Yamaha unveils 2020 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M
Next iteration of Yamaha sporting flagships boast revised engines, electronics, suspension and aerodynamicsYamaha chose the recent US round of the WorldSBK Championship at Laguna Seca to lift the lid on its 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M, with the new models benefitting from a raft of updates and improvements.
Combined, Yamaha says the changes deliver improved handling and rideability, with an even higher level of electronic control for optimal settings for both on the road or track.
Engine update
Powering the show is the latest version of Yamaha's 998cc in-line four-cylinder engine with cross-plane crank, now with revised cylinder head, fuel injectors, finger-follower rocker arms and camshaft profiles.
Brake Control and Engine Brake Management
There's an all-new ride-by-wire system to eliminate the throttle cable and reduce weight, while the R1 and R1M's inertial measurement unit (IMU) now features a new Brake Control (BC) feature that allows a rider to choose between two settings to favour and enhance either straight-line braking (where the bike is upright) or corner braking, where the system's intervention timing grows faster the greater the angle of lean.
There's also a new Engine Brake Management (EBM) system, which allows the rider to choose between three levels of engine braking force to suit the rider's preference and/or the prevailing conditions (i.e. road or track).
New forks, revised shock settings
On the suspension front, the R1M continues with premium Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension but now has a new NPX fork and revised rear shock settings, while the base-model R1 receives a new KYB fork with revised settings for its KYB monoshock.
The pair's aerodynamics has also been enhanced, with Yamaha saying the new bodywork has created "a 5.3 per cent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency while reducing wind noise and pressure on the rider when in a tucked position". Smoother side sections are said to improve rider comfort, while the R1M receives a new carbonfibre tail cowl in addition to its carbonfibre passenger seat cowl.
Rounding out the two new models are new and lightweight twin LED headlights, which are said to improve illumination on both high and low beam settings.
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue or Raven schemes while the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M will come in a carbonfibre scheme. Pricing and availability information is yet to be announced.
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SPECS: 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1/M
Engine: 998cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder
Bore x stroke: 79.0mm x 50.9mm
Compression ratio: 13.0:1
Fuelling: Fuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Transmission: Six-speed; wet multi-plate assist and slipper clutch
Final drive: Chain
Frame: Aluminium Deltabox
Front suspension: YZF-R1 – 43mm KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel; YZF-R1M – 43mm Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension NPX fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: YZF-R1 – KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, 120mm travel; YZF-R1M – Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension monoshock, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Front brake: Twin 320mm discs; Brake Control System and ABS
Rear brake: 220mm disc; Brake Control System and ABS
Front tyre: 120/70-R17
Rear tyre: YZF-R1 – 190/55ZR17; YZF-R1M – 200/55ZR17
Overall length: 2055mm
Overall width: 690mm
Overall height: 1165mm
Seat height: 860mm
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Wet weight: YZF-R1 – 201kg; YZF-R1M – 202kg
Fuel tank: 17.0lt
Colours: YZF-R1 – Team Yamaha Blue, Raven; YZF-R1M – Carbonfibre
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