
It’s finally here, the long anticipated 2015 model of the Yamaha R1 was unveiled at EICMA in Milan this afternoon. The redesign is a very different look from Yamaha, but I have to say, it really catches the eye! There were a couple teaser videos released in weeks prior to the launch and they definitely kept us waiting while they announced several of the other new models.


Just when we thought the hype was over, they threw us for another loop with another pair of headlights in the dark, off the side of the stage. One could have really hoped that they fibbed when they said there wouldn’t be a change to the 2015 R6….
Again, not a surprise, but our next favorite MotoGP rider, Jorge Lorenzo makes his way to the front of the stage on another motorcycle. Hidden from the view for a minute as the presenter was even caught off guard, they announced the R1M to the lineup.




The Yamaha YZF-R1M boasts massive improvements to the race technology and it is the closest production Superbike that you can get to a street legal M1 MotoGP bike. It comes standard with top of the line electronics, Ohlins suspension, full carbon fiber bodywork and a Communication Control Unit with GPS. This CCU will work in conjunction with the Yamaha Y-TRAC app that will allow the rider to manage real time data on their phone or tablet and then upload it back to the motorcycle.

Overall, I am excited to see Yamaha step up to the plate and produce a more powerful machine. Only time and results from the track will be able to tell us how the true performance of the R1 measures up… In the mean time, I can continue to look at the new styling and wait.
Aubs