Back for 2011, the YZF-R1 is the only production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. Crossplane technology, first pioneered in MotoGP® racing with the M1, puts each piston 90° from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270°- 180°- 90°- 180°. This uneven order does an amazing thing… it actually lets power build more smoothly. That means smooth roll-on delivery out of the corners, with outstanding tractability, followed by very strong high rpm power. It’s a feeling that’s simply unmatched, like having two engines in one: the low-rpm torquey feel of a twin with the raw, high-rpm power of an inline four. This breakthrough technology on the YZF-R1 represents a paradigm shift in both technology and performance.
This R1 keeps all the technological superiorities developed for its predecessor: YCC-TTM (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP® inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I® is 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 R1 features Yamaha D-MODE (or drive mode) with rider-selectable throttle control maps to program YCC-T performance characteristics for riding conditions. The standard map is designed for optimum overall performance. The “A” mode lets the rider enjoy sportier engine response in the low- to mid-speed range, and the “B” mode offers response that is somewhat less sharp for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. Switching maps is as easy as pushing a button on the handlebar switch.
In keeping with this machine’s exceptional cornering ability and crisp handling, the aluminum frame has been designed to offer exceptional rigidity balance. The rear frame is lightweight Controlled-Fill die-cast magnesium, contributing the optimum mass centralization. Suspension includes SOQI front forks which use one of the tricks developed for our winning MotoGP® bikes: independent damping. The left fork handles compression damping and the right side handles the rebound damping. And the rear shock adopts bottom linkage for optimum suspension characteristics.
The bodywork does more than add break-away-from-the-crowd styling with its more serious, less busy look. The side fairing is smooth for a sleek appearance. And, instead of the usual four-bulb headlight design, the R1 has only two projector-type bulbs mounted closer to the nose of the bike. This positions ram air ducts closer in for a more compact, smooth look. In addition, the rounded lenses are unique to the supersport industry.
Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in victory after victory on MotoGP® machines provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical inline-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° with a unique firing order of 270° – 180° – 90° – 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuations in inertial torque during each engine revolution, and the accompanying peaky torque characteristics. Instead, combustion torque continues to build, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction out of the corners.
To maximize rider comfort as well as power output, the engine adopts a coupling-type balancer that rotates in the opposite direction as the crankshaft.
This engine features forged aluminum pistons to take maximum advantage of the power characteristics. Titanium intake valves are lightweight.
A forced-air intake system is adopted to increase intake efficiency by using the natural airflow during riding to pressurize the air in the air box. This contributes to outstanding power delivery characteristics in the high-speed range, while the design also helps to minimize intake noise.
Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.
The exhaust system is meticulously designed to enhance engine output while, thanks to its three-way catalyst technology, also reducing exhaust emissions. The silencer is a single expansion type, and the sound coming through from the unique crossplane crankshaft-equipped engine is unlike any other inline-four cylinder production supersport.
This fuel-injected engine takes full advantage of YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), the MotoGP®-inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. There’s also YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, the variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. Fuel injectors have 12 holes for optimum fuel atomization that translates to the most power from every fuel charge.
Have it your way, thanks to Yamaha D-MODE (or “Drive Mode”) variable throttle control. There are three modes that control how YCC-T responds to throttle input from the rider. The selectable “A” mode puts more emphasis on engine response in low to midrange rpm. “B” mode, on the other hand, provides less sharp response to input for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. The standard map is designed for optimum overall performance. Selecting the map you want is as easy as pressing a button on the handlebars.
The frame has a combination of uncompromising rigidity where needed along with carefully achieved flex for the precise rigidity balance this bike needs to give the rider the full benefit of its handling and engine characteristics. It is a sophisticated combination of Controlled-Fill die-cast, stamping, and gravity casting… the exact technology needed for each portion of this advanced frame.
SOQI front forks take a page from the championship-winning design of our MotoGP® weapon, the M1. Since both forks always move together, compression damping duties can be confined to the left fork, while rebound damping is precisely handled by the right fork, reducing oil cavitation.
The SOQI rear shock features both high and low speed compression damping plus an easy-to-use screw hydraulic adjustment for preload. This unit also adopts a pillow-ball-type joint for exceptional shock absorption, road hold feeling, and damper response. To achieve maximum performance, a bottom linkage is used to work with the rest of the chassis refinements for brilliant, crisp handling characteristics.
Factory racers get machines tailored to their preferences. Welcome to the club. R1 has adjustable footrests, with a 15mm height and 3mm front-to-rear adjustment.
The press-formed fuel tank has a shape developed using 3-D simulation analysis technology. The elongated shape of the tank allows it to fit neatly within the frame in a way that promotes concentration of mass.
Yamaha YZF-R1 technical specification:
Engine
Engine type
liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, 4-valves
Displacement
998cc
Bore x stroke
78.0 mm x 52.2 mm
Compression ratio
12.3 : 1
Maximum Power
133.9 kW (182PS) @ 12,500 rpm (without air-induction)
Maximum Torque
115.5 Nm (11.8 kg-m) @ 10,000 rpm
Lubrication system
Wet sump
Carburettor
Fuel Injection
Clutch Type
Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system
TCI
Starter system
Electric
Transmission system
Constant Mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission
Chain
Chassis
Frame
Aluminium Deltabox
Front suspension system
Telescopic forks, Ø 43 mm
Front Travel
120 mm
Caster Angle
24º
Trail
102 mm
Rear suspension system
Swingarm
Rear Travel
120 mm
Front brake
Dual Discs, Ø 310 mm
Rear brake
Single Disc, Ø 220 mm
Front tyre
120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyre
190/55 ZR17M/C (75W)
Dimensions
Overall length
2,070 mm
Overall width
715 mm
Overall height
1,130 mm
Seat height
835 mm
Wheel base
1,415 mm
Minimum ground clearance
135 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)
206 kg
Fuel tank capacity
18.0 litres
Oil tank capacity
3.7 litres
Fuel Economy**
33 mpg
Four colour option that macth Your taste: YZF-R1 white, black, blue and red
