There is no doubt that superbikes are the most competitive field, and major brands are fighting openly and secretly, not giving in, and constantly using the latest ideas, the latest technology, and the latest materials in order to win the "crown jewel". Therefore, for superbikes, it is to sail against the current, and if you do not advance, you will retreat!
Yamaha understands this, and the YZF-R1 is fully permeated with evolutionary concepts, striving to improve its comprehensive performance across the board.
Increase energy and reduce consumption
In order to enhance the high-speed performance of the power heart, this side-by-side four-cylinder engine features a new cylinder head, optimized valve mechanism, new finger follower for valve rocker arms, and modified cam contours to optimize valve lift and make valve opening and closing more stable at high speeds. Similar improvements have been made in the inlet air, with the choke valve mounted closer to the combustion chamber to enhance combustion stability and efficiency. The choke body is of a 45mm bore, but the new Bosch nozzle is no longer mounted at the bottom, but instead moved to the top. Compared to the previous generation, this 10-hole nozzle injects fine oil mist more directly into the combustion chamber and the jet angle is wider than in the past, reaching 21.5°, which helps to further improve the power efficiency of the juxtaposed four-cylinder engine.
Reducing losses is equally important. The connecting rod of this power heart is made of titanium alloy material, which is manufactured by cracking processing technology, which reduces the weight by 40% compared with the traditional steel connecting rod, greatly reducing inertia! The crankshaft is also reduced by 20%, which makes the engine responsive, especially in high-speed areas! Moreover, this side-by-side four cylinder adopts a special structure, the cylinder is offset from the crankshaft centerline, reducing friction between the piston and the cylinder. In addition, the latest version of the YZF-R1 also improves the deflector design, and the aerodynamic performance is improved by 5.3%!
Full of power
A good sports car can only have power, but without power, it is impossible! In this regard, you don't have to worry at all, the YZF-R1's 998mL displacement side-by-side four-cylinder engine, without the need to enable forced intake, can output super peak power, the maximum power of 147.1 kW (13500r/min), the maximum torque of 113.3N·m (11500r/min). This passionate fiery ambition, matched with the light vehicle mass, gives the YZF-R1 an excellent power-to-mass ratio and exceptionally sharp acceleration!
The YZF-R1 is not only powerful, but also easy to control precisely, thanks to the cross-crankshaft that YAMAHA has always adhered to. The ignition order of this 90-degree crankshaft is 270 -180 -90 -180, which is very different from the ignition order 180 -180 -180 -180 of the conventional four-cylinder side-by-side. It should be noted that the cross crankshaft was not introduced to extract higher peak power, but to enhance the linear output of power. Since each piston and connecting rod are in a different position of motion, the inertial torque generated during rotation cancels out each other, effectively strengthening the linear output of power, making it easy for the rider to accurately control the power generation. What's more, the YZF-R1's electronic throttle is equipped with a new acceleration position sensor to provide riders with a smoother throttle control experience!
Improved frame
For the highly excited side-by-side four-cylinder engine, YAMAHA carefully designed the aluminum triangular box frame and hugged the engine tightly as a reinforcing unit through 4 points; the aluminum alloy swingarm of the upper truss structure has an unusual strength to handle 147.1 kW of power; and the subframe uses magnesium alloy, with the goal of achieving the advantages of high strength and light weight.
Moreover, the YZF-R1 also upgraded the suspension system. The 120mm 43mm KYB inverted fork continues to be retained, but the internal structure has been modified, and the new damping valve features a laminated structure while slightly reducing the spring rate and adjusting the hydraulic oil level, which allows the rider to get more accurate road feedback from the fork, feeling more direct and natural!
Yamaha claims that the compact frame, optimized forks, and modified steering dampers and rear shock absorbers give the latest version of the YZF-R1 even more powerful frame performance!
7 kinds of wisdom
In 2015, the YZF-R1 became a "smart machine" at the forefront and is now smarter.
The current YZF-R1 is equipped with a new brake control system (BC). This intelligent over-bend anti-lock braking system allows the rider to choose the mode of the over-bend anti-lock braking system, BC1 is a fixed sensitivity, while BC2 is elastic sensitivity, mainly depending on the body tilt and state.
At the same time, a new engine brake management system (EBM) was installed. Riders can choose high, medium and low engine braking levels according to personal preferences and driving environment, of which EBM1 is the strongest and EBM3 is the weakest.
In addition to BC and EBM, the YZF-R1 is equipped with side slip control (SC), traction control (TC) with tilt sensing, front wheel lift control (LIF), start control (LC), and quick shift system. The "Seven Wisdoms" help riders drive the YZF-R1 safer, more comfortably and more confidently, so that riders can fully understand what "intelligent control" is!
YAMAHA YZF-R1
Engine type: liquid-cooled, DOHC 16 valves, side-by-side four cylinders
Cylinder displacement: 998mL
Bore × stroke: 79.0mm×50.9mm
Compression ratio: 13.0 : 1
Maximum power: 147.1kW (13500r/min)
Maximum torque: 113.3N·m (11500r/min)
Fuel supply mode: electronic fuel injection system
Clutch type: wet multi-plate, sliding clutch
Start mode: electric start
Gearbox: 6 speeds
Drive mode: chain
Frame: Diamond frame
Length× width× height: 2055mm×690mm×165mm
Seat height: 855mm
Minimum ground clearance: 130mm
Back inclination: 24
Drag distance: 102mm
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Suspension: (Front) 43mm inverted fork with 120mm stroke
(Rear) monotube shock absorber, stroke 120mm
Braking system: (front) 320mm dual discs, 4-piston calipers
(Rear) 220mm single brake disc, single piston caliper
Tire specifications: (front) 120/70 ZR17
(Rear) 190/55 ZR17
Curb weight: 201kg
Fuel tank volume: 17L