2016 Yamaha R1S First Look

Next February, Yamaha adds a third YZF-R1 to its sport motorcycle line-up with the more affordable ’S’ variation.

Not all sportbike riders need a 164-horsepower street-legal racebike. That’s what Yamaha is betting on with the release of its street-oriented 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S ($14,990). Based off the Tuning Fork brand’s Superbike Smackdown X Shootout-winning YZF-R1 the ’S’ boasts a $1500 price break compared to the standard R1.

The ’S’ is powered by Yamaha’s one-of-a-kind crossplane crank-equipped 999cc Inline Four, giving it a hybrid feel and powerband between a sport V-Twin, and a Japanese, and now, German-made four-cylinder. Engine hardware changes are minor and limited to steel connecting rods (instead of titanium) and different valve spring material. The engine covers, oil pan, and five-spoke wheels are all fabricated from aluminum instead of cast magnesium. Lastly the engine cover bolts have been updated from aluminum to stainless-steel as has the exhaust head pipes. The ECU was also refreshed giving it a slightly lower redline and top-end power output.

Besides different wheels, and a switch to lower-spec but more durable Battlax S20 tires by Bridgestone, the chassis is unchanged. Also unchanged is the programming of Yamaha’s class-leading electronics suite which includes adjustable traction, power slide, wheelie, and launch control. Always-on ABS and linked braking is also standard. The R1S is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships this February.

2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S Tech Specs

• Engine: 998cc liquid-cooled Inline Four
• Bore and Stroke: 79.0 x 50.9mm
• Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
• Valvetrain: DOHC, 16-valves
• Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel-injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
• Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper clutch, cable actuation
• Transmission: Six-speed
• Final Drive: Chain, 16/41 gearing
• Frame: Twin spar aluminum
• Front Suspension: 43mm KYB inverted fork; Three-way adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.7 in. travel
• Rear Suspension: KYB gas-charge shock; four-way adjustable for spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping; 4.7 in. travel
• Front Brakes: 320mm discs with radial-mount Advics monobloc-style four-piston calipers
• Rear Brake: 220mm disc with double-piston caliper
• Curb Weight: 448 lbs.
• Wheelbase: 55.3 in.
• Rake: 24.0 deg. Trail: 4.0 in.
• Seat Height: 33.7 in.
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
• Colors: Intensity White/Raven/Rapid Red; Matte Gray

News Courtesy : Motorcycle-USA