Yamaha will have a new flagship model in 2020, after announcing ‘all-new’ YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M models during this weekend’s Superbike World Championship round at Laguna Seca.
Visually, the biggest change between the current R1s and next year’s bikes is the new bodywork. ‘Inspired by the MotoGP YZR-M1’ according to Yamaha, the sleek new fairings are said to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 5% over the old model and give the already rather pretty R1 an even more elegant suit.
Likewise, the outgoing R1 was always at the cutting edge of electronics and, hard to believe, Yamaha says that the 2020 model has yet another layer of sophistication.
As with the old model, there’s a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that’s equipped with gyroscopic and G-force sensors to monitor pretty much everything the bike is doing. For 2020 the R1 also gains cornering ABS with two settings to suit the rider’s personal preferences, but perhaps the most interesting feature is the engine braking management, which has three settings and allows the rider to play around with the engine braking – just like Vale and Maverick do.
Despite being billed as ‘all-new’ the 2020 R1 is, in reality, probably more of a very serious update. The new models have been developed to meet the incoming Euro5 emissions laws, which will start to come in next year, and many of the changes are designed to get the superbike through these new regulations as much as they have been about improving the performance.
The new bike features a total of four catalytic converters, but some clever engineering (and the use of exotic materials) to ensure peak power remains at 200ps (197bhp) @ 13,500rpm and that the weight increase has gone up by only a few kilogrammes. With liberal amounts of titanium and magnesium for the wheels, the standard model tips the scales at 201kg wet.
Yamaha has developed a new cylinder head for the R1, with finger-follower rocker arms (as seen on the Kawasaki ZX-10R), relocated injectors and new camshaft profiles for better performance at high revs.
As well as the four catalysts, the silencer and heat protectors feature additional sound deadening technology, another sop to Euro5, further revisions have been made to the crankcases, while the ride-by-wire throttle has been revised to give a more analogue feeling to it.
As before, the R1 and the R1M will run different suspension components. The standard model’s 43mm Kayaba forks have been modified internally, as has the steering damper. The R1M gets the latest generation Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS). The Öhlins ERS NPX gas pressurised forks are new, and said to contribute towards achieving a more uniform level of damping, while the Öhlins electronic rear suspension benefits from a modified preload setting.
The YZF-R1’s dual 320mm front discs with monobloc calipers get a new high friction pad material that delivers even more powerful stopping, while Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tyres are also new. As before, a race kit will be available for team looking to take their R1M on track.
No news yet when the 2020 R1 will go on sale, or details of prices, but you’ll be able to see both models for yourself if you are at this weekend’s British Superbike Championship round at Snetterton, as Yamaha will have them on display as part of a major R1 celebration.