So you've got a 2015-18 Yamaha YZF-R1 and you'd like to make it faster, lighter or simply perform better for your needs. Read below to get our staff and customer top picks for parts and upgrades for this bike and leave the guesswork out of it. Let's get right to it!
#1. Superbike Unlimited ECU Flash Service – This is definitely the best modification per dollar you will do for your R1. All 15-18 YZF-R1 models benefit so greatly from this service, it's no wonder it's the top upgrade for the R1. A typical gain of around 20 horsepower is expected, along with all-new power modes and torque maps, better engine braking feel, much-improved power delivery and a plethora of other features, like reduced fan temps and adjustable rev limit are included. The service includes mapping for your modifications and our dyno-built map library is extensive.
We also have a "Pro Race" ECU flash for racers that essentially includes all of the features and mapping in the above links, but also provides a completely new race-oriented electronics package with the ability to reduce intervention and aggressiveness of the rider aids, such as LIF, TCS, SCS and even QSS is improved. It includes some features that aid in starts, as well as optional pit lane limiter and some other special features.
Honorable mention – FTECU ECU flash kits These can be a great option for "do it yourselfers" looking for a way to test and experiment with ECU flashing from home. All that's needed is a Windows-based PC and one of these kits and you're able to flash a single ECU an unlimited number of times. Users are typically provided with a handful of free maps, sometimes for different exhausts and modifications. The downside to this option is ECU mapping can be complicated and there are risks involved. The other consideration is that it is likely you'll not be able to extract the level of performance that our service offers out of your ECU in a reasonable timeframe. Bench HERE and Bike-Side HERE.
#2. Cat-Eliminating Exhaust System – Many of you will be looking at this option, as it's often one of the first upgrades we all do to our new bikes and understandably so! They make more power and produce a much more desirable exhaust note, especially on the Yamaha's beautiful-sounding crossplane engine.
The stock "header" on the R1 is actually quite good. It's made of titanium and has no major flaws and so the Yamaha makes good power with just a 3/4 or cat-eliminating exhaust system. A good quality full exhaust will yield more power, anywhere from 2-4 throughout various parts of the rev range, so the performance junkies may lean towards this option. Below are our favorite cat-eliminating exhausts.
Yoshimura Alpha Taper in Titanium or Stainless Steel This exhaust always surprises select customers as a top choice for us, but it's been a strong performer on the dyno, produces an excellent sound and is very well made. The only performance difference between stainless steel and titanium is weight.
Graves Motorsports Titanium 200mm Cat Eliminating Exhaust A proven performer for Yamaha. This exhaust has undergone several revisions since 2015 and each one is better than the last. Graves makes a very nice exhaust system that meets performance, sound and quality expectations with ease. All of Graves' cat-eliminating exhausts perform well, so if you don't like the canister on this system, don't be afraid to select an alternative.
Arrow Titanium Half Race Exhaust System with GP or Superbike Canister This exhaust has been a winner since inception and has only made improvements with some small revisions over the past few years. Always one of the best horsepower-producers and sound is very aggressive. The only downside to this exhaust is it eliminates the passenger pegs by using a rear-mounted exhaust bracket.
Note: Cat-eliminating exhaust systems are for off-road race use only.
#3. Brake Pads – The Yamaha YZF-R1 comes with ABS and when combined with the lackluster OEM pads, it gives the impression of poor braking ability and feel. Fortunately, this is a really simple fix. A set of high-quality brake pads will absolutely transform the braking performance of your R1. Our top picks for brake pads below:
SBS Dual Sinter – This is the king of braking performance. They work hot or cold and will get the job done under any circumstance. A favorite amongst riders in World Superbike, Moto2, British Superbike and MotoAmerica, you just can't go wrong with them. They also tend to be very durable.
Vesrah RJLXX – A true veteran of the racetrack, these are a favorite amongst club and professional racers. Strong initial bite, good feel and durability.
Vesrah RJLSS – Vesrah's 'Pro' pad, a newer compound with slightly less initial bite and linear feel. This is a good alternative for those who don't like the strong bite of XX pads.
#4. 520 Conversion Kit (chain and sprocket set) – This is a great way to change the power delivery of your R1, while also cleaning up the aesthetics and dropping some considerable weight. There are some big misconceptions that a 520 kit can't handle the power of a 1000cc superbike. This is absolutely not true, you'll see that every MotoGP and World Superbike is equipped with a 520 pitch chainwheel set. In our years of racing, we've never seen a failure of a properly rated chain on one of these bikes. Some excellent choices for 520 kits below:
Driven 520 Conversion Chain and Aluminum Sprocket Kit – This is one of our top picks, because it offers the pairing of Driven's durable hard anodized rear sprocket with our favorite chain, the EK 3D.
Superlite RS7 Series 520 Conversion Steel Sprocket Set – This is a very popular kit with customers, offering a high quality and durable steel sprocket set with an excellent chain from D.I.D.
Vortex 520 Conversion Chain and Aluminum Sprocket Kit – Always an excellent choice, this Vortex kit is a tried and true set with great quality components at a budget-friendly price.
#5. – Suspension Upgrades – This one may not be for everyone, but can produce an incredible change in handling and rider confidence. The stock suspension on the YZF-R1 is not awful, but it's also far from perfect. These parts below will offer considerable improvements in adjustability, handling and feel for riders in the mountains or your local race track.
Ohlins YA 468 – This is Ohlins' latest TTX GP shock absorber for the Yamaha R1. It introduced hydraulic preload, a new spring, an all-new valving and compression piston, as well as new adjusters. It's fully adjustable and offers a considerable length adjustment range to fine-tune your handling. This is a great way to dial your R1 in and improve tire life. We do suggest pairing this shock with a fork or fork kit to perfectly balance your machine.
Ohlins FKR 102 or FKR 103 for the Yamaha YZF-R1 / R1M – Ohlins cutting-egde spring pressurized cartridge kit for the Yamaha. This is an expensive upgrade, but well worth it. The FKR has become a favorite in Superstock/Supersport series globally, because it offers incredible feel, stability and grip. The technology was developed in Moto2 and is now used in every major series around the globe. It includes 3 sets of springs in the cost as well.
Ohlins FGRT 219 Road & Track Front Forks – These are always a fan favorite and for good reason. Aside from their incredibly distinctive and beautiful look, these forks set a very high bar. They are precision machined to a much higher tolerance and specification than the OEM fork. They produce a much more solid and confidence-inspiring feel, while having minimum stiction or chatter-inducing feedback.
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Honorable mention – Ohlins FGK 30mm NIX Cartridge Kits – This is another great option for riders who don't want to spend FGRT or FKR money on their fork, but still want a very capable upgrade. FGK 234 for the R1M, FGK 235 for the R1 / R1S.
Stay tuned for part 2!
