In recent years, the Japanese superbike supremacy has somewhat dissolved into thin air. A lot of the credit goes to a lack of regular and notable updates–a trend still continuing at full throttle. The latest example of the same is the 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1. Several patents hinted at a big, much-needed overhaul of the iconic sports bike, yet Team Blue has done little of that sort. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s New On The 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1
The new bit on the updated YZF-R1 is a set of liveries, namely Icon Blue and Midnight Black. The former comprises a double-tone deep blue finish on the bodywork, accentuated by Cyan Blue graphics on the fairings. Blue 10-spoke alloys are standard too. As for the latter, it drapes the motorcycle in all-black from head to toe, with the only contrast being the white strip on the fairings. You should also know these two options are standard on Yamaha’s entire YZF range–YZF-R7, YZF-R3, YZF-R125–for MY24.
The top-of-the-line YZF-R1M remains an exception. It carries forward the raw carbon bodywork, albeit with a few nips and tucks. For instance, the fairing graphics have changed, and the air box cover is now all-black. You also get blacked-out wheels in place of the blue ones on last year’s model.
What’s Unchanged On The 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha patent filings previously suggested a MotoGP-derived seamless transmission could make a debut on the YZF-R1. But that’s not the case, as Team Blue has left the mechanicals untouched for 2024. So the R1 continues to employ a 998cc, inline-four engine with a crossplane crankshaft, good for 197 horsepower and 83.3 pound-feet. A six-speed transmission helps put the power to the wheel, and the output is the same on the M.
At this figure, the R1 is nowhere near as fruity as its European counterparts. The Ducati Panigale V4 has 215 horsepower, while the BMW S 1000 RR promises 210. Then, there’s the Aprilia RSV4 1100 with a cracking 217-HP number. So we’re slightly disappointed by the lack of an engine update on the YZF.
Anyway, the underpinnings remain as is too. An aluminum deltabox chassis is present, which suspends on fully adjustable 43 mm KYB USD forks and a monoshock. Topping these are 17-inch hoops, wrapped in Bridgestone RS11 tires. In the meantime, the M differs from the base model via its Ohlins USD forks and monoshock–both electronically adjustable.
| Specification | 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 |
| Engine | 998cc, inline-four |
| Power | 197 horsepower at 13,500 RPM |
| Torque | 83.3 pound-feet at 11,500 RPM |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Curb weight | 443 pounds (445 for R1M) |
2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 – U.S. Launch And MSRP
Yamaha hasn’t announced the updated R1 in America as of now. The 2023 version currently sells for $17,999 MSRP, while the YZF-R1M comes in at $26,999. How much do you think the new liveries should be worth? $200, $400, $600? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Source – Yamaha