It was speculated not long ago, and now the truth is out. Yamaha will drop its crossplane engine found in the R1 and develop a V4. Well, it’s already doing it. This is both good news and bad. Good, in that Yamaha will now be able to compete better. Bad, in that the death of the old engine hurts.
The Yamaha V4 Will Hopefully Power Success
It’s time to say goodbye to a legend. Yamaha’s iconic crossplane engine, the one that’s been serenading MotoGP fans with its distinctive growl, is heading toward retirement. After a string of tough seasons, Yamaha realized it needed to change lanes—fast. The solution? A Yamaha V4 engine, the powerplant dominating MotoGP’s top teams.
In a recent announcement, Yamaha’s team boss Lin Jarvis confirmed what many suspected: a Yamaha V4 is in the works. And it’s not just talk—the engine is already being bench-tested, though it’s not ready for a bike yet.
Jarvis hinted we might see a Yamaha V4 tearing up tracks as early as 2026, two years before the 2027 rule changes kick in. The switch isn’t just about following the crowd, either. Yamaha’s looking to fully explore the V4’s potential against their inline-four engine.
Jarvis was tight-lipped about any potential street versions of the V4, but can you imagine an R1 or R1M powered by it? It’d be a game-changer, possibly helping Yamaha meet stricter emissions standards and reclaim markets where regulations have sidelined their flagship bikes.
Still, while Yamaha’s decision makes sense from a competitive standpoint, there’s something bittersweet about it. The crossplane’s roar, unlike anything else on the grid, will be sorely missed. So here’s to enjoying that glorious engine for a little longer before it’s gone for good.
Source: RideApart
