2009 YAMAHA YZF-R1

The specifications of the long awaited 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 have finally been released, much to the relief of die-hard Yamaha fans. The radical engine, designed using MotoGP M1 technology, utilises the cross plane crankshaft to deliver increased power in a smoother way than ever seen, or felt before. The aluminium frame and magnesium rear frame combine to give the rider exactly the stability and rigidity required for optimum handling. This R1 also comes with an electronic steering damper as well as a whole host of additional MotoGP inspired technology.

Features

The R1 features Yamaha D-MODE (or drive mode) with rider-selectable throttle control maps to program YCC-T performance characteristics for riding conditions. YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I is the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. The fuel injection system provides optimum air/fuel mixtures for maximum power and smooth throttle response. The fuel injectors have 12 holes for precise fuel delivery that translates to the most power from every fuel charge.
The updated suspension incorperates new SOQI front forks which use one of the tricks developed for Suzuki’s winning MotoGP bikes: independent damping. The left fork handles compression damping and the right side handles the rebound damping. And the rear shock adopts new bottom linkage for optimum suspension characteristics.
Crossplane crankshaft technology, proven in victory after victory on MotoGP machines, provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical in-line-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180°intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90° from the next with a unique firing order of 270° –180° – 90° – 180°. This engine features new forged aluminum pistons to take maximum advantage of the power characteristics.
Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking and downshifting from high speed.
The exhaust system is completely new. It’s meticulously designed to enhance engine output while, thanks to its three-way catalyst technology, also reducing exhaust emissions.
The newly designed instrumentation includes everything a rider wants to know, including gear position.
Factory racers get machines tailored to their preferences. The R1 has adjustable footrests, with a 15mm height and 3mm front-to-rear adjustment.

Yamaha claim the 2009 R1 is the world's first production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. According to a Yamaha press release, ‘Pioneered in MotoGP racing with the Yamaha M1, crossplane technology puts each crank pin 90 degrees from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270-180-90-180 degrees. The result is incredibly smooth, roll-on power delivery, with outrageous amounts of torque. Not just new, the R1's new crossplane crank engine represents a complete paradigm shift.

Specifications

Engine Type 998cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 16 valves (titanium valves)
Bore x Stroke 78.0mm X 52.2mm
Compression Ratio 12.7:1
Carburetion Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission 6-speed w/multi-plate slipper clutch
Final Drive #530 O-ring chain
Chassis Suspension/Front 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; 4-way adjustable, 5.1-in travel Brakes/Front Dual 310mm disc; radial-mount forged 6-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear 220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Tires/Front 120/70ZR17M/C 58W
Tires/Rear 190/55ZR17M/C 75W
Dimensions Length 81.1 in
Width 28.1 in
Height 44.5 in
Seat Height 32.8 in
Wheelbase 55.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 24.0°
Trail 4.0 in
Fuel Capacity 4.8 gal
Wet Weight 454 lb