Jack Miller, who has raced in MotoGP for ten years and experienced nearly every V4 machine on the grid, shared his impressions of Yamaha’s new V4 prototype. Despite its clear Yamaha roots, Miller noted that certain aspects of the bike remind him of the Honda, KTM, and Ducati bikes he has ridden throughout his career. Having joined Pramac Yamaha this season after notable success with Marc VDS Honda, Ducati, and KTM, Miller spent a full day testing the V4 at the Valencia post-race test. This marks Yamaha’s departure from the inline M1 engine after 20 years.
Miller explained that while the bike carries Yamaha’s DNA, it also echoes the sound of a Honda or KTM and delivers a Ducati-like engine inertia. It distinguishes itself with unique torque transition and power delivery characteristics. On the first day of testing, Miller was 20th on the timesheet as he concentrated on refining the engine’s performance. Acknowledging that this is just an initial prototype, he emphasized the commitment to intensive development over the winter, with everyone focused on progressing the bike.
“We’re done with the old project and are fully dedicated to this new one,” Miller stated, highlighting how hands-on work will drive improvements forward. Yamaha also plans to adjust the chassis stiffness ahead of the 2026 bike’s debut at the Sepang MotoGP test next year. Miller noted that the team is still figuring out where to stiffen or soften the chassis and that these tweaks will be incorporated into the next iteration of the bike.
Fan Take: This update from Yamaha signals a bold shift in MotoGP engine design, breaking a 20-year tradition and potentially shaking up the competitive landscape. For racing fans, it’s exciting to see how the blend of different manufacturer traits in this new V4 could lead to an innovative and dynamic era in the sport.
