Please THUMBS UP and FOLLOW my channel if you've not already - Thanks for your support! :) <br />➽ FOLLOW our Channel! (It's FREE) <br />➽ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Auto-Moto-TV-1698239130390612 <br /> <br />▼▼▼ see more info / full description below ▼▼▼ <br />We attended the South African launch of the 2015 Yamaha R1. Watch as journalist Wilhelm Lutjeharms explains the highlights of the new bike, and takes it around Killarney Raceway. <br /> <br />Full riding impression and all the specifications of the R1 and R1M: <br /> <br />KILLARNEY RACEWAY, Cape Town – Any superbike launch day corresponds with a high level of anticipation and the recent R1 launch was no different. Although Yamaha has a comprehensive range of products on offer it’s the top-of-the range superbike that represents the pinnacle of the company’s current level of technology and engineering prowess. <br /> <br />In the company of segment rivals like the new BMW S 1000 RR, Yamaha would have been under pressure to release something special, and it did. <br /> <br />Highlights <br />The 998 cc engine features titanium fracture-split connecting rods together with the signature Yamaha cross-plane crankshaft setup. <br />To lower overall weight magnesium has been adopted for both the wheels and subframe. There is also an aluminium fuel tank, a rarity on motorcycles. The result of these lightweight measures is a 6,8 kg reduction in overall mass. <br /> <br />The previous generation R1 will always be remembered for how wide it was. This has been addressed with the new model. Looking at the bike head on you instantly note a narrower design, made possible by the slimmer engine block. <br /> <br />The aerodynamic setup of the bike has also been improved by 8% compared to the old bike. This is visible everywhere. From the smooth (race-bike inspired) nose, to the hollow tail piece featuring small fins. <br /> <br />The electronic package is another significant highlight. The ABS braking system features a unified setup activating both the front and rear brake simultaneously. And no, it cannot be deactivated. Yamaha’s six-axis inertial measurement unit is connected to both gyro- and g-sensors to measure pitch, roll, yaw and acceleration in fore, aft, up and down, and left and right positions. <br /> <br />On-board a clear and colourful screen gives the rider access to Yamaha’s ride control system. Here settings for the traction-, slide-, lift- and launch control systems can be selected. There are also four different throttle mappings to choose from. <br /> <br />The R1M <br />The R1M is step up from the Yamaha R1. Your additional R100 000 (over the R1’s R230 000 price tag) gains you several carbon-fibre parts, an Öhlins electronic racing suspension and a communication control unit (a data logging system that enables the rider to capture ride data and then download it via WiFi). <br /> <br />Visually, the R1M also has a clear-coated brushed aluminium fuel tank and a brushed aluminium swing arm. <br /> <br />Specifications* <br />Model: YZF R1 <br />Engine type: 998 cm3, liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valves <br />Bore x stroke: 79,0 x 50,9 mm <br />Compression ratio: 13.0:1 <br />Power: 147 kW <br />Fuel delivery: Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I <br />Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition <br />Transmission: 6-speed multi-plate slipper clutch <br />Final drive: Chain <br />Suspension (f): 43 mm KYB® inverted fork; fully adjustable; <br />11,9 cm travel <br />Suspension (r): KYB® Single shock w/piggyback reservoir, <br />4-way adjustable; 11,9 cm travel <br />Brakes (f): Dual 320 mm hydraulic disc; 4-piston caliper, UBS ABS <br />Brakes (r): 220 mm disc; UBS ABS <br />Tyres (f): 120/70ZR17M/C <br />Tyres (r): 190/55ZR17M/C <br />L x W x H: 205,5 x 69 x 115 cm <br />Seat height: 85,6 cm <br />Ground clearance: 12,96 cm <br />Wheelbase: 140,46 cm <br />Rake (Caster Angle): 24° <br />Trail: 10,16 cm <br />Fuel capacity: 17 litres <br />Wet weight: 200 kg <br /> <br />Model: YZF R1M <br />Engine type: 998 cm3, liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder DOHC 16 valves <br />Bore x stroke: 79,0 x 50,9 mm <br />Compression ratio: 13.0:1 <br />Power: 147 kW <br />Fuel delivery: Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I <br />Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition <br />Transmission: 6-speed w/multi-plate slipper clutch <br />Final drive: Chain <br />Suspension (f): 43 mm Öhlins electronic suspension w/ inverted fork; fully adjustable; 11,9 cm travel <br />Suspension (r): Öhlins electronic suspension w/ single shock w/ piggyback reservoir, 4-way adjustable; 11,9 cm travel <br />Brakes (f): Dual 320 mm hydraulic disc; 4-piston caliper, UBS ABS <br />Brakes (r): 220 mm disc; UBS ABS <br />Tyres (f) 120/70ZR17M/C <br />Tyres (r): 200/55ZR17M/C <br />L x W x H: 205,5 x 69,0 x 115 cm <br />Seat height: 86 cm <br />Ground clearance: 12,96 cm <br />Wheelbase: 140,46 cm <br />Rake (Caster Angle): 24° <br />Trail: 10,16 cm <br />Fuel capacity: 17 litres <br />Wet weight: 201 kg