EICMA 2014: Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M unveiled

Yamaha has taken the wraps off its all new flagship sportsbike, the R1. As expected, the R1 comes with a 200PS engine and benefits from a host of electronic rider aids. The crossplane crankshaft technology first seen on the 2009 R1 model is retained but the engine gets huge revisions including a bigger airbox, revised intake and exhaust ports, a larger bore (79mm vs 78mm), a new fuel injection system, new pistons that weigh less than earlier and much more. All this not only helps bump up power to the magical 200PS mark but also improves bottom end grunt and top end responsiveness, says Yamaha.

The frame sheds weight as well and  now tips the scales at 199kg, fully fuelled. The famous underseat exhausts have also been dropped for a more conventional 4x1 titanium pipe which is claimed to save weight and improve power dynamics. The chassis itself has a shorter wheelbase and swingarm while the front axle is now thicker, which, as Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi testifies, improves front end feel.

The comprehensive electronics package includes a six axis inertial measurement unit that uses three gyro sensors (measuring pitch, yaw and roll) and three G-sensors that measure forward, backward and side to side movement. These sensors convey information to an ECU which analyses the data 125 times per second to calculate the R1's exact position in terms of lean, slide etc. The ECU then instantaneously adjusts the R1's various electronic control systems to provide greater control at all times. Phew.

Coming to the electronic control systems - they include a launch control system, anti-wheelie, rear wheel slide control system, comprehensive traction control, quick shift system and Yamaha's Ride Control system that allows four quickly accessible presets for the various electronic systems.

Visually, the R1 is all function and very aggressive in form. The bike is designed to look like Yamaha's MotoGP machines with a smooth face and hidden LED headlamps. In fact, Yamaha claims that this bike has more MotoGP inputs than any other superbike on sale today. It would seem that the R1 seems ready to go straight back to the top of the motorcycling food chain. For those looking to take their machines to the track, a limited edition R1 M spec also has been unveiled. The changes from the new R1 include adjustable race-spec Ohlin dampers, communication control and carbon fairing. Lighter alloys, specially developed Bridgestone tyres and integrated GPS are also part of the new R1 M.

While the R1 will go on sale early next year, there is no word yet on when the R1 M will be offered to enthusiasts.