The R-Series from Yamaha is a line of sportbikes designed for performance-oriented riders. These motorcycles are characterized by their sleek styling, high-revving engines, and nimble handling. The R-Series includes several models, such as the YZF-R1, YZF-R3, YZF-R6, and YZF-R7; each with its own unique features and capabilities. 

In 1961, Yamaha made its debut in the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix and has been continuously learning technological and cultural lessons that help shape its motorcycle development. Today, Yamaha's R-Series supersport lineup showcases the results of its research.

The original YZF-R1 was released in 1998 and though we’ve seen significant technological advances since then, one thing remains the same. Every sportbike that is part of this lineup is sure to bring an exhilarating and eye-catching ride. Curious about how it came to be? Check out the pedigree of the R-Series. 

In this article, we'll cover:

1. The Yamaha R1: An Introduction to a Legend

2. The Yamaha R3: An Entry Level Bike with Style and Performance

3. The Yamaha R6: Power, Handling, and Design

4. The Yamaha R7: From World Superbike to Your Garage

Comparing the Yamaha R-Series Sportbikes 

Over the years, Yamaha released a number of motorcycles in the series - all designed to improve certain characteristics from the previous iteration or to fill a gap in the market. And though there are certainly differences between the bikes, it’s clear when there’s an “R” in the name, that the bike will be synonymous for an above average experience. 

Let’s start with the key specs for some of the most popular models in the series: the R1, R3, R6, and R7. We’ll also break down the types of riders that each bike is a good fit for. 

Yamaha R1: An Introduction to a Legend 

When Yamaha released the R1, its impact was immediate. In fact, it was considered so influential in the sportbike realm that Japanese journalists named the effect the “R1 shock”. At the time, stability, traction, and rideability that the bike would come to be known for were unprecedented. 

The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R1 has 998 inline-four mill that puts out 198 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. It features Yamaha’s crossplane crankshaft, advanced electronic systems, and upgraded suspension and brakes.

2022 Yamaha R1 Specs:

• Engine Type: 998cc, liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder DOHC; 4- valves per cylinder
• Horsepower: 198 hp
• Torque: 83 ft-lb
• Bore x Stroke: 79.0mm x 50.9mm
• Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
• Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
• Transmission: 6-speed; wet multiplate assist and slipper clutch
• Final Drive: Chain
• Suspension / Front: 43mm KYB® inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7- in travel
• Suspension / Rear: KYB® single shock, fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel
• Brakes / Front: Dual 320mm hydraulic disc; Brake Control System and ABS
• Brakes / Rear: 220mm hydraulic disc; Brake Control System and ABS
• Tires / Front: 120/70ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F
• Tires / Rear: 190/55ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R
• Price: $17,599

Dimensions, capacity, and colors:

• L x W x H: 80.9 in x 27.2 in x 45.9 in
• Seat Height: 33.7 in
• Wheelbase: 55.3 in
• Rake (Caster Angle): 24.0°
• Trail: 4.0 in
• Maximum Ground Clearance: 5.1 in
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal
• Fuel Economy: 33 mpg
• Wet Weight: 448 lb
• Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
• Colors: Team Yamaha Blue; Performance Black

The Yamaha R1 was designed to deliver thrilling riding experiences to the most demanding riders. With its high-revving engine, lightweight build, and electronic rider aids, the R1 offers superb handling and power.

Who is the Yamaha R1 made for? 

The R1 is the type of bike that even non-riders know about. And for those who do ride - this bike is often a dream motorcycle (for those who are into sport bikes). It has standout power-to-weight ratio and in its most recent iterations (2020 and newer) it is recognized for improved responsiveness and suspension.

Is the Yamaha R1 safe for beginners? Given its performance specs, the answer is probably not. Because of how it handles, a high level of skill and control are crucial. So, if you’re on the newer side of things, you may want to instead consider the R3, which we look at below. 

Yamaha R3: An Entry Level Bike with Style and Performance

Even though the R3 is the smallest supersport in the lineup, it is just as serious about its purpose as its more powerful counterparts. With YZR-M1-inspired top clamps, forged aluminum pistons, and sleek bodywork, the R3 bears a striking resemblance to the larger iterations. Its tractable 321cc engine makes it an attractive option for riders who may feel intimidated by the more powerful models. 

The R3 is known for a lightweight chassis and agile handling that make it easy to maneuver and navigate through tight corners and turns, and its comfortable seating position makes it ideal for longer rides.

2022 Yamaha R3 Specs:

• Engine Type: 321cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
• Horsepower: 36hp @ 10,700 rpm
• Torque: 19.8 lb.-ft. @ 9,000 rpm
• Bore x Stroke: 68.0 x 44.1mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
• Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection
• Transmission: 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch
• Final Drive: Chain
• Suspension / Front: Inverted telescopic fork; 5.1 in. travel
• Suspension / Rear: Monocross single shock, preload adjustable; 4.9 in. travel
• Brakes / Front: Floating 298mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
• Brakes / Rear: 220mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
• Tires / Front: Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300; 110/70-17
• Tires / Rear: Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300; 140/70-17
• Price: $5,299

Dimensions, capcity, and colors:

• L x W x H: 82.3 in x 28.7 in x 44.9 in
• Seat Height: 30.7 in
• Wheelbase: 54.3 in
• Rake (Caster Angle): 25.0°
• Trail: 3.7 in
• Maximum Ground Clearance: 6.3 in
• Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal
• Fuel Economy: 56 mpg
• Wet Weight: 375 lb
• Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
• Colors: Team Yamaha Blue; Performance Black

With its advanced technology and eye-catching design, the R3 offers a combination of style, performance, and affordability that is unmatched in its class.

Who is the Yamaha R3 for?

The Yamaha R3 hits the mark for beginners thanks to its combination of style, performance, and affordability. It has a more upright riding position than other bikes in the R-Series and isn’t as tall or heavy - all of which make for an easier riding experience. However, that’s not to say a more experienced rider won’t enjoy this bike - particularly given how much more comfortable it can be on a longer ride than some of its sportier counterparts. 

Yamaha R6: Power, Handling, and Design 

The Yamaha R6 is a high-performance sport motorcycle known for its sleek design and responsive handling. With a reputation for being one of the best handling motorcycles in its class, the R6 is a popular choice among riders who value precision and agility on the road or track. 

Its aerodynamic bodywork and aggressive styling are a testament to Yamaha's racing heritage, and its advanced technology is designed to enhance the rider's experience, making it easier to push the limits and explore the full potential of the motorcycle. 

The R6 is also known for its smooth power delivery, which allows riders to quickly and confidently navigate tight corners and straights. Overall, the Yamaha R6 is a motorcycle that has been designed with performance and excitement in mind, making it a top choice for riders who crave the thrill of high-speed riding.

2022 Yamaha R6 Specs:

• Engine Type: 599cc Inline-4 DOHC, 16 valves
• Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 42.5mm
• Horsepower: 117hp @ 14,500 rpm
• Torque: 50 ft-lbs @ 10,500 rpm
• Compression ratio: 13.1:1
• Transmission: 6-speed w/ up-only quickshifter, wet multiplate clutch with slipper function
• Drive:  GYTR R-Series 520 chain
• Suspension / Front: Fully adjustable 43mm KYB inverted fork; 4.7 in. travel
• Suspension / Rear: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable KYB piggyback reservoir shock; 4.7 in travel
• Brakes / Front: 320mm discs w/ 4-piston Nissin radially mounted calipers and master cylinder with ABS
• Brakes / Rear: 220mm disc w/ single-piston Nissin caliper with ABS
• Tires / Front: 120/70-17 Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300; 110/70-17
• Tires / Rear: 180/55-17
• Price: $18,399

Dimensions, capacity, and colors:

• L x W x H: 80.3 in x 27.4 in x 45.3 in
• Seat Height: 33.5 in
• Wheelbase: 54.1 in
• Rake (Caster Angle): 24.0°
• Trail: 3.8 in
• Maximum Ground Clearance: 5.1 in
• Fuel Capacity: 4.6 gal
• Fuel Economy: 36 mpg
• Wet Weight: 419 lb
• Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
• Colors: Team Yamaha Blue; Performance Black

Put simply, the Yamaha R6 is an excellent choice for riders who want a high-performance sport motorcycle that is both thrilling to ride and visually striking.

{Want more Moto content? Sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates, new products, sales, and much more}

Who is the Yamaha R6 for?

Given the powerful engine and ergonomics that are better suited for the track than the highway, the R6 is not a great option for beginner riders. Considered by many to be a racer bike first, it prioritizes sportiness over comfort. 

For example, it features a shorter wheelbase, which is great for cornering, but isn’t so comfortable for long riders. It also has the highest seat position in the R-Series, making it harder for beginner riders to build their balance by putting their feet firmly on the ground. 

Yamaha R7: From World Superbike to Your Garage

The Yamaha R7 is a motorcycle that is designed to provide a balance of performance and comfort, with a focus on versatility and everyday usability. It has an angular design that is inspired by Yamaha's racing background. And if the name “R7” sounds familiar, you may be thinking of their flagship homologated World Superbike offering, which shares a namesake.

As you may expect, the Yamaha R7 is serious when it comes to its specifications. In many ways it is an upgrade from previous, and different, iterations (particularly the R6). Particularly in that it was built to take some of the raw power that Yamaha bikes are known for and put it into a package more suited for the streets.

2022 Yamaha R7 Specs:

• Engine Type: 689cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.
• Bore x stroke: 80.0 x 68.6mm
• Horsepower: 72.4 hp @ 8,750 rpm (on EU models)
• Torque: 49 ft-lbs @ 6,500 rpm (on EU models)
• Compression ratio: 11.5:1
• Transmission: 6 speed with wet, multiplate assist/slipper clutch
• Drive: Chain
• Suspension / Front: 41mm KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
• Suspension / Rear: KYB shock, spring preload and rebound adjustable; 5.1 in. travel
• Brakes / Front: 4-piston Advics calipers, dual 298mm discs with ABS
• Brakes / Rear: 1-piston Nissin caliper, 245mm disc with ABS
• Tires / Front: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 120/70-17
• Tires / Rear: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 180/55-17
• Price: $8,999

DImensions, capcity, and colors:

• L x W x H: 81.5 in x 27.8 in x 45.7 in
• Seat Height: 32.9 in
• Wheelbase: 54.9 in
• Rake (Caster Angle): 23.4°
• Trail: 3.5 in
• Maximum Ground Clearance: 5.3 in
• Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gal
• Fuel Economy: 58 mpg
• Wet Weight: 414 lb
• Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
• Colors: Team Yamaha Blue; Performance Black

With a beefed up suspension, brakes, and steering, this bike eats corners for breakfast and leaves riders feeling a true rush of exhilaration from start to finish. Though it might not be quite as fast as its racetrack ready predecessor, it’s certainly a far cry from slow.

Who is the Yamaha R7 for?

Known by many as the bike that fits neatly between the R1 and R3, the R7 is considered to be a more manageable bike than the R6. but still has that unmistakable Yamaha aura. 

According to Motorcycle News, this bike is, “sporty, friendly and with a voracious appetite for corners, it’s the perfect machine for new riders to start their sportsbike journey.” It’s also half the price of the R1, and considered by many to be more fun.  

Summary

The R Series has a reputation for offering cutting-edge technology and advanced features, making them a top choice for enthusiasts who demand the best in performance and handling. 

The drive for speed and quality that accompanies the Yamaha R-Series means there’s a bike for almost every experience level and use case. Many of their motorcycles are equally as adept on the track as on the road, but it’s important to keep in mind your experience level and goals when choosing your next bike.

Do you have questions about any of the Yamaha R-Series bikes listed above? Already have one and ready to accessorize? Contact us. We’ve been in business since 2011 and carry accessories for over 700 motorcycle models. You can shop by brand, product, or bike.