The Euro 5 rules are introduced in two stages. The first comes on 1st January 2020, when newly type-approved bikes will have to meet the tighter regulations. The second is 12 months later, at which point existing models will also have to be brought into line. That means the R1 is certain to be changed within the next 20 months.

In terms of the model’s history, 2020 or 2021 also aligns with scheduled updates. Ever since the R1’s introduction, there have been five to six-year gaps between significant changes to the heart of the bike, the engine. The first engine generation, with a 74mm bore and 58mm stroke, lasted from 1998 to 2003, the second (77mm x 53.6mm) lasted from 2004-2008, the third (78mm x 52.2mm) lived from 2009-2014 and the latest (79mm x 50.9mm) has been with us since 2015.

So what can we expect from the next model?

Concept by Michael Soleo