2015 Yamaha R1 spied on test; 230bhp race-spec version rumoured

Yamaha, as we know, is testing the all-new 2015 R1 for quite some time now. Reports on the initial prototype models first surfaced earlier during the year. The litre-class model has been caught testing this time at the Eastern Creek International Speedway in Sydney, Australia.

Along with the pictures, the biggest news surrounding the new R1 is that of the rumoured race-spec version which will be sold alongside the standard road-legal model. The former, to be used solely for race homologation, is said to produce close to 230bhp from its in-line four cylinder cross-plane engine. 

The report states that the standard model will be available with a dual-clutch transmission and a revised traction control package. As seen in motorcycles from rival brands, the new R1 will also feature electronic suspension and a few other advanced rider aids.

The 2015 R1 will go up against the current crop of Japanese and European litre-class models like the Kawasaki ZX-10R, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, BMW S1000RR and the Aprilia RSV4. Yamaha might showcase the new R1 at this year’s EICMA in Milan later this year.

Source: asphaltandrubber