seems they're tired of being in the back
 

2015 R1...... pretty impressive technically; Ti valves and conrods, finger follower valve actuation, a plethora of electronics, lots o' Mg (including wheels), aluminum tank, 200 hp (!)......

Of course, the true test will be on the street and track...

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/...up=MC&catId=79
http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/...up=MC&catId=79

check out some of the tech details.... a nice effort from the Tuning Fork boys....

VERY nice upgrades. I'm really digging the aesthetics too, especially the front end and tail. Heavily inspired by MotoGP, well done.

Now what's the biggest difference between the R1 and R1M?? Couldn't make that out... *Edit, found it here- http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2014/Nov/14101103aa.htm *

As much as the 2015 R1 bristles with performance, style, and race-bred substance, the R1M actually kicks things up yet another notch, giving you a production Superbike that's as close as you can get to a street-legal M1 MotoGP bike, effectively blurring the line between the two.

The R1M showcases an additional range of highly sophisticated components--including Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), carbon fiber bodywork (upper fairing, side fairings, and front fender), and a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS that enables the rider to capture ride data (including GPS tracking) and then download it via WiFi to the Yamaha Y-trac smartphone and tablet app. Once the data is downloaded, the rider can analyze it overlaid with the track map, make setting changes, and upload those changes back to the R1M.

The R1M's specially developed tires are the result of a joint collaboration between Yamaha and Bridgestone. The 200/55-ZR17 rear tire and 120/70-ZR17 front tire use a special compound formulated to optimize the performance characteristics of the R1 and allow the rider to experience outstanding levels of traction with extreme lean angles.

Additional R1M features include a clear-coated aluminum fuel tank, a highly polished aluminum swingarm, gold-colored front radial-mount calipers, specially finished gold inner tubes on the 43mm Öhlins front forks, and a special R1M badge on the airbox cover.

After riding this Superbike taken to the Mth degree, four-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion Josh Hayes said, "If you've ever ridden an R1--or any literbike for that matter--chances are, you've got a secret wish to swing your leg over a full-on, race-ready Superbike. Well, with the R1M, now you can.

"The R1M is as close to race-ready as I've ever seen in a production bike. It's so far ahead of the competition that it's tough to even make comparisons. It's really in a league of its own, and I can't wait to race it next year in the new MotoAmerica series."

Since the R1M is intended for professional racers and highly experienced riders who demand the ultimate in track performance, less than 500 of the limited-edition model will be available in the U.S. beginning in late February 2015. Offered in a first-of-its-kind Carbon Fiber/Liquid Metal color scheme, the R1M will carry a suggested retail price of $21,990.

Wow, looks nice. Thats the first bike to do away with big reflector type headlights right? I mean they could always do it but you risk that buyers will get thrown by the non conventional look.

This sounds dumb but look what happened to Ducati when they busted out the 999. And then when they got rid of stuff like underseat exhaust and SS swingarm, customers were in an uproar so they went back to it.

Will be interesting to see the way the liter bikes compare. Quite the arms race.

A change in wind direction last couple of years over at Yamaha
What I would like to see is a battle between makers for a light weight, real world power, higher end components, practical ergos, good wind protection, non oragami/beak bike selling for around 10K out the door.
Is that too much to ask

yes..