2025 Yamaha R1 to be launched on 30 March

• Higher-spec 2025 R1M will debut on 31 March
• Probably the last version of the legendary machine
• Already on sale in select markets like the USA

Yamaha is all set to launch the 2025 iteration of the legendary R1 on 30 March in its homeland, Japan. A day after that, the higher-spec R1M will debut and these will probably be the final iterations of this iconic sportbike.

Yamaha, just like many other manufacturers, has been finding it difficult to continue selling its inline-four offerings while complying with the ever-tightening emission norms. That’s one of the main reasons for the demise of the Yamaha R6 and its elder sibling seems to be heading down the same road. The 2025 versions of the R1 and R1M were unveiled in September last year and it has already been available in select countries, such as the USA. Japan will perhaps be the last country where the motorcycle will be launched as a road-legal offering but it might continue to be sold as a track-only motorcycle, until Yamaha brings its replacement with a different engine configuration.

The design of the R1 has significantly evolved over the years and the latest one boasts large carbon fibre winglets, as has been the norm amongst supersport offerings, developed through the learnings from MotoGP. On the hardware front, there’s an updated KYB front fork on the R1, which continues to offer adjustability. The R1M, on the other hand, continues to use higher-spec Ohlins suspension. Braking has also been improved with the employment of new Brembo Stylema callipers as well as a Brembo master cylinder.

Powering the motorcycle is the same 998cc, inline-four-cylinder engine with a cross plane crankshaft. It makes 200bhp and 113Nm, and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. To make it easier for the rider to tame this monster, there are a host of electronic aids assisted by IMU such as cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and ride modes.