2018 Yamaha YZF-R1

Welcome to the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 review and specification page. The YZF-R1 was the 8th best selling super sports motorcycle in 2018, selling 151 units. Initially released in 2015 it is still one of the best specified and performing Super Sports motorcycle and definitely a worthy purchase.

In terms of looks the Yamaha R1 looks better in real life than in pictures. It may be a light weight but the build quality is high end and feels tight and light at the same time. It may look a little different by the spaced out front headlights but that is the key feature that sets it apart from the other bikes in the super sports class. The looks grows on you and must be viewed in real life before deciding.

In terms of engine and technology the YZF-R1 is still state of the art despite being on sale for 4 years which is an eternity in traditional sports motorcycles terms. There are still 2 versions available the regular R1 and the R1M the M being the track version. The R1M’s significant price difference which is compensated by more exotic, lighter parts and more power. The GPS feature is also unique in the class I think… I could list all the Yamaha Technology acronyms but that would be pointless in this type of post, besides I went into more detail in my last article on the R1 back in 2015!

All the tech features in modern super sports motorcycles like the R1 are great selling points and clearly aid the rider go faster and in relative more safety hence not just PR smoke and mirrors. This is street cred for all motorcyclists but I wonder whether the basic motorcycle still has greater cred. For example, do ride a 10 year on Yamaha R1 without ABS and on the road – that’s madness!

In conclusion the latest Yamaha YZF-R1 is still the state of the art motorcycle with tons of power and traction systems and settings to go faster!