Track-Only Yamaha R1 Race and R1 GYTR Announced

With the sad withdrawal of the Yamaha R1 from the UK and European markets earlier this year, the Iwata brand has confirmed its updates to the two track-only versions of the machine for 2025.

For the 2025 racing and trackday season a duo of R1s will be available to customers, The R1 Race and R1 GYTR. Both bikes offer riders and racers a higher spec and more focused version of Yamaha’s legendary sports bike.

2025 Yamaha R1 Race features

The R1 Race is the base model in the new range. The R1 Race is said to be inspired by Yamaha’s M1 MotoGP race bike. The MotoGP aesthetics are highlighted by the aerodynamic winglets mounted on either side of the new bike’s fairing. The devices are claimed to increase downforce at the front end, improving the front-end feeling and helping to limit unwanted wheelies on the track. The press information from Yamaha doesn’t disclose just how much downforce the wings will produce at speed, though.

The next item of change on the R1 Race comes in the form of a higher-spec front fork, with KYB supplying a new 43mm system for the bike which is fully adjustable and utilises individual adjusters for the rebound and compression damping.

Continuing the theme of upgrades at the front of the bike, the braking system of the R1 Race is also upgraded, with Brembo supplying top-spec Stylema calipers and mating them to a radially-mounted master cylinder.

On the electronics front, the R1 Race is still smothered in goodies, including traction control (TCS), slide control (SCS), brake control (BC), lift control (LIF), launch control (LCS) and a three-mode engine brake management (EBM). On top of this, the R1 RACE also features Yamaha’s quickshift system (QSS) and power selection modes (PWR).

Technical Specs: R1 RACE

• New MotoGP-inspired downforce winglets
• New generation KYB front forks
• New Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers
• New grippy seat cover
• Fully track-focused, all road components removed
• 998cc 200PS crossplane 4-cylinder engine with linear torque
• Sophisticated electronics package
• 6-axis IMU with Gyro/G sensors for 3D motion data
• Banking sensitive Traction Control (TCS) and Slide Control (SCS)
• Power Delivery Modes (PWR)
• Front Lift Control (LIF) and Launch Control (LCS)
• Quick Shift System (QSS)
• Engine Brake Management (EBM) and Brake Control (BC)
• Short wheelbase aluminium Deltabox frame
• Upward truss type aluminium swingarm/magnesium rear frame
• Magnesium rear wheels and 17 litre aluminium fuel tank
• 4.2 inch TFT instrument panel with Track Mode

2025 Yamaha R1 GYTR features

Building on the elements mentioned above, the R1 GYTR is said to “leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of racing performance”. It features all the upgrades to the R1 Race, along with a host of “race-developed” Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GTYR) parts. Each GYTR model is also built in one of Yamaha’s specialist GYTR PRO Shops, and is homologated to meet the FIM Superstock 1000 regulations right out of the crate.

Above the spec of the R1 Race, the new GYTR features a higher level of adjustability in the bike’s ECU, and rider ergonomics, thanks to fully adjustable rearsets and handlebars. The same winglets are integrated into a carbon-reinforced front fairing which is matched to a new seat unit which is said to enhance the rider’s ability to move around on the bike.

The front brake system uses the same Stylema calipers, although on the GYTR model they are fitted with Z04 racing pads and finished with sportier GYTR brake lines. Beneath the fairing of the new bike hides a race-spec wiring loom, and the exterior of the bike is crowned by an Akrapovic silencer.

Technical Specs: R1 GYTR

• New black glass fibre race cowl with MotoGP-inspired winglets & sticker kit
• New generation KYB front forks
• New Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers
• New GYTR race rear set
• New GYTR R1 handlebar set
• GYTR Racing ECU (SST spec)
• GYTR Racing Wire Harness
• Akrapovic Race muffler with mid-damper system (<100 dB)
• GYTR AIS plug set
• 15/42T 520 sprockets and 520 racing chain
• GYTR ABS emulator
• GYTR ON/OFF switch
• GYTR brake line set
• GYTR racing fuel cap
• GYTR engine cover set
• GYTR sharkfin rear sprocket guard
• GYTR brake lever guard
• Stand hook set and rear racing stand
• GYTR steering stoppers
• GYTR racing screen
• Brembo Z04 racing brake pads

Both the R1 Race and R1 GYTR will be on the Yamaha stand at Motorcycle Live 2024 which opens on 16th November. The R1 Race will be available from Yamaha dealers in November, while the R1 GYTR will be ready to order from Yamaha GYTR Pro Shops at the same time. Pricing is TBC.

More information can be found on the official website.