Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M silently launched in India

Yamaha seems to have silently launched the 2015 YZF-R1 and the YZF-R1M in the Indian market. The Japanese manufacturer’s official website now lists the two litre-class superbikes along with their prices. According to the website, the YZF-R1 has been priced at Rs 22.34 lakh while the track-only counterpart – the YZF-R1M, retails at Rs 29.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new R1 is built around a new aluminium-magnesium Deltabox frame, though the overall chassis design is similar to the previous generation R1. The chassis implements extensive weight-saving measures, which means that the new R1 is five kilograms lighter than its predecessor. Unlike what rumours had predicted, Yamaha has stuck to the crossplane crank architecture for the new R1’s engine. This engine now churns out 200hp and 112.8Nm of torque, without the optional Ram air induction.

The R1M shares most of the technical specifications with the standard R1, though it has been adorned with carbon fibre bodywork, to further reduce its weight. Besides the carbon fibre bodywork, the R1M also gets electronic racing suspension from Öhlins, a communication control unit and stickier Bridgestone tyres. It also gets new cast magnesium wheels, LED lights and a titanium 4 into 2 into 1 exhaust system.

All the technological advancements mean that the new R1 is significantly more expensive than its predecessor. At this price point, the Aprilia RSV4 R is the only rival for the Yamaha R1. And though the new R1 and the Ninja H2 are evenly matched in terms of performance, the lower price and ‘conservative’ styling means that the R1 seems pretty domestic when compared to the Ninja H2. The R1M on the other, being a track-only motorcycle, is a niche vehicle without any competition in the Indian market.