R Future Is Here: The New R1 RACE and R1 GYTR

Yamaha took part in its first motorcycle race within weeks of the company’s inception in 1955, as the Y-A1 – Yamaha’s first ever motorcycle - took to the Mount Fuji Ascent Race, securing victory in its first attempt. Since then, racing has been deep-rooted in Yamaha’s DNA. Across the globe, Yamaha has won an abundance of races and championships, from the grass roots of club racing to the elite, premier class of Motorcycle Grand Prix. And while the taste of victory is sweet, each step Yamaha has made in the ultra-competitive racing world has influenced, inspired and filtered down to every motorcycle Yamaha has produced.

No range has benefitted more from Yamaha’s racing activities than its Supersport models. From MotoGP-inspired design to technology developed in the championship-winning Yamaha WorldSBK programme, each Supersport model is defined by Yamaha’s racing roots. None more so than the iconic R1. A game changer when first introduced in 1998, the R1 has won both races and hearts in its almost-three decades of existence. The introduction of the crossplane engine in 2009, followed by the MotoGP-derived electronics package and styling in 2015, saw the R1 offer customers a glimpse into the life of a Yamaha MotoGP rider and over the past decade, the R1’s race results speak for itself.

Since 2015, the R1 has won a Superbike World Championship, two Endurance World Championship titles, eight All Japan Road Race Championships, eight MotoAmerica titles, three British Superbike Championship crowns and two German IDM Superbike championships. And to this day, the R1 continues to fight for podiums and victories in the WorldSBK and EWC championships, as well as competing for title glory in various national series. Over the last decade, the European motorcycle market has seen significant changes as the needs of riders have evolved, and with emissions regulations becoming stricter, the Supersport category has taken a new direction.

In line with this, the R1’s future and development will be fully focussed on racing and track-use in Europe. The 2025 R1 RACE is the embodiment of this commitment. Taking a step even closer to the YZR-M1 Grand Prix machine which inspires both the R1’s aesthetics and technology, the R1 RACE features MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic winglets, upgraded suspension and an all new Brembo braking system to offer the ultimate track riding experience.

Designed to demonstrate the R1’s true racing prowess on the closed circuit, the R1 RACE is a track-only model featuring cutting-edge technology which has been developed from knowledge gained through Yamaha’s involvement in racing at the highest level. The remarkable 998cc 4-cylinder crossplane engine is a direct descendent of the YZR-M1 motor, and the R1’s sophisticated electronics package was developed working directly with Yamaha’s race teams. The new-look, MotoGP-style aerodynamic winglets maximise the effects of the R1’s anti-wheelie electronics as well as improving front-end feel and feedback when braking and cornering, offering next-level track performance without compromising the streamlined and evocative R1 design. Race derived and track ready, the R1 RACE will take your riding to the next level with race-developed Brembo brakes and fully adjustable KYB suspension.

For an even more refined, race-ready track experience, the R1 GYTR boasts the new features offered by the R1 RACE, plus a selection of race-developed Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GTYR) parts to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of racing performance. For over a decade, the GYTR accessories have been strategically developed with speed in mind by the same result-hungry engineers responsible for Yamaha’s reputation for racing success. This includes the team behind Yamaha’s championship-winning efforts in both the Superbike World Championship and EWC.