2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M revealed

Flagship superbike has the same output but more electronics

Yamaha has taken the wraps off its flagship superbike, the YZF-R1 for the 2020 model year. Both the R1 and its track-focused version, the R1M, have received significant performance upgrades and will be available September 2019.

While the power outputs remains the same at 197 hp (200 PS), both models receive a whole bevy of tech upgrades for more efficient delivery of power.

To start off, the R1 gets updates bodywork to improve its aerodynamic efficiency by 5.3%. The R1M, on the other hand, will receive full carbon bodywork.

Both bikes are powered by a 998cc inline, 4-cylinder liquid cooled engine. It sports a new cylinder head, fuel injectors, updated cam profiles and finger follower camshafts. On the electronic side, they will receive Accelerator Position sensors with Grip (APSG) ride-by-wire technology with a chip controlled throttle (YCC-T). This eliminated the need for a throttle cable, making both bikes completely ride-by-wire.

Besides upgrades to the throttle, it keeps the 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which allows for lean-sensitive traction control and ABS, and Brake Control system. The Brake Control system offers BC1 mode for straight line braking, and BC2 for braking while cornering. There’s also an Engine Brake Management (EBM) system with three modes.

These systems can be tweaked via the onboard Yamaha Ride Control system (YRC) or through the Y-TRAC app available for smartphones (Android only) and tablets (Android and iOS).

Handling the bumps are new Kayaba forks with a new internal shim stack design for the R1. The shock gets revised internal damping settings matched to the fork for improved feel on the track and street. The YZF-R1M gets an upgrade to its Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) with an NPX pressurized fork featuring a gas cylinder built into the axle block. Just like the standard model, the shock internals are revised to complement the new fork. The rider can make changes to the suspension settings via Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) or Y-TRAC.

Bringing the power to the road are Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tires, chosen by Yamaha for the YZF-R1 and R1M, and will feature and new tread pattern and updated multi-compound carcass.

The 2020 YZF-R1 will be offered in Team Yamaha Blue and Raven color schemes. Yamaha Philippines has yet to announce its arrival date and price.