2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M are here

MANILA: Nothing can beat the sound, thrill, and riding dynamics that a four-cylinder litre bike can provide you with, right? The Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M are two such motorcycles, and to keep them as competitive as ever in the market and allure more and more customers, Yamaha has brought out the 2020 models of the two. Starting September 2019, Yamaha will start rolling out both the 2020 YZF-R1 and R1M. For now, let’s discuss the changes that the two flagship motorcycles sport.

An array of technological upgrades have made Japanese sports bikes better than before. While the R1M now wears full carbon fiber panels, the updated bodywork on the R1 has enhanced the aerodynamic efficiency of the motorcycle by 5.3%. The 998cc inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine features new fuel injectors, updated cam profiles & finger-follower camshafts, and a new cylinder head. Also, both the bikes are now ride-by-wire thanks to the addition of Accelerator Position sensors with Grip (APSG) ride-by-wire technology, which also comes with a chip controlled throttle (YCC-T). The power figures, however, remain at 200 PS.

Other electronic amenities on the motorcycles include an Engine Brake Management (EBM) system with three ride modes, Brake Control system with two - BC1 & BC1 modes, and a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The riders can adjust the different parametres using Yamaha Ride Control system (YRC) or via Y-TRAC app that is available for both smartphones (Android) and tablets (both Android and iOS).

Another upgrade is the all-new Kayaba forks. On the YZF-R1, the new suspension setup sports a new internal shim stack design. The R1M, on the other hand, has received an updated Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), which includes a gas cylinder built into the axle block as a part of the new NPX pressurized fork. With revisited multi-compound carcass and a new tread pattern, Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tyres are responsible for keeping both the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M glued to the road. Color options on the all-new R1 are Team Yamaha Blue and Raven. We still await Yamaha Philippines to announce the arriving date and prices for the 2020 model.