[LoopyLee]

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.

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

[steingar]

It still looks like a bug.

[LoopyLee]

Then I'm gonna be in the minority then.. I like it hard to choose between the black one and the red/white one though...

admitedly I would put aftermarket exhausts and a tail tidy on it..

[WyoJames]

i don't think a tail tidy would help that horrendous design

[Bigdaddy75]

Crustation like. I'm sure it will grow on me however. The low rent undertail is shamefull.

[ldavis]

the only thing i like is the red seats on the red/white one.. the colors are good but the bike just looks like it's been pieced together from other bikes... like the kawasaki tail that's on there..

[bonham]

I can't wait to hear what the 1-2-1 firing order sounds like.

[exit90a]

I've always thought Yamaha made the best looking bikes and this R1 is no exception. In fact, I nearly tryed to mate with the first 04' Raven R1 when I saw it at the dealer!! Love the yellow and the white/red reminds me of my 99' R1. Performance shortcomings aside, Yamahas always look great IMO.

[vidakd]

Yamaha is really pretty stubborn I guess. It doesn't look very good at all. Considerably worse than last year's model in my opinion. They've stuck with underseat dual exhaust, and made it bulkier.. good one. The headlights are REALL AWFUL... it looks like a bug with bulging eyes. The driver's seat looks uncomfortable and at too much of an angle really. They didn't do integrated turn signals either I see. Other than all of that, it would be ok. I personally think they should have just used ***************'s concept sketches, which look way better:

[low-rider]

i wont make comments regarding design. i said some bad comments year ago on 2008 fireblade and when i saw it in flesh i realised i was wrong. new blade looks really good now. especially if 2009 will come in repsol and hrc colours.

i think new r1 could be best bike out there regarding power, power delivery, torque, smoothness, built in technology... new r1 and ducati desmosedici are the closest things to motogp bikes that we can get. desmosedici is very expensive so that is not so close either so r1 is the closest. i like honda but yamaha maybe made a better bike. i don't know why honda hasn't made 1-2-1 fireblade for 2008? honda has money, people able to do that etc. i wish honda is not the last to put some muscle in their bikes and technology. they are thinking too much about bike's handling and mass centralisation. new blade is centralised enough and light enough now they should put more hp and maybe change engine concept to v4 or v5 or 1-2-1 or 2-2 concept. blade was last one in 1k class to have slipper clutch. r1 is packed with electronics and it works good.

[vidakd]

Originally Posted by low-rider

i wont make comments regarding design. i said some bad comments year ago on 2008 fireblade and when i saw it in flesh i realised i was wrong. new blade looks really good now. especially if 2009 will come in repsol and hrc colours.

i think new r1 could be best bike out there regarding power, power delivery, torque, smoothness, built in technology... new r1 and ducati desmosedici are the closest things to motogp bikes that we can get. desmosedici is very expensive so that is not so close either so r1 is the closest. i like honda but yamaha maybe made a better bike. i don't know why honda hasn't made 1-2-1 fireblade for 2008? honda has money, people able to do that etc. i wish honda is not the last to put some muscle in their bikes and technology. they are thinking too much about bike's handling and mass centralisation. new blade is centralised enough and light enough now they should put more hp and maybe change engine concept to v4 or v5 or 1-2-1 or 2-2 concept. blade was last one in 1k class to have slipper clutch. r1 is packed with electronics and it works good.

I personally think the 08 Fireblade is the coolest looking (post tail tidy) street bike around today, although I'm also very partial to the 1098. It did grow on me, but I liked it from the start... unlike this R1.

Now, I agree with you, the R1 has always been a more race oriented bike, and for this year they've actually made a lot of progress with the engine. I'll wait and see how it performs to make final judgments on that, but honestly... as far as owning one goes... the thing is pretty ugly. The bottom line is, I wouldn't want to look at it, and that's enough to stop me from getting one (unless next years model can also fly or mow my lawn for me... in which case I might live with it lol). If I were buying a strictly race bike, the story might be different.

I also think the improvements that Honda made for 2008 are still pretty important though. It's a smoother, more nimble, and easier bike to control than in previous years. Plus I think it looks very stylish. For someone primarily riding around town, this is more important than fractions of seconds in track times. In the end, these Japanese literbikes are all so close in performance anyway, sales are mostly about brand loyalty and looks.

[low-rider]

Originally Posted by vidakd

I wouldn't want to look at it, and that's enough to stop me from getting one (unless next years model can also fly or mow my lawn for me... in which case I might live with it lol).

[NDMBlackBlade]

It looks like johnny 5

YouTube - Short Circuit 2 trailer

[laubin]

ok thats funny jonny 5..hahah but the 08 cbr looks like my pug dog....
deep down I'm a Honda fan...I rode my 95 cbr900rr(new) until 2003...
I love hated that bike....nice low end power...no top end...flighty handling....I bought a 2003 600rr..it was great at first..but I had been pining after the R1 since 98...2006 rolled around and I bought an r1...wow it was allot of fun....ZERO bottom end...well not zero but felt like my 600rr which I have kept...My 06 R1 has 30K on it now I'm wanting a new bike....I don't like the 08 cbr for the fact that it seems to be another compromise in some form...top end...snatchy low...( I've ridden it)..and it looks ok in the 09 repsol colors..the 09 R1 looks OK in the yellow to me...the new GSXR K9 looks ok but now they have a short stroke motor like the R1....I'm doubting thier low end promise......the KAWI 10R really seems oodd looking but rides OK..its power doesn't feel Phenominal until you get some revs into it....then its allot......blah...
OkHonda puts ABS on thier 09...hmm intrigiing I think...then I see 12999 ok NOT for me ...THE 09 R1 out techs all the bikes out there on paper right now....M1 inspired timing( the sound alone could sell it) variable intake runners, slipper clutch, Hydraulic preload adjuster for the rear, separated damping circuits for rebound and compression(ala moto gp)
gear indicator; EYElids for highbeams?! check.....ok fly by wire throttle...
whew lotsa tech there...some of the other liter bikes have these but not all.....I think many of us who are in the market are waiting for that shoot out to see the new top DOG...looks aside...because that really is in the eye of the beholder.... for me right now I'm looking at that the R1 and the Repsol... allot of people are saying the big 4 are making ugly bikes... I think not...its just some different styling that is NOW having to deal with emmision problems that affect thier looks.,..(goofy exhausts)

[low-rider]

if i would be buying a new bike i would go for 2009 fireblade but now im not sure it is good idea because many owners of 2008 fireblade say it burns oil way too much. that is the only thing that would stop me from buying honda again. and if i would have to think about other brand maybe i would go with suzuki.

[PhantomOp]

hmm... wish i had the cash for that. I love the new look and body style.

[Destructo]

I heard one of these R1's for the first time at the weekend with Akra cans on it. I've gotta say, it sounded absolutely awesome - kind of a V8 sound. Completely different to a normal inline 4.

It'd almost be worth putting up with the looks for that soundtrack.