Source: Supplied.

Yamaha Motor Australia has confirmed it won’t be bringing the lower-specification 2016 model Yamaha YZF-R1S to local shores, due to be released as a third R1 option in the US next year.

While the current track-focused YZF-R1 and top-spec YZF-R1M made headlines with their release this year, Yamaha will release a third option overseas dubbed a ‘street’ variant as the R1S without selected exotic racing materials.

The R1S will retail at $1500 USD cheaper than the regular R1 in the American market, packaged with downgraded aluminium wheels, conventional steel connecting rods, revised valve springs, aluminium oil pan and right-side engine cover, plus stainless steel exhaust headers. It’s around four kilograms heavier than the standard version.

Those parts listed above are made up of magnesium (wheels, oil pan and right-side engine cover) and titanium (connecting rods and exhaust headers) items on the current YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M models available. The R1S also comes fitted with lower-specification Bridgestone tyres.

Aside from the above revisions, the R1S available in the US market retains key features of the latest R1 models including the chassis and suspension, titanium muffler and revolutionary electronics package apart from what will become an optional quick-shifter.

Yamaha Motor Australia is due to confirm its 2016 line-up at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix later this month, led by a special edition 60th Anniversary Yellow/Black colourway expected to be announced.