Yamaha announce details of the tricked up and race ready 2025 track-only R1 superbike

Yamaha have pulled the covers off their track-only 2025 R1 superbike, highlighting a host of technical changes to make the four-cylinder machine even racier than ever. 

The reveal follows the Japanese marque’s earlier announcement that the R1 would no longer be homologated for road use in Europe – with stringent Euro 5+ emissions regulations and shifting market preferences cited as the reason for their decision.  

Instead, R1 fans were thrown a lifeline with the news that the big-bore racer would remain on sale in a track-only guise – a route the supersport R6 has also gone down, becoming the R6 Race. 

Available from April 2025 onwards for UK customers, this new machine comes in two flavours – those being the base model R1 Race and an über-trick R1 GYTR model. Prices are yet to announced for either.

Both bikes are unashamedly race orientated, with Yamaha even forgoing a proper paintjob on the GYTR version, instead opting to finish the superbike in ‘primer black’. 

The big technical changes come in three areas. Those being suspension, braking and aerodynamics – although there is also an extra grippy new seat rounding out the changes too. 

Premium bounce 

Perhaps the most significant update the new bike receives is a heavily redesigned fork set-up. Upfront now sits 43mm Kashima coated (on the upper legs only – not on the stanchions) KYB units which feature individual adjusters for rebound and compression damping on the left and right fork tubes.  

Each can be adjusted independently and pride separate functions. The right fork takes care of high and low-speed rebound control and the left look after high and low-speed compression damping. There would be little point installing an electronically adjusted system, as this would be removed straight away by race teams.

Each fork leg now features a base valve, designed to optimise pressure in the cylinder by limiting or entirely preventing oil from flowing into the bottom of the fork. Yamaha say this new layout results in an improved damping response, enhanced contact feeling and better all-round stability.

Superior stoppers 

Base model R1s have previously been criticised for having ‘wooden’ brakes. The new R1 steps the game a notch however, deploying an entirely new set of front anchors aimed at improving front-end feel and enhancing track performance.  

This new configuration consists of a radial Brembo master cylinder and Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, which Yamaha claim “take the R1’s stopping power to the next level.” 

Flight ready 

Following the current superbike trend, the R1 Race (and GYTR) will sport a pair of MotoGP-inspired carbon fibre winglets, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the firm’s YZR-M1 MotoGP bike.

These have reportedly been designed and developed using technical feedback taken from the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team, and are aimed at providing maximum stability, reducing unwanted wheelies, and boosting front-end feel, grip and feedback when braking and cornering.

Familiar feeling 

Both bikes retain the same well-proven 998cc cross-plane crank inline-four as previously, and power remains the same at 197bhp. Likewise, the aluminium Deltabox frame, aluminium upward truss swingarm and magnesium subframe are not set to receive any updates from the outgoing R1M for this track-based transition – although chassis quality has always been a high point with the R1 and R1M. 

Electronic changes are also minimal. As before, the R1 Race and GYTR make use of Yamaha’s chip-controlled ride-by-wire throttle and retains the same six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and rider aids fitted to its road going predecessor. 

The R1 Race then, is ultimately more an evolution, rather than revolution of a machine which saw its last major update in 2015. 

That’s not to say it won’t be a highly competitive competition base, or great trackday tool straight out the box – with almost three decades of subtle but significant improvements called upon to make it what it is today. 

Extra exclusivity

Customers seeking an even more refined racing or trackday package can opt for the ‘dripping in bling’ spec Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) model R1. 

Power and chassis remain the same as the standard model, but alongside the new features bestowed upon the R1 Race, the R1 GYTR is festooned with race-developed goodies, all of which make the bike more adjustable, lighter and faster. 

About the R1 GYTR, Yamaha say: “Offering optimised and balanced performance, each R1 GYTR is built and delivered by one of Yamaha’s specialist GYTR PRO Shops to meet FIM Superstock 1000 regulations.  

“Designed to offer the essential base for racing, the R1 GYTR can be further customised to meet each individual rider’s needs as they strive for the next level of superbike performance.” 

Gearing is lower with a 15/42 tooth sprocket combination to aid acceleration and thanks to an adjustable racing ECU, the GYTR is said to have ‘improved power’ throughout the rev range – although peak poke is not quoted as any greater than the base model. 

A glass fibre race cowl should be both lighter and stronger than the standard unit, and further in the interest of adding lightness, GYTR bikes receive an Akrapovič Race muffler with mid-damper system. 

There’s also a set of upgraded brake lines which , alongside Z04 racing pads, should enhance bite and feel. Ergonomics can also be dialled in to your liking thanks to adjustable rear-sets and clip-ons. 

In addition to all of the above, the GYTR package comes with oodles more kit to make it race ready, including: a race style keyless On/Off switch, a racing fuel cap, sharkfin sprocket guard, brake leaver guard, steering stoppers and racing windscreen. There’s also a rear paddock stand, and swingarm bobbins thrown in too.