The Yamaha YZF-R1 turns 25 – Part 4
Yamaha YZF-R1s through the years… continued
2006
The only things changed on the 2006 model R1 was the swingarm (20 mm longer). But, Yamaha did release a limited edition SP 50th-anniversary model in original Yamaha Racing yellow (made famous by Kenny Roberts).
The SP was equipped with Ohlins suspension front and rear, forged Marchesini wheels, a race slipper clutch and an integrated lap timer. Only 1000 models were produced.
Other specs for the mass-produced production model remained identical. Sales for 2006 were down in comparison to the surrounding years, 695 YZF-R1s sold in Australia in 2006.
2007/08
Featuring an all-new engine — with four valves per cylinder instead of the conventional Yamaha five — the 2007 R1 used new race-derived technology to make it a potent force in the cut-throat superbike market.
It featured the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), and Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) which adjusted the intake length depending on revs, allowing for better torque distribution without negatively impacting top-end power.
Power was now a stout 180 hp (claimed) and torque 112 Nm. It housed a slipper clutch as standard and swapped four-pot calipers for six-pot.
The 2007 and 2008 models proved particularly strong sellers in Australia, with 988 and 908 YZF-R1s sold respectively across the two years, with 2007 the highest selling year for this model recorded (in Australia).
2009/2014
2009 was the year of the ‘Big Bang’, when the R1 received a new MotoGP-derived cross plane crank motor, which puts the connecting rods at 90° from the next with an uneven firing interval of 270°- 180°- 90°- 180°—the first production motorcycle of its kind.
The 2009 R1 had pre-selectable riding modes added to the existing YCC-T throttle system: Standard, A (most powerful), and B. Yamaha claimed power of 182 hp and 115 Nm of torque.
It still possessed the under tail exhausts like the previous model, but that’s where the similarities end. Everything was new or tweaked, including the electronic steering damper, cast aluminium frame, magnesium subframe and rear shock absorber linkage.
In 2012 the model received traction control and an updated nose unit.
Pricing also jumped up on the new Big Bang version, with the 2010 pricing sitting at $19,999 plus on-road costs. 2009 also saw 983 of the new-gen YZF-R1s sold, the second largest figure in history for the model here, but there was a significant drop in 2010 to 533, followed by 402 in 2011, 366 in 2012, 272 in 2013 and 209 in 2014, as superbikes in general went into a downward trend.
2015-2019
After six years of the ‘Bang’, Yamaha deemed it time the R1 got a full-upgrade. The 2015 R1 was smaller, lighter, more nimble and more powerful than the previous models. It builds on the ‘Big Bangs’ two-in-one engine philosophy and turns everything up to eleven. Power was now a claimed 197 hp and 112 Nm of torque.
However, this was the model that bought Yamaha into the electronic age. Running a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit, the R1 had the full list of rider aids including lean angle-sensitive traction and wheelie control and Cornering ABS, the first Slide Control system on a production bike, quick shift, and the old bike’s selectable power modes.
The 2015 year also saw the first R1M model which had electronic semi-active Öhlins suspension, carbon fibre bodywork, Yamaha’s Communication Control Unit (CCU), Y-TRAC data logging system, and track-focused Bridgestone tyres.
2015 pricing in Austarlia was $23,499, and jumped to $24,479 the next year, both figures prior to on-road costs. 2019 saw the YZF-R1 priced at $24,479, or $26,399 as the ride-away pricing regimen came in across Australia.
Sales saw a bump in 2015, jumping to 561 as riders flocked to the updated model. 2016 then saw sales drop once again, down to 267, followed by 160 in 2017, 151 in 2018 and 167 in 2019.
2020
Sharing much in common with the previous model, the 2020 R1 had a few performance tweaks that once more improved the breed.
These include tweaks to the fairings to improve aerodynamics by up to five percent, APSG (Accelerator Position Sensor Grip) to improve throttle feel, two different levels of ABS, a new Euro 5-compliant engine, three-stage engine brake management, new styling based closely off the 2018 Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP racer, new APSG ride-by-wire throttle, new launch control system, uprated TFT instruments with BC and EBM indicators, and Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tyres.
The R1M went a step further. It featured new Öhlins ERS NPX gas pressurised forks, a 200-section rear tyre and even more aggressive styling. Yamaha claimed a power level of 198 hp and torque at 113 Nm.
By 2021 ride-away pricing was edging ever closer to the $30k mark, hitting $28,149 ride-away. 2023 saw that raised to $29,349.
169 R1 models were sold in Australia during 2020, 151 in 2021, 144 in 2022 and 57 have been sold so far in 2023.
2023 Yamaha YZF-R1 Specifications
| 2023 Yamaha YZF-R1 Specifications | |
| Engine type | 4-cylinder, liquid cooled, in-line, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve |
| Displacement | 998 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 79.0 mm x 50.9 mm |
| Compression ratio | 13.0 : 1 |
| Maximum power | 147.1 kW (200.0 PS) @ 13,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 113.3 Nm (11.6 kg-m) @ 11,500 rpm |
| Lubrication system | Wet sump |
| Starter system | Electric |
| Clutch type | Wet, multiple-disc |
| Fuel delivery | Fuel Injection |
| Ignition system | TCI |
| Transmission system | Constant mesh, 6-speed |
| Final transmission | Chain |
| Chassis | |
| Frame | Aluminium deltabox |
| Front suspension system | 43mm KYB inverted fork; fully adjustable, 119 mm travel |
| Caster angle | 24.0° |
| Trail | 102 mm |
| Rear suspension system | KYB piggyback shock, fully adjustable, 119 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual Ø320 mm rotors, four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Hydraulic single disc, Ø220 mm |
| Tyres | 120/70ZR17M/CÂ (58W) Tubeless, 190/55ZR17M/CÂ (75W) Tubeless |
| Dimensions | |
| Overall length | 2,055 mm |
| Overall width | 690 mm |
| Overall height | 1,165 mm |
| Seat height | 855 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,405 mm |
| Min. ground clearance | 130 mm |
| Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) | 201 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.0 litres |
| Oil tank capacity | 4.9 litres |
| Price | $29,349 Ride-Away |
