The next iteration of the Yamaha R1 sportbike might be unveiled before the end of the year. According to paperwork submitted to racing’s FIM regulatory body.
Although the current model of the legendary sports bike has been on the market since 2015. A major revamp of the R1’s mechanicals has been in the works for some time now with Yamaha’s range of motorcycles. It includes the recently redesigned MT-10 naked bike. MT-10 bike shares many mechanical components with the sports bike.
While this might state that Yamaha is preparing a model. The R1’s increasing age suggests that a new generation of the motorcycle is in the works.
Technical specifications
Though Yamaha’s 998cc four-cylinder engine will feature in the papers. It is unclear whether the company will be able to squeeze out more horsepower than the present 197bhp. Either they are planning to compete with motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1000RR-R.
Recent patents filed by Yamaha reveal that the company is working on a seamless gearbox inspired by its M1 MotoGP machine. If the engine specs seem similar, Yamaha may be keeping its “party trick” for the transmission rather than the engine.
While traditional manual transmission features in sports bikes. The ‘automatic’ version is more found on cruisers and touring motorbikes. Sportbikes may also enjoy a seamless transmission since it provides more stability and usability. It makes models like the R1 more versatile daily. It may be difficult to replace a bike that has won three major motorcycle racing championships. Any upcoming R1 will have to do it with considerable weight on its shoulders because of its age relative to its rivals.
Expected reveal
Alternatively, the YZF1000W denotation might reflect a racing-only version of the current generation R1 that will appear to compete in 2023, freeing up room for its successor down the road.
If a new R1 is on the way for 2023, we expect to see it introduced around October of this year. For more news and updates keep visiting BikersInsider.
