2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M

2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M

There is nothing "production" about this superbike.

• Engine

The 998cc inline 4-cylinder, crossplane crankshaft engine features titanium fracture-split connecting rods, which are an industry first for a production motorcycle. The titanium alloy used to manufacture the connecting rods is around 60% lighter than steel, and this reduction in weight gives the R1M engine a responsive and potent character at high rpm. This stunning engine delivers extremely high horsepower and a strong pulse of linear torque.

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.

Advanced rocker-arm valve actuation uses the arm’s lever ratio to allow for larger valve lift while using lower cam lobes and reduced spring pressure, further boosting power.

• Electronics

Yamaha’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) uses six axes of measurement: a gyro sensor that measures pitch, roll, and yaw, and an accelerometer that measures acceleration in the fore-aft, up-down, and right-left directions… all at a rate of 125 calculations per second. The IMU communicates with the ECU, which activates the technologies in Yamaha Ride Control (YRC): Power Mode, Traction Control System, Slide Control System, Launch Control System and an updated Lift Control System and new Quick Shift System with rev-matching. All these systems are adjustable and can be saved within four presets in the YRC system.

Another feature exclusive to the R1M that takes electronic control to the next level is Yamaha’s unique Communication Control Unit. The onboard system is comprised of the CCU and a GPS antenna. Running data can be recorded via a data logger, with course mapping and automatic lap timing managed by GPS. This data can then be wirelessly downloaded to the Android® or Apple® iOS® app where it can be analyzed, and setting changes can be made to later be uploaded to the R1M. This Yamaha exclusive Y-TRAC system gives a connection to the machine that has never been seen outside of the factory race pits, further blurring that line between production superbike and MotoGP® bike.

Power Delivery Mode (PWR), similar to the earlier “D-Mode” system, lets the rider choose from four settings of throttle-valve response to best match their preferences and riding conditions, adjusting both engine response and overall power.

• Chassis/Suspension

The R1M features highly advanced Öhlins® Electronic Racing Suspension. The Suspension Control Unit receives data from the IMU such as vehicle speed, lean angle, acceleration and brake pressure, then rapidly adjusts the front and rear damping in real time for optimum suspension performance. The system comes with several new modes for 2018: automatic T-1 and T-2 (Track) modes now feature adjustment settings that focus on specific areas, such as braking, cornering and acceleration, for streamlined tuning. R-1 (Road) simplifies these settings for street-focused riding, and three manual modes remain for conventional suspension tuning with fixed damping.