We are getting a ‘new’ 2025 Yamaha R1 and RM! Considering the recent pullback of the R1 in some markets, this should indeed be seen as a good thing, right? After all, the trajectory for the Yamaha R1 was heading towards cancellation. But is this a stay of execution or a Godsend? Well, I have some good news and some bad news for you.
THE GOOD NEWS
Let’s start with the good news. We have an updated 2025 Yamaha R1! That’s it. That’s the good news. This means there has been a stay of execution on the R1. Kudos to Yamaha for prolonging the life of the R1.
This update indicates that Yamaha is still serious about offering a road-going R1 (at least for some non-Euro 5+ markets). By extension, this also means they’re still serious about continuing their Superbike racing programs.
The 2025 Yamaha R1 could be a stop-gap to keep the existing platform relevant for a few more years, buying time for the development of an entirely new platform.
Hirotoshi Noguchi, the Product Design Division General Manager at Yamaha Motor Corporation, recently confirmed that Yamaha is hard at work on the next-generation YZF-R1. He highlighted the importance of supersport models like the R1, which have cultural importance, over and above any potential profits. Supersports are aspirational beacons and embody a brand’s passion and technology.
Consider also that Yamaha is introducing an entirely new Supersport in the form of the 2025 Yamaha R9. This further strengthens Yamaha’s claim to being committed to supersport motorcycles.
Putting the above puzzle pieces together gives us hope that the R1 will continue well into the future. But that is for the future. In the now, we have an updated 2025 Yamaha R1 to be thankful for. While this is a good thing, sadly, there is some bad news to go with all of the optimism.
SO WHAT ‘S CHANGED?
Before discussing the bad news, let’s review the changes for 2025. There are now four variants of the R1, depending on which market you are in. The range consists of the base R1, R1M, R1 Race and R1 GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing). The R1 and R1M will only be available in non-Euro 5+ markets (such as the USA and Australia), while the Euro 5+ markets will only receive the R1 Race and R1 GYTR.
The general changes for 2025 are listed below. We’ll explore each one in a little more detail.
- Aerodynamic carbon fibre winglets
- Brembo braking package (not R1M)
- Updated front fork
- New seat material
AERODYNAMIC WINGLETS
The 2025 Yamaha R1 receives aerodynamic winglets for the first time. Yamaha claims they create additional downforce to enhance chassis stability and added front-end feel when braking and cornering. No claims are made as to how much actual downforce they generate.
Interestingly, every variant receives carbon winglets, including the base model. This seems odd as the R1M has traditionally exclusively received the carbon treatment. I would have expected plastic wings on the base model to keep costs down (more on cost later).
I think the wings look really cool. Made of gloss carbon fibre, their shape looks complex and yet elegant at the same time. Smooth curves move in multiple planes like a curling beach wave moving along the break. It looks like a lot of effort has been put into the design inside a wind tunnel. They make the Ducati Pangale V4 wings look simple by comparison.
Yamaha claims the wings are inspired by MotoGP, and I agree with this claim. Their shape is very reminiscent of the 2023 Yamaha M1 racer. They look very similar to the wings used by Quatararo and Morbidelli last year.
The only negative, from a visual perspective, is how they are attached to the fairing. Since they’re not integrated into the faring, Yamaha looks to have riveted them in place. The rivets seem to be covered with dull plastic buttons, which contrasts poorly with the glossy carbon.
There must have only been sufficient funds to add wings to the current fairing panels since the rest of the fairing remains identical to the previous model. The wings are not, therefore, part of a fully integrated aerodynamic package, being that they are stuck on the existing fairings. This, of course, leaves room for a generational update in the next R1.
BREMBO BRAKING PACKAGE
Yamaha has finally upgraded the R1’s front braking system, which has remained unchanged since 2015. The R1 is now equipped with Brembo Stylema monobloc front calipers and a Brembo radial master cylinder.
The R1 has been much maligned for its lack of braking feel over the years. Hopefully, this new setup will go a long way in addressing this issue.
Curiously, the R1M does not receive this upgrade but continues with the previous Advics calipers and Nissin master cylinder. As the flagship variant, you would have expected the R1M to receive the Brembo treatment.
I would say this is because the base model is the variant most commonly used to convert road bikes to race bikes. The R1M seems more popular with YouTube influencers and less likely to see the race track, so Yamaha probably couldn’t justify adding extra cost to the already pricey R1M.
UPDATED FRONT FORKS
A redesigned 43mm KYB front fork with 120mm of travel is fitted to the R1 (not the R1M, as the Ohlins suspension is carried over). The new forks feature full adjustability, including preload, high and low-speed compression and rebound.
The fork bottoms look much more substantial and match the silver of the calipers. It certainly looks like a beefy setup, and the bold KYB stickers on the fork tubes proudly display the fork brand.
PARK YOUR BUTT ON THIS
This brings us to the biggest change of all—the new seat cover. Yes, Yamaha claims the new seat material balances both grip and ease of movement. It has magical powers to make the seat both less slippery and grippier at the same time. Magic stuff.
MORE OF THE SAME – EXCEPT THE PRICE
Every other aspect of the R1 and R1M is unchanged from the previous version. Unfortunately, as is the trend with each new model year, prices have changed. For the worse.
The 2025 Yamaha R1 retails for $32,999 (ride away in Australia) compared to $29,899 for the 2024 version. That’s an increase of $3,100 or 10%. The R1M receives a smaller price hike, now costing $41,499 (ride away in Australia), a rise of 5.5% over the old price of $39,349.
In the USA, the MSRP is $18,999 for the R1 (+5.5%) and $27,699 for the R1M (+2.5%).
R1 RACE AND R1 GYTR
For those markets that miss out on the new R1, they will have to make do with the R1 Race and R1 GYTR. Both are dedicated track models that cannot be road registered.
The R1 Race is essentially a standard R1 stripped of the necessities for road registration, such as mirrors, lights, indicators, and a number plate holder, and dressed in a matte black fairing.
The R1 GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) is fitted with upgrades from the GYTR performance upgrade catalogue. The R1 GYTR does away with all road items and replaces them with higher specification items like a full Akrapovic exhaust, unique tuning, and electronics. The size of your wallet is the limiting factor with GYTR. You could order your R1 to be close to full Superbike racing specifications, provided you can pay for it.
WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE?
Now for the bad news. We have an updated 2025 Yamaha R1 based on the 2024 Yamaha R1. That’s it. That’s the bad news.
The 2025 Yamaha R1 can be considered a minor update at best, merely a placeholder until an actual generation change arrives. So, if you were hoping for something more, you’d be disappointed.
For those who love the R1 as it is, these minor refinements might satisfy. But is it enough to entice someone to trade in their old R1 or switch from another brand? That remains to be seen.
Don’t forget that many markets have lost the base R1 and R1M entirely. That’s at least 300 million Europeans that can no longer buy a road-going R1.
SILVER LINING
Let’s rejoice that Yamaha has allocated time and effort to upgrade the R1. While it may not be a complete overhaul à la 2025 Ducati Panigale V4, it’s a long overdue update nonetheless. All that remains is to test that new seat material. I reckon that will make all the difference.
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