Yamaha R1 S ~ dedieideeshift101

Yamaha R1 S

2016 Yamaha R1 3-bike Lineup Preview: R1, R1S, R1M — 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S

2016 Yamaha R1, Yamaha R1S & Yamaha R1M

Yamaha will be offering three flavors of the YZF-R1 superbike for 2016, including the new R1S, a superbike with a focus on street-only performance. The Yamaha R1 and R1M track-ready superbikes are returning unchanged for 2016, save for new colors and graphics.

The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S has many of the electronics found in the R1M and R1, including power modes, traction control, slide control, launch control, wheelie control, along with ABS and a TFT dash readout. A quickshifter, which is standard on the R1M and R1, is an option on the R1S. The R1S gets KYB suspension that is, of course, not electronically controlled.

Unlike the R1M and R1 that get titanium connecting rods, the R1S will have steel con rods. Various magnesium pieces in the R1M and R1 are replaced by aluminum on the R1S, while aluminum pieces on the R1M and R1 turn into steel for the R1S.

2016 Yamaha R1S Intensity White on street — 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S

The R1S does get a titanium muffler, however. With the less-expensive metals in the R1S motor, it does not rev quite as high as the R1, so the peak horsepower is down slightly (Yamaha won't say how much) and there is less over-rev. Torque production is similar, so in the real world of street riding, the R1S should have similar performance to the R1.

Like the 2016 Yamaha R1, the R1S has plastic bodywork and a painted tanks and swingarm; the R1M has carbon fiber bodywork, and a polished finish for the fuel tank and swingarm. The R1S hits the scales wet at 448 pounds, which is nine pounds more than the R1 and five pounds over the R1M's weight.

The main attraction of the R1S is the price. At $14,990, it is $1500 less than the R1, and $7000 less expensive than the flagship R1M. The graphics on the R1S do not indicate its "S" status, and it only comes in two color choices — Intensity White/Raven/Rapid Red and Matte Gray – which is shared by the R1.

The 2016 Yamaha R1M is only available in Carbon Fiber/Liquid Metal, while the R1 has the option of the 60th Anniversary Yellow graphics scheme for $16,990. For $500 less, the R1 can be had in Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, as well as Matte Gray.

All three versions of the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1 lineup will be available for sale in December.