Yamaha have added their R1 superbike to the track-only GYTR range for 2023, giving devoted (and presumably well-heeled) customers a chance to get closer than ever to owning a WSB spec machine.
Although GYTR parts (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) have been available as accessory bolt-ons for a number of years, this is the first time the Japanese firm’s flagship superbike has been offered as a ready to race package – removing the faff of drilling aftermarket fairings and removing any unwanted road trim to sit gathering dust in your garage.
“With our R series, combined with the GYTR Racing parts, we try to cater to two target groups,” Yamaha Europe’s racing product management lead, Leon Oosterhof told MCN. “The first is what we call the track enthusiasts, who are basically trackday riders wanting to enjoy a few trackdays a year, but when they go, they really want to enjoy it, like the technology and want to have a cool machine.
“And, of course, also racers on many, many different levels – from the amateur hobby racer, all the way to a national, or international level.”
Expected to cost between €25,000 – €30,000 and set to arrive in the first quarter of 2023, the base-spec GYTR comes with 25 additional performance orientated parts, which bring the bike in line with FIM Superstock 1000 rules. These extras include a new ECU, wiring harness, stainless steel brake lines, race cowling (finished in white for you to add your own design), Brembo Z04 brake pads, Bridgestone R11 tyres, and more.
You also get a new Akrapovič Race exhaust, complete with a mid-pipe developed in tandem with Yamaha, to produce a fraction more power at less than 101dB. It makes use of the standard titanium headers, weighs over 5kg less than the standard system, and helps the bike meet ever-tightening noise restrictions faced at some circuits.
Further components, such as full Öhlins suspension, underslung rear calipers, Brembo master cylinder, and more can then be added to suit your needs and budget, on a limited basis.
Although impressive, chances are many trackday goers will find the standard R1 more than enough of a handful, with many also favouring much cheaper used motorcycles to limit the cost, should they experience a tumble.
“There is a part of that market, of course that will always prefer to choose a used machine as a base and that’s understandable, but that’s not something we as a manufacturer can tap into,” Oosterhof admitted. “What we are trying to do is to try and be very accessible in what we offer.”
As before, all GYTR bikes will continue to only be available only through Yamaha Pro Shops, with over 600 parts available across all models. This includes the R3, R7, R6 and now the R1. In total there are 17 shops of this kind across Europe, with Yamaha confirming plans to expand this to 25.
If the standard R1 GYTR isn’t enough for you, Yamaha will also sell you the GYTR Pro, which they are billing as the closest thing to owning a fully-fledged World Superbike.
Featuring components developed on short circuits by the likes of reigning WSB champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Pro was actually first teased back at the 2021 Eicma show in Milan on the special GYTR Pro VR46 given to Valentino Rossi at the end of his MotoGP career.
On top of the standard bike’s package, Pro customers also get a new inverted swingarm, Marchesini rims, a carbon fibre subframe, a new dash, CNC triple clamp to house the new Öhlins FGR400 forks, carbon body work, and even a new fuel tank with a lower centre of gravity – lifted straight from the firm’s top WSB racers.
Pro models will be produced in limited numbers, with additional select parts available to bolster the standard GYTR model – again in a limited stock.
Both bikes were developed by current WSB test rider and world endurance racer Niccolo Canepa, who spoke to MCN and said: “When we started the development of this bike, the target was to make a bike that was as close as possible to the World Superbike, but also more useable for a wider range of riders, because the WSB bike is really extreme.
“The riding position is the same as the World Superbike and the performance – especially in the handling and the electronics – are really, really similar,” he continued. “But, it’s also more usable and more rideable and more enjoyable. Especially with the Bridgestone tyres – it’s really nice to ride, and really stable and this is the main target that we had and I am really happy with the result.”
But just how hard is it for a topflight racer to develop a bike that caters for everyone from enthusiastic trackday riders, to national level racers? Canepa explained.
“When I develop the World Superbikes I have to push to my limit and this is still not enough to be at the level of Toprak or Locatelli, but when I tested this bike we had to make it suitable for good riders, but also amateurs because everyone can buy it.
“This has been challenging, but the biggest happiness I’ve had is when Rob Juwett – who’s in charge of the GYTR project – tried it. He’s not a professional rider and after a few laps, he came back with a big smile and said: ‘This bike is so amazing, so easy to ride, and stable.’ This, for me, is the best thing.”
News Editor, sportsbike nut, and racing fan.
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