All Test drives – 2015 R1 test: the Yamaha tracker to the test – Static: an R never seen before!

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2015 R1 test: the Yamaha tracker to the test of the road

All Test drives - 2015 R1 test: the Yamaha tracker to the test - Static: an R never seen before!

Of all the new sport bikes that MNC has tested on the track, the 2015 R1 has proven to be the most spellbinding. Does the charm also work on the road in 106 hp? What are the effects of its radical reorientation of racing on a daily basis? ? Answers after 850 km.

Static: an R never seen before !

In the paddocks of a circuit or on a sidewalk in the city center, the R1 2015 produces the same effect: its singular plastic attracting looks. Some people fall for its astonishing features, like without a headlight like a racing motorcycle. Others "stumble" on the contrary on its lines with marked originality. But anyway, the R1 calls out.

Its lighting is in fact entrusted to two lenticulars perfectly integrated into the high curvature of the fairings. Just above, almost invisible with the ignition off, two thin rows of LEDs complete this device and surround the air inlet in the form of a gaping mouth. The result is spectacular, almost intimidating…

At night, however, this lighting is disappointing: the beam is insufficiently dense and its range quite low, even in full headlight. In addition, the areas illuminated – cone-shaped – by each lenticular do not intersect sufficiently early. Therefore, some parts remain partially in the shade just in front of the wheel.

Beyond its futuristic aesthetic, the Yamaha Superbike is distinguished by its finish in clear increase. Already very satisfactory previously, the perceived quality has reached a milestone thanks in particular to the instrumentation with TFT color dies, the perforated triple tree, the magnificent inverted fork and the partially polished monobloc radial calipers. Not to mention the swingarm so generously dimensioned that you would think it capable of delivering at least 300 hp to the ground !

This polished design bears no flinching comparison with the most polished of its European competitors. Unfortunately, the parallel also applies to its price: at € 18,499, the 2015 R1 is certainly the most successful of Japanese sports motorcycles, but it is also – and by far – the most expensive … Bikers whose high standards is not limited by the thickness of their wallet can even afford an additional touch of exclusivity thanks to the, equipped among other things with carbon fairings and Ohlins active suspensions.

To reinforce its high-end status, this "M" version is only produced in limited quantities, available only via a dedicated mini-site … against 23,199 €. Here again, Yamaha is inspired by European production with this marketing strategy furiously reminiscent of that followed for a long time by its Italian competitors, Ducati and especially MV Agusta in the lead. !

Some rare and small flaws in presentation are still noticed, in particular the "mess" aspect around the right footrest plate – moreover not adjustable unlike those of Suzuki GSX-R1000 and KTM RC8. Between the multiple hoses required by the coupled braking, the rigid connections to the central ABS and the cables actuating the valve to the exhaust, we have known sexier.

The occasion also to observe that if the front calipers with 4 pistons (6 previously) are actuated by hoses of aviation type – a first of series at Yamaha -, the rear device inherits simple rubber elements. A reinforced hose would bring an additional cachet, coupled with an increase in efficiency all the more appropriate as the rear brake lacks consistency..

The little discreet "pot" of the catalyst would also deserve more attention: let’s admit the welds a little too conspicuous insofar as not everyone will bend down to examine them, but its already tarnished surface treatment, as slightly oxidized, does really task on a motorcycle of only 1435 km. MNC has even seen this phenomenon on other near-new 2015 R1s, much to the chagrin of their owners….

Finally, angled valves would greatly facilitate routine checks (as well as potential pressure changes on the circuit), especially since space is limited at the front due to the enormous 320 mm discs. Similarly, the clutch lever is not adjustable in spacing, while the trunk under the saddle accepts only a pack of Kleenex.

Not so unlivable…

In terms of practicality, however, the Yamaha hypersport is not as badly off as one might fear: it is, for example, equipped with warnings, easily foldable and efficient mirrors, while its instrumentation remains perfectly readable whatever the conditions through automatic contrast adjustment.

Very useful, this system also modifies the presentation of the screen according to the brightness: in broad daylight, the symbols appear in black on a white background, and at night it is the opposite for better readability. The operation is done in the blink of an eye, upon entering a tunnel for example. Practical, efficient and aesthetic at the same time.

All the functions indicated by this colored screen (the white graph of the engine speed turns green at 8000 rpm, then orange at 10,000 rpm) scroll through the arrows on the left stalk and the "Menu" dial on the right. Too bad these controls are a little too far away from the thumbs to be comfortably operated.

All information also requires a certain habit to be assimilated, as there is so much. At the start, let’s admit that we don’t really know where to look between the usual information (daily trips, average and instantaneous consumption, temperatures, gear engaged, speed, time) and the avalanche of "technical" data displayed in each corner !

Thus, at the bottom of the screen, the anti-skid and drift control level appear – which can be adjusted from the left stalk without cutting the throttle: top! -, as well as the engine mapping and the way in which its power is delivered ("Power" and "Mode", adjustable throttle cut). On the right, new gauges indicate in real time the force exerted on the brake lever and the level of the motorcycle’s trim. !

Fortunately, the logical and well-ordered filing helps you find your marks quickly. Finally, the last unsuspected practical detail: the dual function occupied by the recesses of the rear shell. MNC did discover that these original openings did not serve only to promote aerodynamics or to give a unique style to the stern..

If necessary, this rear part with holes right through is very practical for passing the straps of a bundle bag through it, perfectly secured in two steps! Well, admittedly, it’s not super fancy and the airy and slender line takes a serious hit….

But by taking the road in the cold and the fog to reach the, MNC appreciates being able to store all its racing equipment in a bag hung behind rather than carrying it on the back as most sports motorcycles require! All without damaging anything after more than 200 km of journey: sure that the Yamaha engineers had not even thought of it !

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