2019 Yamaha YZF-R1 released

The Yamaha Racing-inspired ‘Yamaha Blue’ version from last year now features a predominantly black lower fairing, but the front section below the windscreen is now blue, as is the front mudguard.

An ‘R1’ graphic in blue is reversed out of the black (the opposite of last year’s treatment), while the blue tail section and blue rims are unchanged for 2019.
The other colour choice for the new year is ‘Tech Black’, which is similar to last year’s Matt Grey, but ditches the subtle red highlights on the rims and brake discs for an all-over black treatment in a mix of satin and gloss finishes, with the only contrast provided by the silver R1 logo and subtle Yamaha branding and stripes on the windscreen surround.  

Mechanically, the 2019 YZF-R1 is unchanged, with the 998cc crossplane four engine and 6-speed transmission with the updated Quick Shift System introduced last year carrying over for 2019. Also unchanged are all the high-tech rider-assistance features, like lean-angle sensitive traction control, slide control and race-spec ABS (controlled by a 6-axis IMU), as well as the unified braking system, wheelie control, launch control and selectable riding modes.

Weight-saving measures introduced in previous R1 model years, like the aluminium Deltabox frame, magnesium subframe, cast magnesium wheels and aluminium fuel tank are unchanged, as is the TFT digital instrument display.

Available now, pricing for the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R1 is listed at $23,999 (+ ORCs). See your Yamaha dealer for more details.

No changes to the hardcore version of the R1, the R1 M, had been confirmed as this issue went to press, but given a bunch of new features for added for the MY18 version, major changes are unlikely