Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over. Yamaha is finally unveiling the 2015 version of its globally popular YZF-R1 superbike. The current Yamaha R1 has been a bit too long in the tooth, having been introduced way back in 2009. It has seen subtle revisions and changes since then, but legions of diehard fans have been clamoring for a complete revision that would propel the R1 back to the top of the litre-class heap. And Yamaha has finally responded.
Follow us as we update this page with the events live from the EICMA in Milan, as it happens. Keep refreshing this page for the latest updates on the thrilling Yamaha YZF-R1.
Curtain rises.
Giacomo Agostini and Noriyuki Haga, amongst other racers in attendance.
Turns out, there are other motorcycles being launched today.
First up, Yamaha WR250F, an off-roader, with world’s first reverse engine. Presented by the Argentinean and Italian riders who will be fielding the Yamaha Factory Team (Yamalube) in the 2015 Dakar Rally.
Next up: European debut of the new Yamaha YZF-R3. You might remember it was unveiled in the USA at the AIMExpo few weeks back.
ABS is standard on the R3
Next up: The new Yamaha T-Max scooter. 41mm USDs. Smart key. Radial brakes. 12V electric socket. Dual LED headlight. There will be a special version called the Iron Max. Gold accents, metallic accents, and special seat.
Last product before the R1 comes out, or product range really.
“The Dark Side of Japan.”
Say hello to the new Yamaha MT-09 Tracer promo video playing.
Six MT models unveiled in last one year. Light chassis and light handling makes it perfect for European markets. More than 70,000 sales already in Europe.
New three cylinder engine optimised for cooling in long distance scenarios.
This is it. The moment we have all been waiting for. The big one.
Yamaha YZF-R history video playing.
Hiroyuki Yanagi, President, Yamaha Motor Co. taking the stage for the big reveal.
Mr. Yanagi’s english has really improved since the last time we heard him speak in public.
Cheers and applause for the new R1.
“Yamaha is challenging the future.”
Valentino Rossi shirtless promo: Yamaha R1/We Are One
Rossi has lots of inputs on the new R1;
Gearbox and crankcase new.
3D motion detection! Yamaha Ride Control. New TFT LCD Screen. Everything is configurable.
Assymetric Deltabox frame. Forged magnesium sub frame. Forged magnesium wheels.
Central forced air intake.
“About 200 horsepower.” 199 kgs wet.
“It’s an M1 with mirrors and number plate,” says Rossi.
Front-end, brakes, and electronics massively improved. But of course.
“It’s not just about power, it’s about the feel riding it. It wants to go faster.”-Rossi.
A bike like this without any electronic safety nets will be impossible to ride, but we have optimised it to be as unintrusive as possible. 
998cc crossplane in-line 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine
Titanium exhaust with underbody cat con
Lightweight assist and slipper clutch
179 kg dry weight/199 kg wet
ABS with Yamaha Unified Brake System
And that’s a wrap.
But wait, Mr Yanagi is doing a Steve Jobs, “One More Thing,” moment.
Jorge Lorenzo comes out of nowhere.
Introducing the R1 M, the track-honed brother of the R1.
Top notch Ohlins suspension, full carbon fibre body, Android data logger app, even lighter wheels.
Rossi and Lorenzo joking about wanting the higher-spec variant.
R1M will be limited edition only.
This is the end of the conference, but there will be a live webchat with Valentino Rossi right now. Viewers can tweet their questions using #We_R1
And here’s the official reveal video:
First official images of the Yamaha YZF-R1 released.
And the best look yet:
And that’s a wrap, this time officially. Head over here for a detailed overview and image gallery of the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1