Japanese motorcycles appear to be waning in popularity as European superbikes like the Aprilia RSV4, BMW S 1000 RR, and Ducati Panigale V4 flood the world’s marketplaces. But one motorcycle, the Yamaha YZF-R1, will always be a favorite. There was a sensation of emptiness when Yamaha declared it will discontinue the R1, and now that the 2025 R1—the final edition—has been released, the emptiness is starting to feel genuine.
The 2025 R1, which is based on the facelift that was revealed last year, was introduced by Yamaha in Japan. Before a final farewell, the motorcycle had minor hardware and design changes to squeeze that additional bit of horsepower. MotoGP-inspired winglets are added to the motorcycle’s updated front end.
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Hardware upgrades include Brembo Stylema monobloc brake callipers for increased stopping power and fully adjustable KYB suspension at the front and back. For increased rider comfort, the seat material has also been updated. Other than the inclusion of carbon fiber winglets, the more performance-focused R1M receives no significant changes.
The engine, a 998cc, liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, is also unchanged. A six-axis IMU handles the electronics and safety, and the engine is coupled to a six-speed gearbox. A TFT instrument console is also given to them.
While stricter emission norms have played a significant role in killing the R1, the company will sell them for a while as track-only motorcycles, similar to the R6, which is still a popular motorcycle today. Yamaha is testing a V4 engine on its MotoGP motorcycle, and hopefully, we see a road-going version soon, probably called the YZF-V1, perhaps? While this is only hope, all we can do now is look at the R1 walk away into the sunset, with a legacy a few can only dream of.
The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R1 marks the end of an era, retaining its legendary 998cc engine, MotoGP-inspired winglets, and premium hardware upgrades. While stricter emission norms led to its discontinuation, Yamaha may introduce a V4-powered successor. Until then, the R1 exits as an icon, leaving behind a legacy that will forever define superbike excellence.
