The R1’s twin-spar deltabox frame and swingarm, made up of die-cast and pressed sheets of aluminium has the balance and dimensions similar to the factory M1. It’s now stronger and weaker in all the right areas, like more flex in steering head area for better front end feel and more rigidity in swingarm pivot for control. The engine is mounted 9° steeper and 8.2mm further forward than before, putting more weight on the front end. Weight distribution is now 52.4%, 47.6% front to rear. The riding position is more compact (bars are 10mm closer to rider, the seat 7.6mm further forward and pegs 10mm forward).
The wheelbase is down 5mm to 1415mm.Īn R6-type magnesium subframe, shorter titanium end cans and a shorter, lower fuel tank improve mass-centralisation. The 43mm upside down forks now have independent damping, compression in left, rebound in right leg.įootrests are now two-way adjustable, 155mm up and 3mm back.
Yamaha says this improves the damping response. As the forks are connected by the yokes and wheel spindle it’s all one unit, so is still balanced out properly. The steering damper is now speed sensitive, controlled electronically The rear shock has a new bottom link set-up and a new hydraulic preload adjuster.