Yamaha YZR-M1 2019 — Specifications

The Yamaha YZR-M1 was unveiled on February 14, 2019, in Jakarta (Indonesia).

Still entrusted to Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales, will this M1 be the one that brings the Japanese manufacturer back into the spotlight?

That is certainly the ambition of the entire factory, which has worked tirelessly this winter to try and solve its grip and electronics issues. These major concerns have taken a toll on the official team's record for two years and even led engineers to publicly apologize (a first!) on the sidelines of the Austrian GP.

The numbers speak for themselves: Already trailing in 2017 (4 wins and 13 Top 3 finishes), Yamaha struggled last year with ten podiums and only one victory acquired at Phillip Island after long months of waiting.

So, what’s new for 2019?

As usual with the brand with the tuning forks, the new prototype looks very much like its predecessor with its balanced lines, its ridged fuel tank, and its short, beautifully integrated exhaust into the aluminum swingarm. Visually, the biggest change is mainly marketing. Indeed, the title sponsor of previous seasons, Movistar, has been replaced by the neon branding of energy drinks Monster. This change in partnership is logically accompanied by the adoption of the black/green code of the calorific Californian monster. The result is an aggressive blue/black livery (mostly black) that gives the impression of a fusion of the official Yamaha with its former satellite team, Tech3 (now with KTM).

But if the plumage hasn’t changed much, the real work has been done on the mechanics. And according to Kouichi Tsuji, President of Yamaha Motor Racing, the winter has been busy for engineers who have mainly worked on the chassis and electronics. The engine, still based on the same Cross Plane (crankshaft pins positioned at 90° to each other against the traditional 180°, asynchronous ignition sequence) should distribute power differently to improve traction without prematurely destroying the tires.

More than 240 horsepower are therefore on tap. For the rest, you can be sure that manufacturers are reluctant to provide details. So, we know the bare minimum about this 2019 M1, which is also closely linked to the regulations: Magneti Marelli single ECU, single IMU inertial unit (new for the 2019 regulations), 6-speed seamless extractible gearbox with anti-dribble clutch, Brembo brakes with 320 or 340mm front discs (in carbon or steel), two four-piston calipers, full Ohlins suspension, 17-inch magnesium wheels with Michelin tires, and a dry weight of 157 kg, which corresponds to the minimum accepted in the Championship.

Regarding aerodynamic downforce, the M1 remains understated and retains for the moment its small mustaches, which seem to suit it best.

To force the renewal, Yamaha has also made various changes at the organizational and technical staff level with replacements of chief mechanic and engineers. "We needed to bring a breath of fresh air," explains Kouichi Tsuji, "which is why we decided in Japan to change the General Manager Motorsports Development and the Group Leader. We didn’t have good results last season. We couldn’t continue in the same direction."

New motorcycle, new staff. But what’s new about the riders? *A new decade for Valentino Rossi, who has just turned 40, and who retains intact motivation for the quest of a 10th title.* *A new number for Maverick Viñales, who swaps his 25 for a 12 with which he raced earlier in his career.*

The two teammates now have only to transform all this good will into results on the track. The pre-season tests, rather successful for both men, seem in any case to prove that the brand is going in the right direction.

It’s now or never.