Yamaha Motor Europe sent us the following press release this morning announcing track-only versions of the R1, including the R1 Race and R1 GYTR. Aimed at track day enthusiasts and racers, these new models reflect the popularity of the R1 as an amateur track weapon.
Here is the press release:
Since 1955, racing has been deep-rooted in Yamaha’s DNA and each step made in the ultra-competitive racing world has influenced and inspired every Yamaha motorcycle. None more so than the iconic R1, a game changer when first introduced in 1998, winning both races and hearts in its almost-three decades of existence.
In line with changing rider needs and stricter emissions regulations, R1’s future and development will now be fully focused on racing and track-use in Europe.
The 2025 R1 RACE is the embodiment of this commitment: featuring MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic winglets, upgraded suspension and an all new Brembo braking system, it offers the ultimate track riding experience. And for an even more refined, race-ready track experience, the 2025 R1 GYTR boasts the new features offered by the R1 RACE, plus a selection of race-developed Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GTYR) parts.
Since 1955, racing has been deep-rooted in Yamaha’s DNA and each step made in the ultra-competitive racing world has influenced and inspired every Yamaha motorcycle. None more so than the iconic R1, a game changer when first introduced in 1998, winning both races and hearts in its almost-three decades of existence.
In line with changing rider needs and stricter emissions regulations, R1’s future and development will now be fully focused on racing and track-use in Europe.
The 2025 R1 RACE is the embodiment of this commitment: featuring MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic winglets, upgraded suspension and an all new Brembo braking system, it offers the ultimate track riding experience. And for an even more refined, race-ready track experience, the 2025 R1 GYTR boasts the new features offered by the R1 RACE, plus a selection of race-developed Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GTYR) parts.
Dedicated Track Performance: R1 RACE
Over the last decade, the European motorcycle market has seen significant changes as the needs of riders have evolved, and with emissions regulations becoming stricter, the Supersport category has taken a new direction.
In line with this, the R1’s future and development will be fully focussed on racing and track-use in Europe.
The 2025 R1 RACE is the embodiment of this commitment. Taking a step even closer to the YZR-M1 Grand Prix machine which inspires both the R1’s aesthetics and technology, the R1 RACE features MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic winglets, upgraded suspension and an all new Brembo braking system to offer the ultimate track riding experience.
MotoGP-inspired Aerodynamic Winglets
The R1 RACE features MotoGP-style aerodynamic winglets fitted to the top of the main fairing. Designed and developed from the technical feedback from the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team, the new winglets maximise the effects of the R1’s anti-wheelie electronics as well as improving front-end feel and feedback when braking and cornering.
Made from carbon fibre to add as little weight as possible while ensuring strength and rigidity, the winglets not only generate downforce, but also offer an increased feeling of stability and take the R1’s look one step closer to the modern MotoGP style without compromising the streamlined and evocative R1 design.
New generation KYB front fork
The R1 RACE’s new 43mm KYB inverted front forks have been fully re-designed and now feature individual adjusters for rebound and compression damping on the left and right fork tubes. Each can be adjusted individually, with the right tube for rebound damping and the left for compression, both high-speed and low-speed.
Each fork leg now features a base valve, designed to optimise pressure in the cylinder by limiting or entirely preventing oil from flowing into the bottom of the fork. This new lay-out results in an improved damping response, enhanced contact feeling and better all-round stability.
A new Kashima coating darkens the gold/bronze colour with true performance aesthetics.
Race-derived Brembo Braking Performance
To enhance the R1’s track capability, the R1 RACE is fitted with an entirely new front braking system consisting of a Brembo master cylinder and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers. Responsive and high performing, these new brakes take the R1’s stopping power to the next level. The radial master cylinder features a piston which moves in a direction parallel to the brake lever travel, applying pressure in a linear manner as the rider pulls the lever resulting in an refined feeling of control.
The lightweight Stylema calipers produce their stopping power through four 30mm pistons and are designed to allow an optimised air flow for efficient cooling, reducing brake fade on track.
Revised seat offers improved riding experience
Racing is all about finding those extra tenths on track, so engineers are looking for performance gains in all areas. For this reason, the R1 RACE features an all-new seat cover material with a new texture, which offers greater grip while still allowing the rider to shift their weight easily. In cornering, this helps the rider feel more connected to their R1 and adds to the feeling of stability from the chassis.
Proven CP4 engine
The renowned 998cc CP4 engine, with its uneven 270o-180o-90o-180o firing sequence delivers strong, linear torque. Featuring a high-efficiency intake system along with specially designed finger-follower rocker arms, this race-developed engine delivers optimal track performance.
The engine, derived from Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP machine, produces 200PS with a strong connection between the throttle and the rear wheel, making the R1 controllable and intuitive to ride.
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) with APSG
The R1 RACE is equipped with the proven Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which continues to utilise an Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG) ride-by-wire unit which is both lightweight and provides the rider with excellent throttle feeling.
The APSG is comprised of a spring, slider and gear to produce various degrees of resistance, replicating the natural and progressive throttle feel offered by a traditional cable.
Sophisticated race-developed electronics package
The R1 was one of the first motorcycles to feature MotoGP derived intelligence in the form of a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). Equipped with gyro and G-force sensors which monitor pitch, roll and yaw – as well as an accelerometer to measure fore-aft, up-down and left-right acceleration – the IMU transmits machine status data 125 times per second to the ECU, which controls the R1’s sophisticated electronic rider aids including Traction Control (TCS), Slide Control (SCS), Brake Control (BC), Lift Control (LIF), Launch Control (LCS) and a three-mode Engine Brake Management (EBM). On top of this, the R1 RACE also features Yamaha’s Quickshift System (QSS) and Power selection modes (PWR).
Technical Specs: R1 RACE
- New MotoGP-inspired downforce winglets
- New generation KYB front forks
- New Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers
- New grippy seat cover
- Fully track focused, all road components removed
- 998cc 200PS crossplane 4-cylinder engine with linear torque
- Sophisticated electronics package
- 6-axis IMU with Gyro/G sensors for 3D motion data
- Banking sensitive Traction Control (TCS) and Slide Control (SCS)
- Power Delivery Modes (PWR)
- Front Lift Control (LIF) and Launch Control (LCS)
- Quick Shift System (QSS)
- Engine Brake Management (EBM) and Brake Control (BC)
- Short wheelbase aluminium Deltabox frame
- Upward truss type aluminium swingarm/magnesium rear frame
- Magnesium rear wheels and 17 litre aluminium fuel tank
- 4.2 inch TFT instrument panel with Track Mode
Enhanced Racing Performance with R1 GYTR
For an even more refined, race-ready track experience, the R1 GYTR boasts the new features offered by the R1 RACE, plus a selection of race-developed Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GTYR) parts to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of racing performance.
For over a decade, the GYTR accessories have been strategically developed with speed in mind by the same result-hungry engineers responsible for Yamaha’s reputation for racing success. This includes the team behind Yamaha’s championship-winning efforts in both the Superbike World Championship and EWC.
Offering optimised and balanced performance, each R1 GYTR is built and delivered by one of Yamaha’s specialist GYTR PRO Shops to meet FIM Superstock 1000 regulations. Designed to offer the essential base for racing, the R1 GYTR can be further customised to meet each individual rider’s needs as they strive for the next level of superbike performance.
Offering an improved power output across the rev range, the R1 GYTR offers refined track-focused performance for all ability levels and with a wide range of ECU adjustability, customisation to a rider’s feeling and specific performance targets can be more easily achieved.
The ideal riding position can be enhanced through adjustable GYTR rearsets and handlebars, while the R1 GYTR’s agility is enhanced through the weight savings made by each GYTR component.
The carbon-reinforced fibre glass lightweight and aerodynamic GYTR race cowl, including the new winglets, is available in black primer, and also includes a GYTR decal set, while a racing seat further enhances the rider’s manoeuvrability on the bike.
Enhanced, race-level braking performance is offered with the pairing of the new Brembo Stylema calipers with Z04 racing pads, with the connection refined further with the R1 GYTR brake lines.
Equipped with the GYTR Racing ECU and racing wiring harness, the R1 GYTR is a refined, track-focused weapon. In a further effort to improve performance, the R1 GYTR comes with an Akrapovič muffler (<100DB), 15/42T 520 sprockets and an R-Series 520 racing chain.
The R1 GYTR is fully keyless, featuring the track-focused GYTR On/Off switch, and pit box convenience is enhanced through the fitment of GYTR rear stand hooks with each R1 GYTR coming with a R-Series Racing rear stand.
The combination of factory modifications, GYTR parts and the know-how of the GYTR PRO Shop technicians makes the R1 GYTR faster and more fine-tuned than ever before.
A full list of GYTR parts featured on the R1 GYTR can be found below.
Technical Specs: R1 GYTR
- New black glass fiber race cowl with MotoGP-inspired winglets & sticker kit
- New generation KYB front forks
- New Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers
- New GYTR race rear set
- New GYTR R1 handlebar set
- GYTR Racing ECU (SST spec)
- GYTR Racing Wire Harness
- Akrapovic Race muffler with mid-damper system (<100 dB)
- GYTR AIS plug set
- 15/42T 520 sprockets and 520 racing chain
- GYTR ABS emulator
- GYTR ON/OFF switch
- GYTR brake line set
- GYTR racing fuel cap
- GYTR engine cover set
- GYTR sharkfin rear sprocket guard
- GYTR brake lever guard
- Stand hook set and rear racing stand
- GYTR steering stoppers
- GYTR racing screen
- Brembo Z04 racing brake pads
Availability
The R1 RACE will be available from Yamaha dealers from November 2024 and the R1 GYTR available from GYTR PRO SHOPS from November 2024.
I read all the specs and still couldn’t tell if the bodywork includes a fluid-containing bellypan as required by most racing organizations.
This makes a lost of sense. The things never belonged on the street anyway. Completely pointless on anything other than a closed course.
Why, and what kind of fluid ?
Time to get back to motorcycles, and dump the QAnon foolishness.
Sincerely,
OODA Boomer, – So there !
It’s a fast motorcycle that requires a fast rider. Which 99.9999% of the riding population is not.
TimC…. aka Joseph McCarthy reincarnated.
If only
Please do tell TimC what you “know” that the rest of us don’t. Must be something living in the bubble that is the inside of your head filled with all those conspiracy theories and what-not. 😬😵💫
Sorry Dirck. I’m done now. 😶
Besides, USA is communism to compaire to what is what was USSR. As what was said before.
I do not know what you are trying to say. If it is important, construct a proper sentence with a few less whats. Thank you.
Lol. Great response RVB.
I simply mean the quality of life in USA.
… what?
Quality of life in USA is high. We can name it ‘communism’ by Karl Marx definition.
We aren’t quite there. We almost are though. Anyone who can’t see it – that’s the 4-6%.
Low volume at best. The anticipated R9 will sell in volume and be a more manageable street/track bike for many more people.
If your racer motorcycle is store bought, what is the point ?
To go racing, presumably.
I would rather Kawasaki make a new ELR1000. Unless they drop a disc up front and give it a 3.5 gallon tank so they can claim how “light” it is. FTN.
ORT
Meant for TimC
Me thinks you need to live in a real communist country or look up the definition of communism or socialism for that matter. (Responding to TimC below not sure why it’s here?)
Because wake up and vote right or we are down the drain.
And yet we’re still here.
You should be worried about “wanna-be dictators” and the odd “stable genius”.
Either you will eventually learn, or you are part of the 4-6%.
Given what you know*, you are right.
*I am presuming you would not have this position, if you knew.
WWG1WGA.
WTF – Over !
Is this crap about, chain lube ?
TimC, if you would speak more plainly it would be helpful to better understand your point. “4-6%”, “WWG1WGA” and “if you knew” don’t mean anything to people who don’t hang out in political ideology chat rooms.
4-6% of what?
Whole words instead of acronyms.
Know “what”, exactly?
TimC is with the in crowd, bless his heart.
Hush, cultist. The adults are talking.
4-6% totally will never learn and are lost forever
Where We Go One, We Go All.
“If you knew” – exactly.
@Motoman — i lived in USSR.
Communism used in the west to label these 4 attributes of a government:
a) selective outrage judiciary system. That is the justice is far from blind
b) labeling the disobedient with various labels: ‘psychopaths’, ‘enemy of the party’
c) using various means to suffocate the labeled: cannot get a job, may loose kids, may get sent to psychiatric hospital, and finally, may get entrapped with fake crimes…
d) there is no really ‘leveled playing field’ — anywhere, not in business, not in academia. There is selective outrage, selective suppression of research, promotion based on affiliation or nepotism…
that’s what most people really in the west should think of ‘communism’.
And they are right….
It is certainly not about planned economy..
A qualified observation in fact. Somewhat unusual nowadays.
I just don’t see sporty bikes much anymore and I live close to very famous piece of twisty pavement that used to see hundreds of them a day.
If you spend any time at the track you will still see plenty of these types of bikes. The majority of the audience that might like to own one of these probably cant afford to drop just under 20K for a motorcycle.
Therein lies the issue. How many Americans participate in (on-road) track riding/racing? I bet it’s a vanishingly small number.
It’s especially interesting to me that Yamaha is making track-specific versions of the R1 for the European market. Is track riding that much more popular there than here (EU’s population is ~2x the US population + more tracks)? Also impressive that they can make however few of these bikes they sell in total for as little $$ as they cost. For all that goes into them and how many they sell, I could see them them costing a great deal more.
All sounds rather desperate, doesn’t it? Unable or unwilling to ante-up for MotoGP, they make their #1 bike track-only for lesser mortals. Much cheaper option, so long as there’s a market.
Still street-legal in US. So what’s your take again?
Not these. No lights. This is also a European release so it’s possible that it won’t come to the US at all.
” R1’s future and development will now be fully focused on racing and track-use in Europe.”
Let me Google that for you…
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/models/yzf-r1
Not the same bikes, obviously. This is why my post says, “Not these…”.
As this article says, “Aimed at track day enthusiasts and racers, “
It was a hype in YT that Yamaha is completing their V4. Maybe that R1 is what they are just selling to rid off.
“In line with changing rider needs and stricter emissions regulations, and communism”
OK, Boomer
How can you not see what is happening? Is this a “boomer” skill only?
I cannot see the communism, no. Please explain.
Ah, the 4-6%
TimC, in your estimation, what is happening, exactly? Be specific..
The end game where we’ll either get total worldwide totalitarianism or complete liberation.
It would seem that the latter would be preferable, but given the tone of responses throughout this thread, it’s obviously not so cut and dried.
Even motorcyclists who you’d think would be a pretty freedom-thinking bunch, routinely argue that the environment is more important that regulations choking bikes out of existence. So here we are…..
One has to wonder how many of these they make anymore. I can’t recall seeing one (or any M1/R1) on the showroom floor the past few times I’ve been to a dealer.