The Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M continue to be powered by a liquid cooled 998cc inline-four engine with a crossplane crankshaft, producing an impressive 200hp and 113Nm.

Yamaha claims the KYB fork offers improved stability, while still retaining full adjustability for preload, high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping.

Yamaha has fitted the R1 with Brembo Stylema calipers and a Brembo master cylinder.

Both models come equipped with a suite of advanced electronics, including IMU-assisted cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and customisable ride modes.

The Yamaha R1 now features carbon fibre winglets, drawing inspiration from Yamaha's MotoGP machine, the YZR-M1.

For 2026, the bike is also available in a limited 70th Anniversary Edition livery.

1K+

2026 Yamaha YZF-R1 image gallery

The Yamaha YZF-R1 is the Japanese manufacturer's flagship litre-class superbike, built around a 998cc crossplane inline-four engine producing 200hp and 113Nm. The crossplane crankshaft equalises the inertial forces generated by a conventional inline-four, delivering a more linear torque character and the distinctive exhaust note that has become synonymous with the R1.

The 2025 update introduced carbon-fibre winglets inspired by the YZR-M1, along with Brembo Stylema front brake calipers and a Brembo master cylinder, all of which have been carried over for 2026.

The standard R1 comes equipped with a fully adjustable KYB front fork featuring independent high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustment, while the range-topping R1M upgrades to electronically controlled Öhlins NPX suspension at both ends. The electronics suite is built around a six-axis IMU and includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and multiple customisable riding modes. While the R1 is not currently sold in India, international markets also get a special 70th Anniversary Edition livery.

7 images•7 Jul 2026