices virtually none of its real-world R1 performance–including the legendary “Crossplane Crankshaft Concept” engine; titanium muffler; six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU); electronic traction, slide, lift, and launch controls, and ABS–and delivers it all at a lower suggested retail price.
2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S
Yamaha says the R1S makes identical power to the standard R1, except at the highest RPM levels, where the heavier connecting rods limit over-rev.
The 2016 R1S will be available in Matte Gray and Intensity White/Raven/Rapid Red, and will retail for $14,990, with motorcycles available in dealerships beginning in February.
The big news for the 2016 YZF-R1 is that the motorcycle will be offered in three different color schemes: Matte Gray, Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, and limited-edition 60th Anniversary Yellow/Black.
The Matte Gray and Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver models will retail for $16,490, and the limited-edition 60th Anniversary Yellow/Black R1 is priced at $16,990. All three color schemes will be available in dealerships beginning in February.
At the top of the 2016 R1 model lineup is the YZF-R1M, which returns in a striking Carbon Fiber/Liquid Metal color scheme for an MSRP of $21,990. The R1M, which offers Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), standard Y-TRAC Communication Control Unit (CCU), and carbon fiber bodywork, will be available in dealerships beginning in February.
One of Yamaha’s perennial, best-selling supersport models, the middleweight YZF-R6, is back for 2016 and, like the 2016 R1, will be offered in three different color schemes: Matte Gray, Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, and limited-edition 60th Anniversary Yellow/Black.
The Matte Gray R6 will retail for $10,990, the Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver R6 will be priced at $11,190, and the limited-edition 60th Anniversary Yellow/Black R6 will have an MSRP of $11,490. All three color schemes will be available in dealerships beginning in October.
For more information on all Yamaha models–including features, specifications, photos, and videos–please visit www.yamahamotorsports.com.
60th Anniversary YZF-R1
Save yourself +/- $5000 and buy a well kept used 2006 50th Anniversary R6 rather than the 2016 60th Anniversary R6. Paint/body is marginally different.
Where is the Akrapovic silencer on the 6th LE?
60th
I really like the 60th scheme. So much so that I told my dealer to put me down for the first one. I had a 50th scheme R6 and it was a beauty in both shape and function. I still think it is one of the best handling bikes going. I hope the new R1 lives up to the hype and captures that handling of the R6. So effortless to just flick down on its side. It’s going to be a long winter watching that Yamahauler video over and over…
did just the same get mine march saving like mad and looking at picture #veryexcitedboy
Yamaha, since you’re giving us options for the R1, how about giving us an alternate for the R6 as well. The current one is tiny and feels like an uncomfortable toy. A fresh re-style of the old YZF600R..? A slightly larger more comfortable street 600, (or so), inline 4 or triple. A sensible, and still exciting every day sport bike. Thank you.
Look no farther than a FZ-6. Excellent bike, at least the first couple years before they neutered it (a little).
Seems OK to me. Good to see that they didn’t cheap out on suspension – like Ducati did with their Dark series. They could have saved even more on the price though by using an aluminium muffler.
By infinite margin the best (and only good) looking of all open class super sports, for $15k, and whose equivalent in caged vehicles costs around $100k for less overall performance.
Yamaha is hitting the bulls eye lately.
Ditto, that retro bumblebee graphic looks stellar.
Even though Honda’s RC213V-S has more “collector” status, Yamaha’s current R1 really stole Honda’s open class super sport thunder.
I agree Yamaha has really been on top of things lately.
The Honda RC though, that’s a tasteless joke on the American consumer. I hope Jay Leno is happy with is $184k 100hp novelty bike.
I don’t find it a joke at all. It’s not for Joe Average simply because of its cost but you seem to be judging solely on dollars to horsepower. Have you ridden one? Neither have I but from some of the reviews that are out there it’s a very memorable experience. It’s a halo bike, a collector bike for those wanting, plain and simple.
I’m not arguing strict dollar to horsepower nor am I saying that it isn’t a halo bike but, why is it that America gets a bike that is relegated to 100hp? Why is this bike relegated to 100hp anywhere? Everyone else gets an option for a bike in the mid 150’s and access to a performance kit that takes it to 210. Both of which are not available here. This is why its a joke. Even if I had that kinda disposable income I wouldn’t buy a world beating MotoGP bike for the road that made less hp than Hondas own road going 600. I’d buy a Yamaha R1 and use the other 165k to collect… collect interest.
Agree with MGNorge, What will one of these flogged sport bikes be worth in 10 years?
“What will one of these flogged sport bikes be worth in 10 years?”
More to me than an RC213V-S since I can actually afford a flogged R1?
Seriously, though I agree. The Honda is a collectors bike. And a cruel joke all at the same time.
I see this as similar to the NR750 that Honda produced in limited numbers. Nothing to brag about in terms of peak power compared to other 750’s and even 600’s but a technological tour de force all the same. Produced in limited numbers it had many of the same criticisms as this RC. What’s the big deal? If there’s a market for such then great, I like to see mechanical works of art that will be preserved for years to come. I really don’t see anything cruel or tasteless at all in Honda producing this bike.
I was hoping for a “New” triple R-6 painted speed block, would have bought first one in town. maybe next year?
So according to Yamaha the R1/R1M/R1S are supersport models and the R6 is a middleweight supersport? Whatever I guess, but I clicked on the title expecting an updated R6 announcement. Whaa wha *sad trombone*.
Yawn-athon.
Makes no sense at all. $1500 isn’t that big a deal when it comes to buying a bike. If it is, you’re in the wrong price range…
For sure, maybe a difference between a $3,500 bike and a $5,000 bike is large. However, the 9% price drop for the R6S isn’t worth it IMO.
I win! I bet my wife that if Yamaha took their fantastic R1 and dropped the price by $1500 without taking away any important content, somebody on MD would still complain!
It all depends on what you consider “important content” doesn’t it?
It’s not so much of a complaint as, why the the hell would I buy the cheaper model? The price difference is marginal at best to have the “lesser” model. Seems kind of like buying a Street Triple rather than Street Triple R to me.
My dealer here says they sell more standard Street Triples than Street Triple Rs, which really surprised me. So maybe Yamaha is on to something?
Same with mine, it’s just so strange to me.
Maybe that’s the difference between people who just want “a” motorcycle vs. people who read articles about motorcycles and really know their stuff.
Maybe those are the people who are honest with themselves and know an additional $1500 worth of bits won’t make them one bit of a better rider.
So fifteen HUNDRED dollars is “marginal” now? I’d love to live in your world. I think a lot of people will gladly take this “lesser” model and spend the extra cash on, say, a set of leathers, boots, gloves, and a helmet instead of the magnesium wheels.
But maybe that’s just me. Maybe I just read articles and I really don’t know anything about motorcycles…
We’re not talking about a starter or bargain bike here. This isn’t a Ninja 300 starter for a college kid or an entry level bike for a first time rider. In these two cases I can totally stand by $1500 being a big deciding factor.
From the R1M to the R1 yes there are many differences that can justify the pricing of each bike. From the R1 to the R1S, the differences are not significant enough to justify making a third model.
It’s a dilution of the model pool with no significant results benefiting the buyer(not enough difference). It’s not like back when there was the 600R and the R6 in the market at the same time. 600R was a bit bigger and was more the street 600. R6 was the track bike, small and cost a bit more.
The dealer in my area threw up their hands yesterday and begrudgingly ordered 2 of these units.
It might be to somebody cross-shopping a cheaper option (ZX-10R), or just on the margin of their available cash. Like Scott says, some of you guys will complain about ANYTHING….geez.
“It might be to somebody cross-shopping a cheaper option (ZX-10R)”
This is almost certainly the reason for it.
I suspect this lower priced model was the plan all along for the “base” spec and some parts just weren’t ready for launch. I expect the middle model to go away as soon as they’re sold out.
Interesting hypothesis.
logic dictates, they lead off with the “Ti-rodders” to hit the numbers for homologation.
No this isn’t complaining about the bike, its asking where is the logic in adding this model. Pull off some bits, add 9 pounds drop $1500 and this constitutes a new model? Please.
Would have been nice if they somehow changed the ergonomics package to make it more street friendly at the same time.
See what Ben points out would make sense. Higher bars, more relaxed pegs etc. Changes that would actually warrant a new model designation.
No, it constitutes a new trim level. Think of it in car terms…Accord LX, LX-V6, EX, EX-V6, etc.
Mmm, the yellow w/ speedblocks is looking really good.