Our Unique Advantage

Everything we do is centred around you, our customer. Our goal is to take your breath away by offering you experiences that go above and beyond your expectations. Experiences that can only be enjoyed on a Yamaha. Our unique advantage is driven by technology derived from the racetrack and developed to make every ride a memorable one.

Yamaha has always competed – and won - at the highest level of motorsport. And the advancements made on the racetrack by our Factory MotoGP team filters down through our flagship YZF-R1M right into our entry level YZF-R15, across to the MT street bike range and beyond. Unique Yamaha developments like crossplane crankshaft technology and the use of exotic metals and high tech processes that led to our control-filled aluminium frames. All were introduced on the racetrack and have filtered down into the bikes you can own and ride on the street. Here you can find some of the key advancements that make riding our road bikes so much fun.

Engine Technologies

Crossplane Crankshaft

This setup enhances your riding experience by increasing the connectivity between the throttle and rear tyre. Riders have likened power delivery as similar to a V-twin at low to mid-range but like a screaming inline four at the upper end of the rev range. Another bonus is the unique sound that is produced by this layout that adds to an addictive ride experience. Its uneven firing interval layout has significant inertial torque advantages by allowing the rear tyre to recover from stress compared to normal firing conditions. Both the 270-degree twin (CP2) and triple cylinder (CP3) engines in our MT range - and on the Tenere 700 - share the benefits of crossplane crank technology – clean torque that puts you in control with a smile on your face.

Forged aluminium pistons

Many current Yamaha road bikes are fitted with lightweight forged aluminium pistons. This system allows the aluminium to retain more of its original strength, which enables our engineers to specify a lighter piston design, reducing reciprocating weight and enhancing throttle response.

Yamaha Chipped Controlled Intake

Fitted on the YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 models, Yamaha's Chip Controlled Intake (YCCI) allows the correct amount of air into the combustion chamber throughout the engine rev range, giving a complete and fresh charge of air/fuel at every given situation. A longer funnel length is used for low rpm to increase air speed, a servo motor then lifts the designated top of the funnels at the correct engine RPM, to shorten them at higher RPMs matching the reciprocating action of the pistons. This technology takes advantage of the high and low pressures created in the inlet track to maximise airflow into the cylinder.

Ceramic-composite plated cylinder

Lightweight ceramic-composite plated cylinders provide excellent heat dissipation, less friction and lower oil consumption which makes for high levels of reliability. Even our smallest R-series machine YZF-R15 has a coated cylinder which results in a freer spinning engine and lower fuel consumption.

Diamond-Like Carbon coating (DLC)

Friction causes heat which robs an engine of power. Our engineers are constantly looking at ways of reducing friction so that the maximum amount of energy created by the engine goes to the rear wheel. The diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating fitted to our piston rings is one of these ways, offering less resistance while increasing component longevity.

Fracture split carburised conrods

Our top end bikes are equipped with titanium fracture-split carburised conrods, a system that has been used successfully by Yamaha since 2004. The two halves of each fracture-split big end ring are re-assembled along the same fracture lines, and this makes for a stronger and more perfectly round big end, giving outstanding performance and reliability under high engine loads.

Offset cylinder for reduced horsepower loss

When a piston is pushed downward by the force of combustion, there is a lateral force caused by the connecting rod that drives the piston against the cylinder wall slightly, resulting in friction loss. Yamaha offsets the cylinder to reduce the amount of angle in the piston and connecting rod when the cylinder is at its maximum internal pressure during combustion. This minimises the amount of lateral force against the cylinder wall to bring out the full power generated by combustion with the greatest efficiency.

Variable Valve Actuation

The new YZF-R15 features a twin inlet cam system that switches from one cam to another when revs reach 7500rpm. The benefits are a wider spread of torque and increased fuel economy. A similar system is used on our NMAX 155 scooter to enable easier overtaking.

DiASil cylinder

Specified on small capacity machines such as YZF-R15 and YZF-R3/MT-03, DiASil technology allows for a freer spinning engine that improves cooling performance, longevity and fuel consumption while reducing oil consumption. DiASil cylinders use Yamaha's Controlled Filling (CF) die casting technology. This improves the flow characteristics of the molten aluminium as it is poured into the mould. As a result, CF die-cast aluminium parts have an air-intrusion rate of about one-fifth of conventional die casting, reducing air bubble formation. This technology uses a 20% silicon/aluminium mix for a super tough low friction cylinder surface.

Blue Core engine

Yamaha’s small capacity engines have been designed to maximise efficiency by increasing power while optimising fuel economy. This has been achieved by using optimised valve timing and valve shape, high compression ratio and use of a compact hemispherical combustion chamber. In addition Blue Core engines feature reduced mechanical/friction loss due to an offset cylinder. Primary and secondary sheaves with lower thrust force designs are specced for Blue Core scooters with a high final reduction ratio, low idling RPM and smooth feeling during acceleration/deceleration. Cooling efficiency is improved by running a DiASil cylinder with oil jet piston cooler and a high efficiency cooling fan.

Chassis and Electronics

Control filled aluminium chassis

Yamaha has perfected a process to tune the right amount of flex into its aluminium motorcycle frames. Control filling is a technique that allows high stress parts of a chassis to receive more aluminium than low stress areas which results in a light and strong frame with optimum mass centralisation tuned to handle supremely either on or off-road. With Yamaha’s Deltabox chassis, strong cast parts are used at the head pipe, swingarm pivot and engine mounts, while the die-cast and extruded aluminium structures that connect them are given a degree of forgiveness. A lightweight magnesium subframe contributes to the optimum mass centralisation.

Assist and Slipper clutch

An Assist and Slipper clutch (A&S) mechanism is fitted to many R-series and MT models including the new YZF-R15. During rapid down shifting when high levels of back torque occurs, the system engages the clutch and prevents rear wheel lock up during deceleration, providing smoother and controlled cornering.

MotoGP derived suspension

R1 runs race developed suspension with independent damping. The left fork handles compression damping and the right side handles the rebound damping – direct from our MotoGP bikes. R1M runs an Ohlins electronic suspension system that actively adjusts to suit road conditions as you ride.

Electronic control technologies

Our road bike range bristles with technologies that make them easier to ride. Even MotoGP legends need technology to get the power to the track in the best way possible. Benefits such as Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCCT) and Intake (YCCI) work seamlessly with the fuel injection system to ensure optimum performance at all times. Fly-by-wire throttle and fuel injection also enables our D-Mode power map switches and cruise control to be fitted to a wide range of sports and touring bikes – so you can easily select the type of riding that suits your mood and road conditions.

Rider Aids

Other technologies include the fitment of a Quick Shift System (QSS) and easy view TFT dash to selected R-series and MT models. And our R1M is fitted with a Command Control Unit (CCU) that allows the rider to set up and tune the bike while providing ride feedback and diagnostic information. Because all that top end R-series power generated means nothing without control, Yamaha has introduced a wide range of technologies direct from the racetrack that make riding a more rewarding experience. These include lift control (LIF), launch control (LCS), slide control (SCS), lean angle controlled ABS, accelerator position sensor (ASPG), brake control technology (BC) and engine brake management (EBM)

Smart Key Technology

Smart Key allows selected scooter owners to start their engines, unlock the seat and more – all remotely via radio waves to a key fob. Never leave your key in the ignition again…

LEANING MULTI WHEEL TECHNOLOGY

As far back as 1977, Yamaha conducted research into leaning multi-wheeled vehicles with two front wheels using the Passol scooter as a base. The goal was to produce a vehicle that shares the leaning characteristics of a motorcycle but with the added grip offered by two front tyres. After some 40 years of development the technology was introduced on the Tricity scooter and during that process, testers realised the system’s potential for sport riding and touring. This led to the release of the Niken in 2018. The main advantages of the parallelogram link front end include:

• Up to 40% extra front end grip
• Almost 20% extra stopping power
• The ability to apply the front brake when leaning
• Higher stability and more confidence when tipping into corners
• Deep 45 degree lean angle
• 50:50 weight distribution with rider
• High levels of comfort especially with a pillion

Niken is at home in flowing twisty corners where its sure footed nature allows spirited riding with less fatigue and less stress, especially in poor road surfaces or wet weather. Above all, Niken delivers not only thrilling ride but also on Yamaha’s promise to exceed customer expectations.

Parallelogram Link

Cantilevered Telescopic Suspension

Stability over uneven surfaces

Increased braking efficiency

By enabling the two front wheels to lean in concert with the chassis when turning, the LMW mechanism brings a natural feel to the handling. The essential component for achieving this is the parallelogram link mechanism that supports the left and right independent suspensions of the two front wheels and connects them to the chassis.

The inclusion of cantilevered type telescopic suspension results in two independent forks to hold the insides of the two front wheels in what is now one of LMW vehicle’s iconic design points. This structure not only enabled a lighter and slimmer chassis design, but it also proved to be the better choice for achieving the various functional qualities desired for an LMW vehicle.

The independent suspensions for the two front wheels and the LMW mechanism function together, so that they work to absorb changes in the level of the road surface or shocks from the road. Even on slippery surfaces, if one of the LMW vehicle’s two front wheels (right or left) loses grip, as long as the other wheel maintains grip, the risk of a fall due to front-wheel slippage is reduced.

Even during straight-line hard braking, the front wheels on an LMW vehicle are difficult to lock up, thus reducing the risk of a fall due to front-wheel lock up. The two front wheels on an LMW vehicle provide excellent grip and can thus deliver stronger braking force.

Technology behind the revolution

Explore The Road Bike Range

Supersport

Agile, aggressive, and bursting with race-bred performance Yamaha's range of R series supersport machines have been designed with one purpose in mind, to win. No stone has been left unturned in the search for maximum performance and handling, whether that be the racetrack or your favourite canyon run. The range starts with the entry-level YZF-R15 and climbs to the ultimate superbike, the YZF-R1M apex predator.

Explore

Maximum Torque

Yamaha's MT range of naked street bikes is all about style with lashing of street cred. Dubbed Hyper Naked, their design reflects the dark side of Japan's motorcycle culture. Eye-catching looks, functionality, and power all combined into one unmistakable package with a comfortable upright riding position. From the entry-level MT 03 through to the top dog MT-10SP the MT range has everyone covered.