First Look: 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1
| November 4, 2014
Yamaha’s tired of playing second fiddle to the competition in the Superbike class. So for 2015, it’s debuting a fully revamped YZF-R1 sportbike that features an all-new design from nose to tail. The ’15 R1 showcases many of the features and race-proven technologies learned from the Tuning Fork’s extensive experience within MotoGP.
Beginning with the engine it continues to employ a liquid-cooled 998cc Inline Four configuration with an uneven firing order. Inside, however, 1mm larger forged aluminum pistons slide (via titanium connecting roads) within a shorter 50.9mm stroke. The compression ratio also sees a slight increase to 13.0:1. The valvetrain continues to utilize a 16-valve cylinder head with titanium intake and stainless-steel exhaust valves; however, rocker-arms now actuate the valves allowing for more aggressive camshaft profiles. Together these updates are aimed at faster engine response with increased top-end power. Yamaha was tight lipped on power estimates.
On the chassis side of things the R1 gets an updated frame, swingarm, and suspension (KYB), yet the basic chassis geometry remains unchanged from the 2009-2014 generation machine. A lighter (and slightly smaller capacity) 4.5-gallon fuel tank is now fabricated from aluminum instead of steel. There’re also lighter magnesium wheels wrapped with Bridgestone’s new RS-10 track-day rubber. All told, Yamaha claims a 15-pound weight reduction (ready to ride) compared to this year’s bike.
Perhaps the biggest news is the addition of a new electronics package that incorporates traction, slide, wheelie, launch and unified braking control in addition to adjustable engine/throttle power settings. Each setting can be manipulated via hardware on the handlebar and is displayed via a colorful TFT display.
In addition, the base YZF-R1 ($16,490) Yamaha will also be offering an limited-edition ‘M’ version ($21,990) that includes carbon fiber bodywork, electronically adjustable suspension by Ohlins, and a data acquisition device that lets riders/tuners view motorcycle data through their Android or iOS-powered smartphone. Both motorcycles will arrive on showroom floors in the U.S. February 2015.
