VOL. 52 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 24, 2015 P47
on high rpm power, and the chassis sharpened to
give that tangible feedback on critical cornering
points of tip-in and initial acceleration track riders
and racers love. This machine weighs 15 pounds
less than before (454 for the old R1 versus 439
for this one, and the R1M weighs a touch more at
441), and the lack of girth is instantly recognizable
when you first sit on the R1. There's no longer that
chunky midsection feel and just pushing the bike
around the pits you can feel it. The seat is flatter
and the reach to the 'bars has increased 55mm
over the 2014 R1—a feature taken from the M1
MotoGP bike—aimed at giving a more comfortable
race tuck. There's also 10mm more leg room from
the seat to the 'pegs and your feet now sit 5mm
closer to the 'bars. The riding position is purpose-
ful, and makes you just want to crank that throttle
wide open.
Flicking the key, the dash lights up like the pro-
verbial Christmas tree. In here you'll find all your go-
fast bits like the 10-stage Traction Control System
(TCS), four different Power Modes (PWR), three-
"...GRADUALLY WINDING THE
ELECTRONICS BACK ALLOWS THE
YAMAHA TO BECOME MORE OF A
BIKE AND LESS OF A COMPUTER
GAME. WITH LESS ELECTRONIC
INTERVENTION, THE R1 COMES
ALIVE. LIKE A DOG ON A LONGER
LEASH, IT BECOMES LIVELIER AND
THE R1 THROWS MECHANICAL
FEEDBACK AT THE RIDER."
(Far left)
The YZF-R1M
features the
high-tech Ohlins
electronic
suspension.
(Below) Fitted
with the
lightweight R6
chassis, the
new R1 feels
as light as a
feather on the
track.
