MRW Issue 1

independently adjusted.
More adjustment and settings
than ever before on
ABS, engine braking and
brake control.
The differences between
the base model and the M
model are; carbon bodywork,
polished tank and
swingarm plus wireless
communications via an
app to assess your track
performance. The race version
is also equipped with
some of the highest specification
Ohlins suspension
ever seen on a production
motorcycle – the same
forks as on Ducati’s Panigale
V4R but this time the
NPX pressurised forks are
electronically-controlled.
Only 5 of the new carbon-clad
R1M models
made their way into SA,
with customers having to
pre-order and pay a deposit
towards the total
R425,000 price tag in advance
to secure their bikes,
so how lucky am I to be
able to test this one then?
KEY SPECS:
ENGINE: 998cc, liquid-cooled inline
4 cyl DOHC; 16 valves
BORE & STROKE: 79.0mm x 50.9mm
MAX POWER: 183hp @ 14,000rpm
MAX TORQUE: 104Nm @ 12,000rpm
SEAT HEIGHT: 861mm
WHEELBASE: 1404mm
kerb weight: 203kg
PRICE (EST): R329,950 base
R424,950 R1M
*Power figures as per our dyno test
So, let me start by answering all your
questions straight off the bat; is it fast?
Yes, really, not as top end fast as the new
Honda or Ducati Panigale V4R but it’s
not far off. How does it handle? Superbly.
Electronics? It has plenty and they all
work, properly, and better than ever before.
Is it better than the previous model?
Yes, in every way possible!
Ok, so that’s that then…
No, just kidding, I have so much more
bragging and praise to dish out for the
new Yamaha R1M, so let me start with
some facts. The updated Big Bang crossplane
motor, or CP4 as it’s now called,
pushes out a healthy 200hp, making it
the most powerful production R1 model
to date. The base R1 and R1M models
share the same motor, pushing out the
same power figures. For 2020, the base
and R1M’s comprehensive six-axis-IMU
supported electronic package will allow
even more refinements. There are now
seven electronic rider aids that can be