2015 Yamaha YZF-R1M | First Look

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1M First Look Preview

The first line in the literature about the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1M is what gets your attention. It states, “The 2015 YZF-R1M is a production Superbike that’s as close as you can get to a street-legal M1 MotoGP bike, effectively blurring the line between the two.”

Images of Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi flash before your eyes, no?

The limited-edition YZF-R1M was unveiled at EICMA motorcycle show in Milan alongside the all-new YZF-R1. Both bikes get an updated 990cc crossplane-concept engine (no horsepower numbers reported) featuring titanium connecting rods, and a host of new electronics, including a quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS and a Unified Braking System.

Both bikes also feature a new six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), similar to what Ducati unveiled on its new 1299 and Multistrada, and KTM introduced on its 1190 Adventure. This allow the Yamaha to have Traction Control at lena angle, along with Anti-Wheelie Control and Slide Control.

But the R1M is updated with a host of MotoGP-inspired racing parts, including Ohlins Electronic Suspension (ERS). Yamaha also adds carbon-fiber bodywork, specially-designed Bridgestone rubber (120/70 ZR17 front; 200/55 ZR17 rear), a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS for garnering ride data, a clear-coated aluminum fuel tank, gold-colored brake calipers, a polished aluminum swingarm, and special badging.

The YZF-R1M will be available in one color combo – a Yamaha MotoGP race-inspired Carbon Fiber/Liquid Metal.

All of this comes with a price, though; the YZF-R1M retails for $21,990, $5,500 over the standard YZF-R1 ($16,490). And if you want one act quick; only 500 are being produced. The bike arrives in dealerships February 2015.

Following are the features and specs of the new 2015 Yamaha YZF-M1:

• The specific titanium alloy used to manufacture the new connecting rods is around 60% lighter than steel, and this major reduction in weight gives the new R1 engine greater throttle response.

• A completely new crossplane-concept, liquid-cooled, inline-four-cylinder, DOHC 16 valve, 998cc high-output engine, featuring a first for a production motorcycle, titanium fracture split connecting rods.

• The engine has an ultra-high 13.0:1 compression ratio and features twin injectors on each cylinder, with a bi-directional spray in the lower injector where fuel is directed toward the back of the intake valves, boosting the number of droplets that go directly into the combustion chamber and at high rpms, the secondary injectors add a boost in fuel delivery to maximize combustion efficiency and engine performance.

• 6-speed transmission with multi-plate slipper clutch.

• An advanced MotoGP-inspired electronics package including a full suite of inter-related technologies to enhance control through the first six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ever offered on a street-going motorcycle.

• IMU consists of a gyro sensor that measures pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as an accelerometer or G-sensor that measures acceleration in the fore-aft, up-down, and right-left directions…all at a rate of 125 calculations per second. By calculating each signal, the IMU finds the precise vehicle position and movement, and communicates it to the ECU, enabling it to control the bike’s systems.

• The R1M features an Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), carbon fiber bodywork (upper fairing, side fairings, and front fender), and a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS that enables the rider to capture ride data (including GPS tracking) and then download it via WiFi to the Yamaha Y-TRAC smartphone and tablet app. Once the data is downloaded, the rider can analyze it overlaid with the track map. Setting changes can then be made via the Yamaha “YRC” app, and upload those changes back to the R1M.

• The Suspension Control Unit receives data from the Inertial Measurement Unit, which communicates vehicle speed, attitude, lean angle, acceleration and brake pressure, then adjusts the front and rear compression as well as rebound damping for optimum suspension performance.

• The R1M is equipped with banking-sensitive Traction Control, as well as Slide Control, Anti-Wheelie Control, Quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, and a Unified Braking System. The track developed and tested racing ABS and Unified Braking System inhibits unwanted rear end motion during braking by activating the rear brake when the front brake is applied, with force distribution based on the bike’s attitude and lean angle. The new Nissin 4-piston radial mounted front brake calipers ride on 320mm rotors.

• The R1M features a highly advanced Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension. The Suspension Control Unit receives data from the Inertial Measurement Unit, which communicates vehicle speed, attitude, lean angle, acceleration and brake pressure, then adjusts the front and rear compression as well as rebound damping for optimum suspension performance. The system comes with two modes. “Automatic” mode continuously adjusts rebound and compression damping as you ride providing ideal damping force for the track or the street and can be fine tuned to the riders needs. The “manual” mode allows riders to fine tune to the settings they choose then holds these settings while riding.

• The wheelbase is 10mm shorter than the previous R1 adding to cornering performance, however the ratio of swing arm length to wheelbase is 40.5%, the same as the current R1 for excellent linear stability.

• A new aluminum Deltabox frame is designed to provide optimum longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity balance. The engine is a stressed member of the chassis.

• A new titanium exhaust system with titanium headers and muffler canister with mid-ship layout is positioned low and in the middle of the chassis for centralized mass.

• A clear-coated aluminum fuel tank (3.5 lbs lighter than comparable steel tank), a highly polished aluminum swingarm, gold-colored front radial-mount calipers, special finished gold inner tubes on the 43mm Öhlins front forks, and a unique R1M badge on the airbox cover.

• 10-spoke cast magnesium wheels that reduce rotational mass by 1.9 pounds over the previous model reduces unsprung weight for improved handling.

• Thin-film transistor LCD meter, with brilliant color, for monitoring of all vehicle systems.

• New LED headlights and LED turn signals that are integrated into the mirrors.

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1M Specs:

• Engine: 998cc, liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valves
• Bore x Stroke: 79.00 x 50.9mm
• Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
• Fueling: Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
• Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
• Transmission: 6-speed w/multi-plate slipper clutch
• Final Drive: Chain
• Front Suspension: 43mm Öhlins electronic suspension w/ inverted fork; fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel
• Rear Suspension: Öhlins electronic suspension w/ single shock w/ piggyback reservoir, 4-way adjustable; 4.7-in travel
• Front Brakes: Dual 320mm hydraulic disc; 4-piston caliper, UBS ABS
• Rear Brakes: Dual 320mm hydraulic disc; 4-piston caliper, UBS ABS
• Tires: 120/70ZR17M/C Front, 200/55ZR17M/C Rear
• LxWxH: 80.9 x 27.2 x 45.3 in
• Seat Height: 33.9 in
• Ground Clearance: 5.1 in
• Wheelbase: 55.3 in
• Rake: 24°
• Trail: 4.0 in
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal
• Fuel Economy: N/A
• Wet Weight: 443 lb