2014 EICMA: 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M Preview

We knew there were a couple new R1s coming, we reported about them in our Top 10 Bikes To See At EICMA, and here they officially are: The new YZF-R1 and limited-edition YZF-R1M. Yamaha says the two R1 models will have as big an impact on sportbikes as the original R1 had nearly two decades ago. Hyperbole we’ll examine later, but there’s certainly a lot to be excited about with these new liter class weapons. Electronics is the name of the performance game nowadays and the R1 is awash in electrons. Like Ducati’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) reported earlier this morning, and similar in concept to the system first seen on KTM’s 1190 Adventure, Yamaha is now boasting one of its own. The six-axis IMU is responsible for banking-sensitive Traction Control, as well as Slide Control, and Anti-Wheelie Control. The 2015 R1 also boasts a quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, and a Unified Braking System.

The new 998cc crossplane-concept, inline Four-cylinder engine has twin injectors fueling each cylinder and is said to be nine pounds lighter than the current engine as well 1.2 inches narrower. A bi-directional spray in the lower injectors directs fuel toward the back of the intake valves while at high RPMs, the secondary injectors boost in fuel delivery. The R1 features titanium fracture-split connecting rods, which are around 60% lighter than steel. A new Deltabox aluminum frame with a 10mm shorter wheelbase was developed for the 2015 R1. The stressed member engine is mounted rigidly to the frame at four points. There’s also an upward-truss-type aluminum swingarm, and titanium exhaust with a midship muffler.

Keeping with the lightweight theme, the R1 boasts a weight-reducing aluminum fuel tank (3.5 pounds lighter than steel), a magnesium subframe and magnesium wheels. Claimed wet weight of the new R1 is said to be 439 pounds. The 2015 YZF-R1 will be available in three color options: Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red/Pearl White, and Raven. Bikes will available in dealerships by late February for the retail price of $16,490. YZF-R1M The R1M showcases an additional range of components including Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), carbon fiber bodywork (upper fairing, side fairings, and front fender), and a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS that enables the rider to capture ride data (including GPS tracking) and then download it via WiFi to the Yamaha Y-trac smartphone and tablet app. Once the data is downloaded, the rider can analyze it overlaid with the track map, make setting changes, and upload those changes back to the R1M.

Additional R1M features include a clear-coated aluminum fuel tank, a highly polished aluminum swingarm, gold-colored front radial-mount calipers, specially finished gold inner tubes on the 43mm Öhlins front forks, and a special R1M badge on the airbox cover. Less than 500 of the limited-edition model R1Ms in its Carbon Fiber/Liquid Metal color scheme will be available in the U.S. Like the standard R1, the R1M will be in dealerships around late February but with a substantially steeper price tag of $21,990.

Follow the rest of our 2014 EICMA Show coverage for more information on new 2015 motorcycle announcements.