The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 features few yet notable visual and mechanical upgrades.
Visually, the Yamaha R1 looks even more menacing than ever before. The low-set LED projector headlights and sharp fairing go well with the newly added carbon fibre winglet. The design of the winglet is inspired by the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike.
Yamaha has also updated the KYB fork. The suspension offers a better feel from the front end while also adding to the stability of the motorcycle.
Another big upgrade is the brakes. Yamaha R1 owners have been complaining about brake fade under repeated hard braking. For 2025, the R1 gets new Brembo Stylema calipers and even a Brembo radial master cylinder. This should help improve the braking performance of the bike.
The YZF-R1 is powered by a 998cc, inline-four-cylinder engine with a crossplane crankshaft. It makes 200bhp and 113Nm, and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. This engine is known for its performance while the sound coming off the exhaust is incredibly involving.
Helping the rider manage all that power is a vast electronics suite. There are ride modes, cornering ABS, cornering TC and more. Settings for the same are accessed via a colour TFT display.
The Yamaha YZF-R1 is a revered superbike and was on sale in India a few years back until the emission norms were tightened. Nevertheless, Yamaha India should explore the option of selling the bike here as a track-only machine.
