Yamaha has not exactly promised, but they have certainly delivered: an all-new generation of the acclaimed R1 machine was revealed at EICMA in Milan last week, and it looks like this bike is about the closest a street machine can get to the MotoGP YZR-M1 prototype.
Photo: Yamaha
Right when we saw it unveiled, the shape of the air intake instantaneously linked it to the iconic M1. But this is only the beginning when it comes to the new R1. Aside from the aesthetic similarities, the R1 is even closer to a works ride than ever, thanks to its comprehensive array of electronic equipment. Truth be told, it’s even hard to decide where to start.
The 2015 R1 takes things to the next level with the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This is a computer specialized in analyzing the data which arrives at a very fast rate (125 readings per second) from the sensors. The IMU incorporates a gyroscopic sensor which can detect pitch, roll, and yaw. It is complemented by an accelerometer that measures acceleration in the fore-aft, up-down, and right-left directions for determining the exact position of the motorcycle.
The resulting data is sent to the ECU which in turn uses it to alter the variables for the banking-sensitive Traction Control, Slide Control, Anti-Wheelie Control, Quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, Unified Braking System and more.
Yamaha’s new R1 machine is powered by an all-new 998cc crossplane engine which can produce 200 hp at 13,500 rpm and 112.4 Nm (82.8 lb-ft) of torque at 11,500 revs. Mated to a manual 6-speed transmission, it sits in a new Deltabox aluminium frame. The 2015 R1 is also the first production motorcycle to sport titanium fracture-split connecting rods, we are told.
Yamaha decided to shorten the wheelbase of the new chassis to produce a better-handling motorcycle. Together with the fully-adjustable KYB suspensions for both front and rear, and the revised Nissin brakes, the new R1 promises a new level of exhilaration on track and on the street.
The LCD dash was completely renewed and adds a new level of functionality. More data is offered and is displayed better, while the Spartan looks of the cluster do remind us about the ones in MotoGP. The upper section of the front cowl was kept clean, with the dual headlights moved beneath the “nose” for a completely new stance.
With a tail section which does come from the future, the 2015 YZF-R1feels and looks more compact. It’s wet weight (full 17-liter/ 4.5 US gal tank) is 199 kg (439 lbs), helped by the magnesium wheels and aluminium fuel tank. We’re still trying to find out more on the power and riding modes, and we’ll be back at you soon.
Until then the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 will arrive in February 2015 in Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/ Matte Silver and Rapid Red/ Pearl White. The US price is $16,490. You can always check out our EICMA 2014 coverage and enjoy the 2015 Yamaha R1 live photos we took in Milan.
6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
The 2015 R1 takes things to the next level with the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This is a computer specialized in analyzing the data which arrives at a very fast rate (125 readings per second) from the sensors. The IMU incorporates a gyroscopic sensor which can detect pitch, roll, and yaw. It is complemented by an accelerometer that measures acceleration in the fore-aft, up-down, and right-left directions for determining the exact position of the motorcycle.
The resulting data is sent to the ECU which in turn uses it to alter the variables for the banking-sensitive Traction Control, Slide Control, Anti-Wheelie Control, Quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, Unified Braking System and more.
Yamaha’s new R1 machine is powered by an all-new 998cc crossplane engine which can produce 200 hp at 13,500 rpm and 112.4 Nm (82.8 lb-ft) of torque at 11,500 revs. Mated to a manual 6-speed transmission, it sits in a new Deltabox aluminium frame. The 2015 R1 is also the first production motorcycle to sport titanium fracture-split connecting rods, we are told.
A shorter wheelbase and more new things
Yamaha decided to shorten the wheelbase of the new chassis to produce a better-handling motorcycle. Together with the fully-adjustable KYB suspensions for both front and rear, and the revised Nissin brakes, the new R1 promises a new level of exhilaration on track and on the street.
The LCD dash was completely renewed and adds a new level of functionality. More data is offered and is displayed better, while the Spartan looks of the cluster do remind us about the ones in MotoGP. The upper section of the front cowl was kept clean, with the dual headlights moved beneath the “nose” for a completely new stance.
With a tail section which does come from the future, the 2015 YZF-R1feels and looks more compact. It’s wet weight (full 17-liter/ 4.5 US gal tank) is 199 kg (439 lbs), helped by the magnesium wheels and aluminium fuel tank. We’re still trying to find out more on the power and riding modes, and we’ll be back at you soon.
Until then the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 will arrive in February 2015 in Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/ Matte Silver and Rapid Red/ Pearl White. The US price is $16,490. You can always check out our EICMA 2014 coverage and enjoy the 2015 Yamaha R1 live photos we took in Milan.
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