YZF-R1 --> YZR-M1?

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kabob983 · #1 Unread post by **kabob983** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:21 pm

This is just a random thought more than anything, no validity here.

I was thinking to myself today (I do that alot) how much the new YZF-R6 favors the MotoGP bike, the YZR-M1. The tail section is the same. The exhaust is very similar. Even the front fairing, while not identical, has alot of the same features. The one most obvious to me being the nose intake that is present on both bikes. I began wondering is perhaps Yamaha plans on dropping their R1 name and adopting the M1 instead as their top bike. I mean why wouldn't they. How many more could they sell if they go from "the bike that does alright in AMA and WSBK" to "the bike that the multi-time MotoGP champion rides"? With so many of the features on the R6 moving to a GP look-alike, I thought that perhaps they would soon just drop the YZF's and move to the YZR's for the sake of sounding more champion-esque.

Similarly, how long is it going to take for Honda to see that if they move to 5 cylinders on their CBR 1000RR that people will suddenly feel like it's more like the RC211V and will buy more of them? It's all about making the most sales. Change some letters around, chang the engine around. Whatever it takes to be on top.

What do you all think?

camthepyro · Wed May 17, 2006 4:25 pm

Can't MotoGP bikes not be the same as production bikes?

kabob983 · #3 Unread post by **kabob983** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:28 pm

camthepyro wrote:Can't MotoGP bikes not be the same as production bikes?

True, but how long before the body work and engine specs and such are identical? The CBR's and the RC211V look very similar, nearly identical I believe.

jmillheiser · Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:08 pm

not sure what direction yamaha is gonna go with the new R1, they have been very tight lipped about it.

we get to find out in a few months, the R1 is expected to be redesigned for 07.

I expect class leading power, less weight, and some styling changes. Not sure if they are gonna go with the GP style exhaust or stick with the undertail exhaust (which also looks sexy as hell). I do expect it to become the most track friendly literbike like the new R6 in the 600 class.

1000RR had some updates for 06 (a year early for a new model) not sure if they are gonna stick with this spec for a couple more years or completely redo the 1000RR for 07 (current spec model dates back to 04 like the R1, though the 06 was revised quite a bit). the 600RR is overdue and I expect an all new 600RR for 07