While the global markets are flooded with European superbikes such as the Ducati Panigale V4, BMW S 1000 RR, and the Aprilia RSV4, Japanese motorcycles seem to be losing popularity. However, one motorcycle will always remain a favourite — the Yamaha YZF-R1. When Yamaha announced that it would pull the plug on the R1, there was a sense of emptiness, and now, with the launch of the 2025 R1 – the last edition – the emptiness is beginning to feel real.
2025 Yamaha R1, R1M launched
Yamaha launched the 2025 R1 in Japan and is based on the facelift that was unveiled last year. The motorcycle featured small updates to its design and hardware to squeeze that extra bit of performance before a final goodbye. The motorcycle gets a revised front section with MotoGP-inspired winglets.
Hardware changes include fully adjustable KYB suspension at the front and rear, along with Brembo Stylema monobloc brake callipers for better stopping power. The seat material has also seen an update for better rider comfort. The more performance-focused R1M sees no major updates apart from the addition of carbon fibre winglets.
The engine also remains the same — a 998cc, liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine that makes 200bhp and 113Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox and there is a six-axis IMU to take care of the electronics and safety. They also get a TFT instrument console.
Yamaha YZF-R1 — The final goodbye
While stricter emission norms have played a significant role in killing the R1, the company will sell them for a while as track-only motorcycles, similar to the R6, which is still a popular motorcycle today. Yamaha is testing a V4 engine on its MotoGP motorcycle, and hopefully, we see a road-going version soon, probably called the YZF-V1, perhaps? While this is only hope, all we can do now is look at the R1 walk away into the sunset, with a legacy a few can only dream of.
