Yamahas Coming Out With a Race-Spec R1 In 2023

In a move further supporting my argument that R1s are purpose-built racebikes with lights and mirrors to make them legal on the roads, for 2023 Yamaha is introducing the R1 GYTR – an R1 prepared specifically for track duty, without any of the homologation pieces for roadworthiness (don’t worry, the standard R1 isn’t going anywhere). Yamaha similarly does the same thing with the R6, offering it for sale exclusively as a track-only model.

The catch? It’s only available in Europe.

Nonetheless, it’s worth talking about anyway, as a non-homologated motorcycle from a Japanese manufacturer is a big deal, and this model could eventually make its way to North America someday.

For the track enthusiast, the R1 GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) starts life as the basis for any track build. It takes the standard road bike, deletes the non-essentials, and leaves you with a blank canvas on which to modify. Except in Yamaha’s case, they go a step further and add on the bits you’re likely going to start buying anyway. The most noticeable change is the complete race bodywork finished in white, ready to accept your wildest (or mildest) livery design.

On the engine side, an Akrapovic race exhaust and mid-pipe replace the standard exhaust, and the ECU mapping is adjusted to account for the new air/fuel ratio. An engine cover set is also part of the deal and serves as a vital component to protect the case covers in the event of a crash.

Moving to the electronics side we see a GYTR ECU and wiring harness, PC interface cable to read the bike’s data, GYTR ABS Emulator, and a GYTR On/Off switch that replaces the stock ignition and key.

Less noticeable, but likely the most important, of the R1 GYTR’s changes comes in the chassis department. Specifically, the brakes. The rubber lines are gone, replaced with steel-braided pieces. Inside the caliper are GYTR steel pistons, and most importantly, the standard pads are replaced with Brembo’s Z04 pads for ultimate bite. Other bits include Bridgestone RS11 tires, a keyless fuel cap, different handlebars, steering stoppers, racing “Shark Fin” rear sprocket guard, a billet front brake lever guard, adjustable rearsets with reverse shift option, rear stand bungs, and a GYTR rear stand to put under those hooks.

Rounding out the changes is a gearing change, with a 15-tooth front sprocket and 42-tooth rear sprocket. The chain is now a 520 pitch instead of 530, reducing rotating mass for better acceleration.

GYTR Pro

If by this point you’re thinking those changes are nice but you need more, Yamaha’s got you covered with the new GYTR Pro line of accessories to further enhance the R1. As you can guess from the name, the Pro line of parts refines the R1 even more to make it an even sharper track machine. Here are just some of the components in the GYTR Pro lineup:

• GYTR PRO Swingarm
• GYTR PRO large capacity and low gravity fuel tank
• GTTR PRO Carbon rear subframe
• GYTR PRO Triple clamp
• GYTR PRO Carbon cowling set
• GYTR Pro screen
• GYTR PRO Dashboard
• GYTR PRO Dash support
• GYTR PRO Handlebars
• GYTR PRO Handle bar switches
• GYTR PRO Marelli electronics (customised)
• GYTR PRO Airducts for brake calipers
• GYTR PRO Brake lines
• GYTR PRO Brembo wheel adaptors (front and rear) to fit in the Öhlins FGR400 front forks and the inverted swingarm
• GYTR PRO Clutch
• GYTR PRO Side steering damper with bracket and clamp
• GYTR PRO MB radiator
• GYTR PRO Akrapovic system
• GYTR PRO Brake lever protector

While you can buy many similar parts for the R1 in the aftermarket, the beauty of GYTR parts is that they were designed by Yamaha, so there’s no questioning a parts compatibility.

Yamaha hasn’t stated definitively that the R1 GYTR or the GYTR Pro line of parts is a Europe-only special, but its press release was not distributed to US outlets. Nevertheless, if and when more information about the bike becomes available, we’ll post about it here.

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