gives riders the option to choose between two
intervention modes for enhanced braking control.
A new Engine Brake Management (EBM) system
also allows the rider to select between three levels
of engine braking force to suit their individual
preference or riding situation on the road or track.
Both the BC and EBM settings are adjustable
through onboard Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) and
Yamaha’s Y-TRAC smartphone (Android only) and
tablet app (Android and iOS).
SUSPENSION
The 2020 R1 also receives suspension
enhancements courtesy of a new KYB front fork
with a new oil-control shim stack design and a KYB
rear shock with revised internal settings. Together,
Yamaha says the changes result in smoother
suspension damping paired with an improved
feeling of contact and grip with the street or track
surface.
The R1M variant scores Öhlins Electronic Racing
Suspension (ERS), which is a staple of the R1M’s
chassis performance, and a new NPX pressurised
front fork with a gas cylinder built into the front
fork axle bracket, along with revised rear shock
settings to complement the performance of the
front fork. With rider adjustability options through
YRC settings and Y-TRAC, Yamaha says the new
Öhlins ERS suspension package takes the R1M to
the next level.
BODYWORK
Yamaha has also redesigned the bodywork of
the 2020 R1 with the subtle new design creating
a 5.3% increase in aerodynamic efficiency while
also reducing wind noise and pressure on the
rider when in a tucked position. Improved
comfort comes from smoother side sections
where the rider’s legs contact the bike. The 2020
R1M also receives a new carbon fibre tail cowl to
accompany the existing carbon fibre passenger
seat cowl.
BRAKING
The most technologically advanced electronics
package in Yamaha’s supersport lineup
complements the evolutionary engine of the new
2020 R1M and R1. Yamaha’s proprietary six-axis
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) continues to be
the key feature of the package, and processes
real-time vehicle attitude and wheel speed data
for new Brake Control (BC) technology that
New lightweight, compact LED twin headlights
optimise illumination for both the low and high
beam, and combine with the redesigned styling
to create a new front face that Yamaha says
symbolises the next-generation of its R-series.
Pricing and availability are yet to be released by
Yamaha NZ, but we expect the base 2020 YZF-R1
to be priced in the upper $20,000-range with the
YZF-R1M to be somewhere in the mid-30s.
KIWI RIDER 15