Yamaha YZF-R1-S

Yamaha has introduced the new R1S for 2016, a less-expensive alternative to the standard R1 but with the same superb electronics package and nearly the same performance.

Yamaha is quick to point out that the new R1S is not a detuned R1. But there are differences between the bikes. Most obvious visually are the five-spoke aluminum wheels that have replaced the superlight multispoke magnesium units on the standard R1. And with regard to the R1S engine, it’s the familiar 998cc inline-four with the crossplane crank, but the R1’s trick fracture-split titanium connecting rods have been replaced by conventional ones made of steel. The DOHC cylinder head is the same, but new valve springs are now used, likely related to an unspecified lower redline. What’s more, the oil pan and right-side engine cover, magnesium on the standard R1, are now aluminum, and stainless steel exhaust headers have replaced the ones made of titanium. All told, Yamaha says the new 2016 YZF-R1S weighs 448 lb. wet, which is 9 lb. more the claimed weight of the standard R1.

Most R1 hardware remains unchanged on the new R1S. This includes the chassis and suspension, as well as the titanium muffler and the trick electronics package that has a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit and offers traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and even slide control programs, plus ABS. About the only R1 electronics aid not found on the R1S is the quickshifter, but it’s available as an option. Also notable: The new R1S wears longer-wearing Bridgestone Hypersport S20s, not the stickier Battlax RS10s.

Yamaha did not provide horsepower and torque figures for the new 2016 YZF-R1S, but the tuning fork company did show us a graph (without values, below) comparing the power curves of R1 versus new R1S. Up until super high rev most likely to be used on the track—the horsepower for both bikes looks almost identical. But the R1S’s peak is slightly lower, because the S engine’s greater reciprocating mass keep it from revving as highly as the standard R1. And as for the torque, the R1S’s curve looks impressive, slightly better than the R1M’s until high revs.

The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R1S will be available in two colors: Matte Gray and a White/Black/Red combo, both priced at $14,990. Interestingly, there’s no badging to identify this newest R1 as an S model, and we suspect Yamaha feels that the targeted younger buyers probably like it that way.