Yamaha rides in the new YZF-R1 for Rs 20.73 lakh

Yamaha India has been quick to bring the 2018 YZF-R1 to the country after the bike was first showcased at this year’s Tokyo/EICMA. The new R1 goes on sale for a price of Rs 20.73 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and will take the fight to the other litre-class superbikes such as the Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 and Honda CBR 1000 R.

Visually there are hardly any changes on the R1’s styling apart from the two new colour schemes – Yamaha Blue and Tech Black. The radically changed design on the 2017 R1 still looks fresh for the segment with the thin and sleek LED DRLs give it an aggressive look. Other design details such as the air scoops in the seat cowl give it a more race-oriented look.

It is powered by the same 998cc 4-valve inline four-cylinder engine that pumps out 197bhp of power without making use of the ram air pressurisation. The unique quality of the motor is Yamaha’s usage of a cross-plane crank-shaft that gives an uneven firing sequence. This results in a linear torque delivery throughout the rev range.

The most significant updates on the 2018 bike are the quickshifter and the addition of wheelie control in the electronics package. Firstly, the bi-directional quickshifter allows for quickly moving through the gears at full throttle. Even while shifting down the ‘box, the ECU matched the engine speed to keep the rider in control of the bike with minimal disruptions. The Lift Control System is a welcome addition to the safety net as the 6-axis IMU will calibrate the adequate power delivered to the rear wheel to stop the front end to point towards the sky.

“The new YZF-R1 model will strengthen Yamaha in its superbike segment in Indian market. It inherits its technology from Yamaha’s racing machine YZR-M1. This model also highlights Yamaha’s improved aerodynamics which posts it closer to the MotoGP attributes, and which is a rare potential available in today’s market,” said Roy Kurian, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd.

The 2018 YZF-R1 is dearer than all its Japanese rivals. The Honda CBR1000RR is priced at Rs 16.79 lakh, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at Rs 18.8 lakh and the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 at Rs 18 lakh. It is even dearer than the BMW S1000RR which is priced at Rs 18.9 lakh in India.