Yamaha Motor Company has unveiled the 2020 model YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M at the WSBK race weekend at Laguna Seca, after summing-up the Tissot Superpole session. The 2020 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M are inspired from the Yamaha M1 ridden by Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinãles in MotoGp. The new Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M will come with significantly increased aerodynamic efficiency, better suspension, engine internals and an updated electronics package.
The new updated bike feature a new aerodynamic fairing with the accentuated ridges on the front cowling and the fairing leads integrating with the tank sides for better airflow around the bike. The YZF-R1 now has a new screen but retains the central forced air intake, and low compact LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. The new aerodynamic body improves aero efficiency by 5.3% and the bike is reported to have better ergonomic seat design to suit a wide range of riders.
On the mechanical front, the YZF-R1 gets an updated 43mm Kayaba upside-down unit on the front, a revised rear link-type monoshock and a reworked steering damper. The YZF-R1M features a top-spec Ohlins set up. The chassis is likely to be retained and the 2020 model is likely to feature the same diamond frame and an aluminium swingarm. The bike is also likely to use an aluminium fuel tank and aluminium wheels. On the YZF-R1M the wheels are likely to be Magnesium to save weight.
The electronics package on the 2020 model is likely to be heavily updated starting with a revised TFT instrument console, updated launch control, three-mode engine braking system, improved ride-by-wire throttle, new cornering ABS and the bike is likely to retain the 6-axis inertial measurement unit but may get an updated electronic control unit.
In the engine department, the majority of the equipment is likely to remain the same and the bike is expected to be powered by the same 998cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder unit currently employed on the Yamaha YZF-R1, capable of developing 200 PS of power and 112.4 Nm of torque. The new engine is likely to be updated with finger-follower rocker arms and new cam lobes for improved high RPM performance. Moreover, the engine is likely to get an updated fuel delivery system which is likely to be a new Bosch fuel injection system with a 10-hole injector for a wider spray making more efficient combustion. The engine is also likely to conform with Euro6 emission standards and the exhaust system is also likely to get four catalytic converters with titanium panels.
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M is expected to be introduced in the international market by September this year followed by its launch in India. The current Yamaha YZF-R1 for sale in India is priced at INR 20,39,233 ex-showroom, Delhi.
