Yamaha’s R1 is one of the most iconic and recognized names in motorcycling. For nearly 22 years now, it’s been Yamaha’s flagship high-performance superbike and one of the greatest and wildest rides on the road and track. Since its inception, R1 has been one of the most popular, fastest and best-selling sportsbikes on the planet.
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 has taken steps forward in its revised, Euro V-compliant engine, its suspension, its beefed-up electronics, and its aerodynamic performance thanks to revised bodywork.
Yamaha refined its Deltabox aluminum frame for the 2020 version of the YZR-R1 and it delivers the expected level of agility with a rake angle of 24 degrees and four inches of trail over a 55.3-inch wheelbase. Yamaha’s Brake Control system delivers ABS protection along with a Brake Control feature that modulates the brakes according to a pair of profiles and the available traction.
The new R1 retains the previous bike’s inline four architecture with its famous crossplane crankshaft for perfect primary and secondary balance. It remains a 998cc, and delivers peak power at a roaring 13,000 rpm. The cylinder head and intakes have been redesigned, with new 10-hole Bosch injectors relocated above the 45-mm intake throttle bodies.
R1 provides the power with a claimed 83.2 pound-feet of torque at 11,500 rpm and an estimated 197.30 horsepower at the redline. A slip-and-assist clutch couples engine power to the six-speed transmission. Fuel delivery is ride-by-wire with Yamaha’s Chip-Controlled Throttle and an all-new Accelerator Position Sensor on board to make power delivery smooth and reliable.
Specifications:
– Type: Inline-4
– Displacement: 998cc
– Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 50.9mm
– Power: 197.30 bhp
– Torque: 83.2 pound-feet
– Compression ratio: 13.0:1
– Valve-train: DOHC, 16 valves
– Transmission: 6-speed
– Clutch: Assist-and-slip
– Final drive: Chain
Pros:
– Excellent electronics
– MotoGP inspired soundtrack
– Brutally quick