Yamaha has officially taken the wraps off its 2015 YZF-R1, in addition to a limited edition YZF-R1M model in Milan, Italy, ahead of this week’s EICMA event. This is the rundown on the standard edition, while details on the R1M can be found here.

Features overview:
– The 2015 YZF-R1 features a completely new, lightweight and compact, crossplane-concept, inline-four-cylinder, 998cc high-output engine. Featuring a first ever for a production motorcycle, titanium fracture split connecting rods delivering extremely high horsepower and a strong pulse of linear torque for outstanding performance.

– The YZF-R1 features the most advanced MotoGP-inspired electronics package ever offered on a supersport machine: a full suite of inter-related technologies, enabling the rider to enjoy the fullest range of performance with great comfort, control, and ease of operation.

– Featuring the first six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ever offered on a street-going motorcycle, the 2015 R1 represents the dawn of a new digital era where all riders can experience total 3D controllability.

– 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 2015 R1 is fully equipped with banking-sensitive Traction Control, as well as Slide Control, Anti-Wheelie Control, Quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, a Unified Braking System, and much more. The all-new R1 gives street riders, track day participants, and full-on racers an unmatched and unprecedented level of rider-adaptive performance.

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

– An all-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.

– The styling on the new R1 is inspired by the YZR-M1, purposely sculpted for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

Engine:
– The all-new 998cc in-line four-cylinder, crossplane crankshaft engine features titanium fracture-split connecting rods, which are an industry first for a production motorcycle. The specific titanium alloy used to manufacture the new connecting rods is around 60 percent lighter than steel, and this major reduction in weight gives the new R1 engine a responsive and potent character at high rpm. This all-new engine delivers extremely high horsepower and a strong pulse of linear torque.

– A new six-speed transmission has also been adopted to match the new engine. The transmission stacks the input/output shafts to centralise mass and to keep the overall engine size shorter front to back, which optimizes engine placement in the frame for outstanding weight balance. The new transmission brings out more of the low- to mid-speed torque and excellent response characteristics while reducing the need for frequent shifts.

– Lightweight magnesium engine covers are used to further reduce weight while rocker-arm valve actuation allows for larger valve lift further boosting horsepower.

Electronics package:
– Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is the first on production motorcycle featuring six axis of measurement: It 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. The IMU communicates with the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) Yamaha’s most advanced electronics package ever offered on a production motorcycle. Includes Power Delivery Mode, Traction Control System, Slide Control System, Lift Control System, Launch Control System and Quick Shift System. All these systems are adjustable and can be saved within four presets.

– Power Delivery Mode (PWR), similar to the earlier D-Mode system, lets the rider choose from four settings of throttle-valve opening rate in relation to the degree of throttle-grip opening to best match their riding conditions.

– Variable Traction Control System (TCS) with lean angle calculating the differential in front to rear wheel speed as well as the lean angle, it helps prevent rear wheel spin when exiting corners. As lean angle increases, so does the amount of control with 10 separate settings (off and 1-9) enabling the rider to dial in the exact level of control needed.

– Slide Control System (SCS), the first of its kind on a production motorcycle, comes directly from the YZR-M1. It works in tandem with the IMU, where, if a slide is detected while accelerating during hard leaning conditions, the ECU will step in and control engine power to reduce the slide. This too can be adjusted by the rider. Four settings (1-3 and off).

– Lift Control System (LIF) IMU detects the front to rear pitch rate and the ECU controls engine power to reduce the front wheel lift during acceleration. Four settings (1-3 and off). Launch Control System (LCS) limits engine rpms to 10,000 wide open throttle. It maintains optimum engine output in conjunction with input from the TCS and LIF systems to maximize acceleration from a standing start.. Three setting levels regulate the effect (1-2 and off).

– Quick Shift System (QSS) cuts engine output so riders can up-shift without using the clutch and closing the throttle, for quicker lap times, also with three variable settings (1-2 and off).

– Assist and slipper clutch is used to give the rider more confident downshifts when entering corners aggressively.

– The R1 uses YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), fly-by-wire technology providing optimum power delivery. YCC-I is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power in both low and high rpm.

Chassis/Suspension:
– All-new Aluminum Deltabox frame and magnesium subframe contribute to a light weight and compact chassis design. The aluminum frame is both strong and flexible, with rigid engine mounts, making the engine a stressed member of the frame for optimal rigidity balance and great cornering performance on the race track.

– The R1 features an all-new inverted KYB front fork with 43mm inner tubes and a 120mm stroke with full adjustability, for incredible front end feel on the track.

– The fully adjustable KYB shock has a new rear bottom link pivot position that is optimally placed to provide exceptional handling, and excellent transmission of engine torque to the track surface.

– 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 percent, the same as the current R1 for excellent linear stability.

– Also featured is an aluminum 17-litre fuel tank, weighing in at a full 1.5kg less than a comparable steel tank.

– The track developed and tested racing ABS and Unified Braking System provide maximum braking performance. UBS 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.

– All-new Nissin four-piston radial mounted front calipers ride on big 320mm rotors for excellent stopping power.

– The 2015 R1 is equipped with a newly designed exhaust system manufactured mainly from titanium. Plus, a compact, midship muffler contributes towards the mass centralisation that is a key feature on the R1.

– 10-spoke cast magnesium wheels that reduce rotational mass by 0.8kg over the previous model reduces unsprung weight for quick direction changes and improved handling.

– The R1 features a thin-film transistor LCD meter, with brilliant colour for precise monitoring of all vehicle systems, including front brake pressure and fore/aft G-force making it easier than ever to take the bike to its limits. It features a street mode and a race mode that focuses on information that’s more important on the track, such as YRC settings, a zoomed in view of the tachometer in the upper rpm range, a lap timer with best lap and last lap feature, gear position indicator and speed, just to name a few.

Additional features:
– All-new dynamic M1-inspired styling that creates a more compact profile with improved aerodynamics.

– All-new LED headlights are both lightweight and compact allowing for a more streamlined design and layout of the front face.

– All-new LED front turn signals are integrated into the mirrors for improved aerodynamics.

– Available as an option is the Yamaha-exclusive Communication Control Unit. The CCU allows riders to communicate with the vehicle via Wi-Fi through Yamaha’s exclusive Y-TRAC smartphone and tablet app. The system is comprised of the CCU and GPS antenna, running data can be recorded via a data logger, with course mapping and automatic lap timing managed by GPS. This data can then be wirelessly downloaded to the Android or Apple iOS app where it can be analysed. Changes to settings can then be made via the Yamaha YRC app to later upload to the R1.

Further information from Yamaha Motor Australia is due to be released at Moto Expo Melbourne on 28-30 November.