Yamaha is apparently working on a comprehensive overhaul of the aerodynamics for its super sports bikes, relying on technology that has previously been used primarily in automotive engineering. A new patent for the Yamaha R1 shows active cooling air outlets on the side fairings for the first time, which open or close automatically depending on various parameters. This system is designed to help reduce drag and improve both performance and emissions.
Yamaha is marking a milestone in the motorcycle world with the introduction of adaptive Matrix LED headlights in the revised Tracer 9 GT+. This is the first time that this technology, familiar from the automotive sector, has been used as standard on a motorcycle. While it has been established in cars for over a decade, a number of technical hurdles had to be overcome before it could be used on two wheels.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, currently one of the most spectacular and successful riders in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), will make the leap to MotoGP in 2026. According to information from Motorsport.com Global and Speedweek.com, a corresponding contract with Yamaha has already been signed. The exceptional Turkish rider will join the Pramac team - making history: he will be the first Turkish rider in MotoGP.
While Honda is preparing for series production with the V3R E-Compressor and electrically powered supercharger, Yamaha is taking a completely different direction - with an electrically assisted turbocharger, or E-Turbo for short. New patent applications now provide insights into Yamaha's approach to combining increased performance, efficiency and reduced emissions in motorcycles.
Yamaha is bringing movement to the motorcycle market - with an unusual concept: the Japanese company has developed a plug-in hybrid version of its popular MT-09 naked bike. The prototype combines the familiar three-cylinder engine with an additional electric motor, offering a mixture of classic riding fun and innovative technology. However, according to Yamaha, the focus is not on CO2 neutrality, but on the joy of riding.
Since their introduction in the automotive industry, airbags have established themselves as a life-saving innovation. According to the NHTSA, over 50,000 lives were saved by airbags in the USA alone between 1987 and 2017. Worldwide, it is estimated that they prevent around 70,000 deaths every year. However, while cars have long been equipped with this technology across the board, airbags have a niche existence in motorcycle construction. Only the Honda Gold Wing has been available with an airbag as standard since 2007 - an exception that highlights the particular challenges involved in implementing such systems on two-wheelers. Now Yamaha is getting into the game with an innovative sensor concept.
After a six-year break, Yamaha will finally make its official return to the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours in 2025 - one of the most traditional and prestigious endurance races in the world. The factory team is using this comeback not only as a sporting highlight, but also as a central element of the brand's 70th anniversary celebrations. Yamaha is focusing on a successful mix of nostalgia, motorsport history and a top-class line-up.
Hybrid technology has been established in the automotive industry for years, but it has been a rarity in motorcycles until now. Now Yamaha has officially unveiled its first hybrid drive system: the Series Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). In a recently published video, the manufacturer shows how the system works and what possibilities it offers. The test platform shown is based on a modified Yamaha XMAX, suggesting that it could be the first market-ready hybrid scooter or motorcycle of this type.
The motorcycle world has received an update - not in the form of a new model, however, but with a revised logo from Yamaha. The Japanese brand recently announced that its iconic trademark has been modernized. But anyone hoping for a drastic change will be disappointed: The innovation is subtle and remains true to the traditional design.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 has been an integral part of the adventure bike range since its market launch in 2018 and carries on the legacy of Yamaha's legendary rally successes in the 90s. In 2025, the Ténéré 700 remains the best-selling machine in its class and continues to inspire off-road fans and adventurers around the world. The model has been redesigned to offer even better performance both on and off the road.
Since its launch in 2014, the Yamaha MT-07 has been one of the most popular naked bikes in Europe. In model year 2025, Yamaha is presenting the MT-07 with a new look and technical enhancements. The MT-07 remains true to its style and combines its “Dark Side of Japan” philosophy with a revised design and new features.
With the R9, Yamaha is launching another model in its legendary R series and positioning the machine as a sporty addition between the R7 and the R1. The R9 combines proven technology from the CP3 three-cylinder with a new, aggressive design and is intended to impress both on the road and on the race track.
Aerodynamic winglets have been an integral part of modern supersports bikes for several years now, having established themselves in MotoGP. Now another technical concept from motorsport appears to be coming to the roads: so-called “downwash ducts” on the lower side panels of motorcycles.
Yamaha is currently working on a new electric motorcycle designed for high performance and optimized battery capacity. The recently filed patent applications show that the Japanese manufacturer is working flat out on the development of an electric sports bike. The aim is to make optimum use of the available space for batteries while reducing the overall weight.
Yamaha Motor has announced that it will be the first company in Japan to use low-CO2 recycled steel for the packaging frames of its motorcycles. The steel sheets will be produced in electric blast furnaces and will gradually be used in production. This measure is part of the company's environmental strategy and is intended to help reduce CO2 emissions.
Yamaha has developed a new automated manual transmission, the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT). This innovation aims to provide riders with an enhanced riding experience by combining the benefits of a manual transmission with the convenience of a fully automatic system.
Yamaha has filed an innovative patent for a new type of active suspension specifically designed to minimize front suspension dive under braking and rear lift under acceleration. This technology, which is similar to that used in MotoGP, could be used on models such as the Yamaha R1, MT-09 and R6, making these bikes even more powerful and safer.
The exclusive Jonathan Rea replica of the Yamaha YZF-R1, a special limited edition model that will be released in 2025 as a farewell to Yamaha's legendary road bike. Equipped with first-class racing parts and limited to just 65 pieces worldwide, this replica offers a unique combination of performance and collector's value.
The world of technology is constantly evolving, and one of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the combination of augmented reality (AR) with motorcycling. While AR devices that superimpose virtual elements onto the real world have had a rather slow start so far, the introduction of heavily promoted devices such as Apple's Vision Pro and Meta's Quest suggest that these technologies are finally becoming ready for practical use. But what about their application in the motorcycle sector?
In recent days, the rumor mill has been churning over the fate of the Yamaha R1 and R1M - two icons of the liter class that have made the hearts of many motorcycle fans beat faster since their introduction in 1998. Contrary to all fears that these models could be completely withdrawn from the range due to stricter emission standards, Yamaha has now provided clarity. From 2025, the R1 and R1M will be sold exclusively as track bikes in Europe. This decision follows a similar move already made with the R6 and marks a significant turning point in Yamaha's direction.