Yzr-M1 Gets Naked!

YZR-M1 GETS NAKED!

Yamaha’s YZR-M1 is no hotted-up YZF-R1 slotted into Max Biaggi’s YZR500 chassis. Studio photographs of the stripped-down future Grand Prix contender reveal a purpose-built package from front to rear. The absolutely massive Deltabox-type frame is complemented by an equally enormous aluminum swingarm, radially mounted brake

calipers and latest-generation 16.5inch wheels. Yamaha says the 200plus horsepower, 10-percent-lighterthan-YZF-R7 inline-Four has a broader spread of power and more peak torque than the current two-stroke. Who will all-new machine? Spaniard Carlos Checa is reportedly all set, but a better bet is ex-World Superbike star Noriyuki Haga, despite this past season’s struggles. As for Biaggi, European sources say the four-time 250cc World Champion will stay put on the still-legal two-stroke.

Matthew Miles