Road-Legal Yamaha R1 Leaked in New Patent

• Road-legal Yamaha R1 could return to Europe
• New leaked patent elaborates on the usage of active aero
• Likely to be officially unveiled at this year’s EICMA

Yamaha seems to be prepping to bring back the iconic R1 to Europe, where it is currently available only as a track motorcycle. The motorcycle was discontinued in the continent when the latest Euro 5+ emission norms came into effect and the bike did not comply with them.

New leaked patent images reveal how Yamaha is utilising active aero in the bodywork to not just boost performance but also meet the more stringent emission norms. To put it simply, the cooling outlets of the bike’s fairing have movable shutters integrated into them. Sensors monitor certain parameters like coolant temperature, catalyst temperature, outside air temperature, and speed and throttle position to send accumulated data to a control unit, which, in turn, governs the extent of opening of the active vents. These vents are mounted on the bodywork with the help of a simple system of stepper motors and belts for keeping the weight and costs in check.

The vents will be closed during instances when the bike is being ridden at high speeds, thereby reducing drag and allowing the bike to go fast using less power. The side fairings of the bike in the leaked patent are more enclosed to allow smoother outside airflow. The variable vents could also assist in getting the catalytic converters up to operating temperatures fast and maintaining them. Besides helping the Yamaha R1 meet the latest emission norms, this system will also allow the brand to use it in WSBK (World Superbike Championship), which allows brands to use active aero on their race bikes only if their road-legal iterations also have them integrated.

This could be an indication that we will see Yamaha unveil the new version of the road-legal R1 at this year’s EICMA show in Milan.

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