It’s normally around every five to six years that Yamaha releases a new R series motorcycle, and bang on time Yamaha has done just that. Well, sort of. The new bike's frame and geometry remain the same as the last, which is no harm as the 2019 R1 is an incredibly focused machine, and a favorite amongst track junkies.
The new 2020 R1’s features sleeker aerodynamic bodywork, which is claimed to reduce drag by 5%, engine modifications, and a whole host of other electronic updates that I’ll list below. For now, sit back, relax and enjoy the awesome trailer.
New features at a glance
MotoGP-Derived Crossplane Crankshaft Engine
The 998cc inline-four-cylinder engine features Yamaha’s exclusive crossplane crankshaft technology derived from the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine. Updates include a new cylinder head, intake system, fuel injectors and airbox. Power remains similar to last year's R1, but this model is Euro5 compliant.
Digital Superbike Technology
For 2020, the R1 features a new cable-less ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system that transforms the rider’s inputs into motion, with a full suite of IMU-powered electronic rider aids that bring new meaning to the term ‘rider confidence.’ New electronic features provide even greater adjustability and control, too.
Upgraded Brakes and Tires
The YZF-R1 utilizes track-focused braking hardware, featuring potent 4-piston radial-mounted front calipers, stainless steel front lines, big 320mm rotors with new high-friction pads, and an all-new compact ABS unit. New Bridgestone RS11 tires ensure true racetrack-ready traction with balanced road feel and handling.
Other updates
Engine
High-Output Engine Technology
Titanium connecting rods use Yamaha’s precision fracture-split method to ensure reliability with minimal weight. Combined with titanium intake valves and forged pistons, these lightweight parts help achieve the CP4’s high redline and over-rev capability. The cylinder block is also offset from the crankshaft, reducing friction loads on the pistons and bores.
New Intake System
For 2020, a new cylinder head, intake system, fuel injectors, and airbox work together to enhance part-throttle performance. And by creating a smaller and shorter intake tract, new Bosch injectors are able to spray fuel directly against the intake valves, for improved fuel atomization.
Refined Rocker-Arm Valvetrain
Compact rocker-arm valve actuation uses optimized geometry to allow for larger valve lift than conventional cam-driven systems, while using lower cam lobes and reduced spring pressure to reduce friction losses.
Titanium Exhaust System
The R1 is equipped with a muffler and heat shields manufactured primarily from lightweight titanium. The compact midship muffler also centralizes mass low in the frame and as close to the center of the machine as possible for optimal handling.
Compact Stacked Transmission
A 6-speed transmission features close-ratio gearing to best match the high-revving engine. The transmission also "stacks" the input/output shafts to centralize mass and to keep the overall engine size shorter front-to-back, which optimizes engine placement in the frame for outstanding weight balance.
Electronics
New Ride-by-Wire Throttle System
For 2020, the R1 features a ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system built around the new Accelerator Position Sensor with Grip (APSG), which eliminates the throttle cables. As before, YCC-T precisely senses throttle input by the rider and actuates the throttle valves to actively control intake volume, allowing for cutting-edge computerized engine management—now in a lighter package.
Variable Intake System
The YZF-R1 features Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power in across the entire rpm range. By actively adjusting the length of the intact system based on engine speed, the CP4 engine is able to provide a broad spread of power across the rpm range.
MotoGP®-Level Controllability
Yamaha’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) combines a gyro sensor and G-sensor accelerometer that measures all six axes of movement in 3-D space at a rate of 125 calculations per second. This information is fed into the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to create a detailed picture of the motorcycle’s position, which then powers the R1’s rider-assisting technology package, Yamaha Ride Control (YRC).
New Engine Brake Management (EBM)
For 2020, the YZF-R1 features an all-new EBM system that allows the rider to adjust engine braking to suit personal preferences and track conditions. The EBM system offers three levels of engine brake force to allow smoother corner entry.
Power Delivery Mode (PWR)
PWR mode lets the rider adjust engine response to best match their preferences and riding conditions, adjusting throttle feel, responsiveness, and overall power. The PWR system offers four settings of progressive power delivery.
Lean Angle-Sensitive Traction Control System (TCS)
The R1’s TCS calculates the differences in front and rear wheel speeds to monitor and reduce unwanted wheel spin during hard acceleration. Unlike many simplified TC systems, the R1 also uses the IMU to calculate lean angle, then adjusts the amount of TCS intervention to best suit the rider’s demands. The TCS offers ten separate settings enabling the rider to dial in the exact level of control needed.
MotoGP-Developed Slide Control System (SCS)
Yamaha’s SCS comes directly from the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. By using the IMU to detect lateral slides under hard cornering acceleration, the ECU intervenes to regulate power delivery and seamlessly control the motorcycle’s cornering attitude. The SCS features four settings to suit rider preferences and track conditions.
Lift Control System (LIF)
The Lift Control System utilizes the IMU to detect when the motorcycle’s nose pitches upwards higher or faster than desired, then progressively regulates engine power to maintain chassis attitude with minimal loss of forward drive. LIF offers five settings of adjustment for fine tuning
Launch Control System (LCS)
Built to deliver an optimum racetrack start every time, the R1’s LCS limits maximum engine rpm and throttle plate opening with input from the TCS and LIF systems to maximize acceleration from a standing start. The LCS offers three setting levels to adjust engine control and output.
Up and Down Quick Shift System (QSS)
The QSS uses a sensor on the shift linkage to modulate power during shifting, allowing for split-second clutchless shifts up and down through the gearbox. Full-throttle upshifts maximize forward drive under power, while the ECU precisely matches engine speed while downshifting for nearly instantaneous gear changes with minimal chassis disruption. The QSS can be adjusted between three settings with independent downshift function control.
