In an exclusive interview, Hirotoshi Noguchi, the man behind Yamaha’s product design, has discussed the company’s plans for the iconic YZF-R1 and the broader supersport segment. As the industry grapples with the future of high-performance motorcycles, Noguchi’s insights offer a valuable perspective.
Noguchi begins by acknowledging the pivotal role that supersport motorcycles play, not just within Yamaha, but across the entire industry. “Supersport, it is the flagship, it’s the symbolic motorcycle,” he asserts. For Yamaha, the YZF-R1 isn’t merely a product; it embodies the culmination of the brand’s passion, technology, and extensive research. It’s the ultimate expression of what Yamaha stands for, and its influence permeates the entire range of motorcycles, from the R125 to the R1.
While some manufacturers are moving away from supersport models, Noguchi is adamant that these bikes still hold intrinsic value, even if they don’t lead in sales. “Even if you didn’t sell a single motorcycle, it still has meaning by existing,” he says, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a flagship that continues to inspire both the market and the company’s internal ethos.
