Yamaha Motor has announced the 2018 models of its flagship sportsbike YZF-R1 and its track oriented version R1M. To make the new models distinguish from the older ones, the company is offering new colour schemes with the fresh models. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M will now come drenched in a new silver carbon blu paint scheme that looks more upmarket and premium. Besides the addition of new colour, the new Yamaha R1M also receives some updates to its electronics package. To start off with, the motorcycle gets new Ohlins electronic race-spec suspension system (ERS) that now gets an updated software. The ERS of the new 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M comes linked to the six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that consistently updates the response of the suspension system to the rider inputs. Yamaha has also worked on the fueling of this motorcycle. The quickshifter is now bi-directional and it can be switched off from the bike’s TFT instrumentation when there is no need.
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1M also receives a re-mapped ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the bike’s wheelie control unit comes coupled to the IMU. Talking of the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1, the bike also gets a new colour that goes by the name Race Blu. Besides, the motorcycle has been assisted with a bi-directional quickshifter just like its race-spec counterpart.
The 2018 models continue to get power from the same powertrain the runs the outgoing model. The 998cc, four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed transmission system. The fuel injected mill is good for churning out respective power and torque outputs of 197 hp and 112 Nm. The braking power to the bike is delivered with the help of twin 320mm disc brakes upfront along with a single 220mm disc at the rear. An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) comes standard.
Also Read: 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 Unveiled: India launch likely at 2018 Auto Expo
With the announcement of the 2018 models, we expect them to arrive in India in the coming weeks. There is also a healthy possibility that the company might showcase the new R1 and R1M at 2018 Auto Expo in February next year.