Yamaha YZF-R1 specifications
Yamaha · Supersport
Total Motorcycle lists what Yamaha says the electronics do: a variable throttle control called PWR (Power Delivery Mode), a cableless ride-by-wire YCC-T throttle, and a full suite of IMU-powered rider aids.
It states the engineering goal for the series as significant horsepower with excellent controllability, and says premium Brembo front brakes and highly refined KYB suspension add to its track-focused capability. Motorcycle News owner reviews of the 2020 R1 are enthusiastic: one owner who rides with Ducati riders praises the balance of power, suspension, engineering, electronics and 100 percent reliability, saying there is always something, a sensor or an issue, on the Ducatis.
Yamaha YZF-R1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Engine | Inline-four-cylinder, crossplane crankshaft (MotoGP-derived) |
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Bore x stroke | 3.11 in x 2 in (79 mm x 50.9 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Front brake | Dual 320mm discs, Brembo calipers |
| Seat height | 33.7 in |
| Wet weight | 448 lb |
| Wheelbase | 55.3 in |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal (17L) |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 in (130mm) minimum |
| Starting MSRP | $19,199 |
| Class | Supersport |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Destination charge | $775 |
Another calls it softer, more comfortable and a whole lot cheaper than rivals, and says that if you spend part of the difference on modern suspension, tires and brakes you will have a legend for peanuts.
The R1 weighs 448 lb, sits on a 55.3 in wheelbase with a 33.7 in seat and holds 4.5 gal of fuel. Yamaha lists ground clearance of 5.1 in (130 mm) at minimum. The front brakes are dual 320 mm discs with Brembo calipers.
It is the tallest seat of the Yamaha sport line and, at $19,199, the most expensive Yamaha in this comparison. The brake system and KYB suspension are the two items Yamaha's own description highlights.
R1 against the other liter bikes
At $19,199 the R1 costs $2,200 more than Kawasaki's ZX-10R at $16,999 and $2,100 more than Honda's CBR1000RR at $17,099, and $776 less than BMW's S 1000 RR at $19,975. It weighs 448 lb against 458.6 lb for the Kawasaki, 432 lb for the Honda and 437 lb for the BMW. The Yamaha is the middle of the group on weight and near the top on price.
Size, weight and dimensions in context
The R1's numbers place it in the middle of the liter-bike field. It weighs 448 lb at the curb, sits on a 55.3 in wheelbase with a 33.7 in seat and has 5.1 in (130 mm) of minimum ground clearance and a 4.5 gal tank. Against Yamaha's own R7, it is 31 lb heavier (417 lb), 1.0 in taller in the seat (32.7 in) and $9,800 more expensive.
A rider moving up from a middleweight should sit on both, because the R1's 33.7 in seat and forward-leaning position are demanding for shorter riders. Yamaha's list price is $19,199 plus $775 destination.
YZF-R1 against the Ninja ZX-10R and S 1000 RR
Kawasaki's ZX-10R and BMW's S 1000 RR are the direct 998cc rivals. The BMW costs more and the Kawasaki costs less.
Yamaha YZF-R1 — specification referenceThe 2026 Yamaha YZF-R1 is Yamaha's flagship literbike, an inline-four crossplane-crankshaft engine derived from Yamaha's MotoGP program in a track-focused chassis. It is unchanged from 2025, costs $19,199 plus $775 destination, and carries dual 320 mm Brembo front discs.
A 998cc inline four with a crossplane crankshaft derived from Yamaha's MotoGP program. Yamaha lists ride-by-wire YCC-T throttle control and IMU-powered rider aids.
Other models in this reference: Yamaha YZF-R3, Yamaha YZ85, Yamaha YZF-R7.