EICMA 2017: 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Clutchless auto-blipping downshifts and revised lift control for 2018

Among the brand new motorcycles it showcased at EICMA, Yamaha announced a couple of small, but not insignificant updates to its YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M.

For 2018, the Yamaha YZF-R1 and the higher-spec YZF-R1M receive a clutchless auto-blipper for downshifts. A new addition to the Quick Shift System, the ECU will now automatically match engine speed when downshifting for quicker gear changes with minimal chassis disruption. Both the new downshifting auto-blipper and the existing clutchless upshifting system can be turned on or off in the R1 and R1M’s settings.

Yamaha also updated the Lift (wheelie) Control System with a more progressive mapping when trying to inhibit front wheel lift during acceleration.

Both the 2018 R1 and R1M also receive updated Bridgestone RS10 tires that Yamaha claims offer improved grip feedback.

The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M also gets new Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension adjustment settings. The 2018 models offer automatic T-1 and T-2 track modes that focus on adjusting the suspension during braking, cornering and acceleration. An R-1 road setting offers more simplified settings better suited for riding on public streets. The electronic racing suspension will continue to offer three manual modes.

The updated R1 and R1M will arrive in U.S. dealerships in March 2018. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M will come in a carbon fiber/liquid metal color scheme for $22,999 while the 2018 YZF-R1 will come in a choice of Raven or Team Yamaha Blue for $16,699. The YZF-R1S will also return unchanged for 2018, in a Cerulean Silver/Raven color.

Follow the rest of our 2017 EICMA show coverage

Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

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 6 comments
  • Gabriel Owens Gabriel Owens on Nov 10, 2017

    Is there really much of an "audience" for these types of bikes still? Most motorcycle buyers are shifting to the practical all arounder types of bikes. Hence the rise in the sporty adv's. Perhaps Suzuki really did nail it with the vstrom1000 long long ago.

    • See 2 previous
    • Spiff Spiff on Nov 10, 2017

      Nakeds are the fly in the super sport ointment. From SV650s to MT-09s to Tuonos. In todays market you can find the power and handling you want in a comfortable bike. Your adv segment is killing the touring market. They do everything touring bikes do without breaking a sweat. Both KTM and BMW overlap each other, with the GS leaning towards the comfy side, and the Super Adventure leaning towards performance. Beyond that you have competent bikes, like the Vstrom, that are damn good and very affordable. I wonder if the Goldwings etc can hold their market share.

  • John phyyt John phyyt on Nov 10, 2017

    Evans .. !! .. Please do an exposay on Auto blip downshift Quick shifters. I rushed out and got one ( healtech) after your excellent article .

    http://www.motorcycle.com/p...

    I love it and now the next step are these both way ones. Can they be retro-fitted to my now ageing bike.? (Yamaha) It really adds something to the experience .
    Maybe Healtech or other aftermarket could give us an overview of what is involved

    • Junker Junker on Nov 13, 2017

      Did you really just say "exposay". I don't know why, but I got the best laugh of the day there. For some reason I'm picturing Eddie Murphy as Buckwheat.

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