2020 Yamaha R1’s BT Moto Flash Review

2020 Yamaha R1 Review With BT Moto Flash Results

The 2020 Yamaha R1 is a powerhouse of dependability and brute strength, boasting a 998cc inline-four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 197 horsepower at 13,500 rpm and 83 pound-feet of torque at 11,500 rpm. It's interesting to note that back in 2015, the R1 was one of the first to introduce a six-axis gyro to manage its rider aids, and by 2020, it had evolved to feature an arsenal of sophisticated electronics. This includes three settings for launch control, ten for traction, four for slide control, and four different power modes. 

Curious to see how much we could push the 2020 Yamaha R1, we decided to pair it with our BT Moto ECU Flash for a comprehensive review. Initially, we noticed that the throttle was quite punchy and the exhaust seemed to be a bit off with some fueling issues, but nothing that raised alarms. Now, let's take you on a journey through our before and after results with the BT Moto ECU Flash. Let’s fire it up.

First Impressions of 2020 Yamaha R1 Stock Tuning

Hopping on the 2020 Yamaha R1, you’re hit with an interesting contradiction in power. For instance, the bike effortlessly popped a wheelie in first gear, yet seemed reluctant to perform another in second gear. This limitation stems largely from the 2020 model's restrictions, particularly a notable reduction of about 30 wheel horsepower at the high end of the rev range. The crossplane engine’s sound is a thrill, nearly mirroring the exhilarating vibes of a MotoGP machine. The smoothness of the throttle transitions is also pretty slick, nothing jerky about it. 

However, it wasn't all smooth cruising. We noticed a significant drop in power when you really push it, especially at higher speeds, and that was something we aimed to fix with a flash tune. Additionally, the bike experienced a few stalls at idle, likely due to a fueling issue, which was resolved after the ECU flash. And while the throttle generally felt good and the ride was mostly smooth, there was a noticeable fall off in power at full throttle, and the downshifts were mediocre at best. 

To really nail down what was happening with the power loss, we did some testing at the factory tuning top end. It confirmed our suspicions: the bike really struggled in the upper range. For a clearer picture of what the R1 was capable of pre and post-flash, we tested acceleration times from 60 to 130 mph with the stock setup. The results were decent, clocking in at 5.21 seconds, but still, the bike was held back by significant limiters at the top end.

Hence, flashing the 2020 Yamaha R1 was clearly the way to go to fix those top-end blues.

2020 Yamaha R1 ECU Flash and Results

For the BT Moto Stage 1 ECU flash tune, we started by re-working the map from scratch on the dyno. We then tested it on the street and track with testers throughout the world - the BT Moto way. After tuning was sorted we made a first ever 2020+ R1 ECU flash available on our popular handheld tuning device. This allows you to flash the 2020 Yamaha R1 with the new tuning from the comfort of your own home.

After we flashed the ECU, we hit the road to test out the changes. Right off the bat, the bike felt snappier and more powerful. The shifter was noticeably quicker, and downshifting became exceptionally smooth and easy. The power delivery transformed the R1, making it feel rejuvenated, almost like a spirited young stallion. The improvement in the quickshifter alone was quite a game-changer post-flash.

Next, we wanted to check out the top-end performance enhancements. The BT Moto Flash had also boosted the launch control settings—flipping it on and hitting the first gear revved the bike up to 7000 rpm seamlessly. In this Stage 1 setup, we not only corrected the factory fueling and ignition settings but also fine-tuned the quickshifter for both up and down shifts without disrupting the bike's balance. We extended the rev limiter too, making sure everything operated as smoothly as if it were fresh from the factory but with significantly more oomph.

It was then time to measure the real-world impact with a 60 to 130 mph speed test. The BT Moto flashed R1 impressively shaved off a solid half second, clocking in at just 4.64 seconds.

The transformation was stark—from a bike that struggled to maintain a steady power output to one that barely wanted to stay grounded, offering raw, unbridled power at our fingertips.

With the more consistent power delivery at higher revs, the BT Moto Flash truly lived up to our expectations. It did more than just tweak the 2020 Yamaha R1—it unleashed its full potential, making it every bit the track dominator it was meant to be.

The Bottom Line

The BT Moto Flash truly transformed the 2020 Yamaha R1, eliminating any struggle for power at high revs. This tune clears up any hesitations in the high revs, ensuring the bike doesn’t feel like it's gasping for air anymore. It’s particularly noticeable in turns—the power stays buttery smooth, allowing you to throttle on or off without throwing the bike off its game. It feels like the bike was meant to perform this way, making every ride feel spot on. 

It goes without saying that BT Moto Flash is ideal for anyone looking to dial up the aggression on their ride or just wanting to break free from those pesky factory restrictions. It transforms the R1 into a more responsive and exhilarating machine. 

So, if you're curious about what the BT Moto Flash can do for your 2020 Yamaha R1 or have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime. We're here to walk you through everything and can't wait to help you amp up your 2020 Yamaha R1.