From 2025, the legendary YZF-R1 will no longer be approved for road use. The news was confirmed a few months ago by Yamaha, which has decided not to adapt its Superbike to Euro 5+ (mandatory from next year). There is no point in spending money to update the engine of a model that now sells little.
In its place, perhaps we will see a new, more road-oriented model.
The R1, however, will not be completely gone because the Iwata company has just presented the new RACE and GYTR 2025 versions. There is no shortage of updates to keep up (between the curbs) with the European fairings, even if the exit of this missile from the family of road sports bikes leaves a bitter taste in the mouth…
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Here are the carbon aerodynamic winglets that debut on my 2025
The R1 takes flight
The Race is the entry-level version dedicated to lovers of the curbs. The technical innovations are targeted and, finally, the aerodynamic appendages in MotoGP style also arrive. Made of carbon fiber, the winglets are mounted on the upper part of the fairing and are inspired by those of Fabio Quartararo’s M1. The aerodynamic load generated while riding helps to reduce the front end’s hold on the ground, therefore improving acceleration, but the rider will also benefit from greater stability when braking and cornering.
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New Italian fork and brakes
The technical basis of the R1 does not change: the Iwata supersport bike still relies on the Deltabox aluminum frame and the 200 HP regular-firing four-cylinder in-line engine (here is our test of the 2020 model year). For 2025, however, a new 43 mm upside-down KYB fork has been introduced, equipped with new hydraulic adjustments (both at low and high speeds) and a new Kashima coating to improve smoothness. As for the braking system, the Brembo Stylema radial calipers make their debut, more powerful and precise in extreme use. And speaking of new features, the technicians have also updated the seat covering, which now offers more grip to make braking and leaning easier for the rider.
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The GYTR is the best
Also available in the price list is the GYTR race-ready version, equipped with racing accessories developed by Yamaha. This setup includes the innovations introduced on the RACE, so Brembo brake fins and calipers, but here we also have Brembo Z04 brake pads, adjustable footpegs and handlebars, racing chain, Akrapovic exhaust and dedicated gear ratio. The R1 GYTR does not have an ignition key, in fact on the steering plate there is the GYTR on/off switch like on racing bikes. This special setup is sold with an R-Series Racing rear stand.
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