2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 Preview

The Tuning Fork brand brings the iconic YZF-R1 superbike back to its new-motorcycle lineup in 2024 with no changes, except for a $400 increase in MSRP. The 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 costs $18,399, and it will be available in either Team Yamaha Blue or Raven colors.

Editor’s note: We last test rode the YZF-R1 (previous version) during the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R1 MC Commute Review article and video. Also review our editorial on the YZF-R1M (current model configuration) in the 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1M MC Commute Review and 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M Review MC Commute articles and videos.

The R1 has been a mainstay of track bike riders, racers, and sportbike enthusiasts since its debut back in 1998. In the past 10 years, however, the platform has advanced by leaps and bounds. In 2015, Yamaha introduced a huge revision to the crossplane engine that continues to power the machine to this day, marking a major overhaul to the R1 which took it to the top of the pack in terms of competition with its European rivals.

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More improvements came in 2020 when engineers gave the R1 a much more sophisticated electronics package, along with engine revisions, improved ABS, and better suspension.

Things have been pretty quiet on the revisions front since then, with anniversary models making headlines in 2022, and a GYTR edition R1 in 2023.

Related: The Best Superbikes of 2023

Despite the lack of fireworks around the launch of the 2024 model, the R1 remains a commendable superbike. It’s long been one of our favorites for its phenomenal engine character and handling. The roster of electronic aids is on par with all but the most cutting-edge of its rivals in the segment, and its styling remains identifiable at a glance. We expect the next few years to be interesting for this machine, so be sure to stay tuned for what comes next with the venerable R1.

Related: 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1M Preview