- 2025 Yamaha R1 Race and GYTR unveiled
- Gets significant chassis and exterior updates
- To be globally available from next year
The Yamaha R1 is unquestionably one of the most iconic sport bikes to be sold. However earlier this year, the brand announced that the motorcycle would not be homologated for road use. So now, Yamaha has unveiled the 2025 R1 Race and R1 GYTR- suitable only for track use and available in Europe.
Since the motorcycles are aggressively race-focused, they don’t even get a proper paint job. The R1 GYTR is finished in ‘primer black’. Although the R1 still looks mighty tasteful, if you’d ask me. Adding to the flair and functionality is the large winglets that look similar to the Yamaha M1 MotoGP machine. But the main differences are on the inside.
To begin with, the new bike is fitted with a redesigned suspension setup and now sits on 43mm Kashima-coated KYB forks with individual adjusters. Then there is the new Brembo master cylinder and Brembo Stylema calipers to enhance brake feel and stopping power. To complete the package is a new grippy seat too. Both, the R1 Race and R1 GYTR are powered by the 998cc cross-plane inline-four with a generous 197bhp. The Deltabox frame and the bike’s swingarm and subframe are unchanged from the previous model.
On the electronics front, the changes are minimal. The 2025 Yamaha R1 Race and GYTR come with a chip-controlled ride-by-wire throttle but the same six-axis IMU. But if you prefer more bells and whistles, the R1 GYTR should be your choice. It comes with a lower gearing to boost acceleration, an adjustable race ECU, glass fibre race fairing and an Akrapovic Race exhaust. It even gets upgraded brakes with Z04 pads and adjustable ergonomics.
In addition, the R1 GYTR also comes with a race-style keyless On/Off switch, a racing fuel cap, sharkfin sprocket guard, steering stoppers, brake leaver guard and racing windscreen. There’s also a rear paddock stand with swingarm bobbins.
Interestingly though, the road-legal 2025 Yamaha R1 and R1M will be available in the USA but aren’t on sale in Europe. Now, whether or not Yamaha will bring the entire line-up to New Zealand and Australia is yet to be known. Although, we can expect an announcement by the end of the year or early 2025.
