2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 launched in India: Here’s what is new in this 200 hp, Rs 20 lakh plus superbike I 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike launched in India I Yamaha unveils updated YZF-R1 at ₹20.7 lakh

The new 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 further cements its position in the liter-class superbike territory with its latest update.

Yamaha Motor India has just launched the 2018 edition of its famed liter-class sportsbike YZF-R1. The motorcycle has been launched in two colour options that go by the name Yamaha Blue and Tech Black. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 can be yours in India at a price of Rs 20.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The motorcycle makes its way to the country via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route that somewhat justifies its price tag. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 gets its power from a 998cc, inline four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The fuel injected mill churns out a maximum power output of 197 hp along with a peak torque of 112 Nm. The gearbox further comes assisted to the company's Quick Shift System (QSS) that ensures lesser efforts when it comes to gearshifts.

Besides, the new 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 comes with a new lift control system (LIF) that prevents the bike's front end from popping up in the air when the rider whacks open the throttle. The braking system of the new Yamaha R1 comprises of dual 320mm disc brakes at the front along with a single 220mm disc brake at the rear. An ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) comes standard. The bike gets 43mm inverted forks up front along with a monoshock at the rear to carry out the suspension duties.

Commenting on the launch of new 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1, Roy Kurian, who is the Senior Vice President at Sales and Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. said, “The new YZF-R1 model will strengthen Yamaha in its superbike segment in Indian market. It inherits its technology from Yamaha’s racing machine YZR-M1. This model also highlights Yamaha’s improved aerodynamics which posts it closer to the MotoGP attributes, and which is a rare potential available in today’s market. Yamaha plans to increase its market share in supersports segment as the new YZF-R1 is expected to attract the younger racing enthusiasts.”

India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd (IYM) on Tuesday launched the 2018 model of its YZF-R1 in India. The model has been priced at Rs 20.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and it will be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) in the country.

The Japanese automaker claims that the new YZF-R1 model has been planned and developed as a flagship model of racing circuits with pure MotoGP blood. Besides the new colour schemes (blue and black), it gets updated Quick Shift System (QSS) which not only downshifts with minimal chassis disruption but allows full-throttle clutch-less upshifting as well. Moreover, the Lift Control System (LIF) has also been updated with more progressive mapping.

The powertrain remains untouched and the Yamaha R1 continues to get 200PS from the 998cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four. The high revving engine delivers maximum power at 13,500rpm while the peak torque of 112.4Nm comes at 11,500rpm.

Commenting on the launch, Roy Kurian, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, IYM, said that the new YZF-R1 model will strengthen Yamaha in its superbike segment in Indian market.

"It inherits its technology from Yamaha's racing machine YZR-M1. This model also highlights Yamaha's improved aerodynamics which posts it closer to the MotoGP attributes, and which is a rare potential available in today's market. Yamaha plans to increase its market share in the supersport segment as the new YZF-R1 is expected to attract the younger racing enthusiasts," he added.

Bolted on an aluminium Delta-box frame, the new Yamaha R1 gets a MotoGP inspired design. The fully-faired supersport gets sporty front fairing with a central air duct, similar to the YZR-M1 (Yamaha's MotoGP bike), and two small LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. The rear is sleek and minimalistic for a mass forward design.

The compact chassis features a magnesium rear frame and long swingarm and lightweight magnesium wheels. The suspension setup is fully adjustable and it gets high-performance braking along with the control of Antilock Braking System (ABS). The new R1 gets a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with the advance, high-tech electronic safety package.

In the Indian Market, the Yamaha YZF-R1 competes with the likes of the Honda CBR1000RR (Fireblade), Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and other quarter-litre supersport motorcycles.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) on Tuesday introduced an updated version of its superbike YZF-R1, priced at ₹20.73 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company would import the model as a completely built unit, IYM said in a statement. Powered by a 998-cc engine, the bike can achieve a peak power of 200 HP. The motorcycle firm plans to increase its market share in the supersports segment.