2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

 

The Yamaha YZF-R1 2008 Model brings all the fantastic features of a racing bike to the road. It has been used on the track many times with superb results and now everyone can have that racing feel. By taking a step back and opting for the more traditional 4-Valve per cylinder and installing a fly-by-wire throttle system, making performance of this beast a true delight. Yamaha have gone all out and with some additions and modifications which you will see in this review, this bike will leave you breathless, not only in looks but also performance and road handling. Yamaha have been producing the R-1 series since 1998 and they have gone from strength to strength. 

 

Full Specs

 

Spec

YZF R-1

Engine Type

4 stroke 16v in-line 4cylinder DOHC liquid cooled

Displacement (cc/ci)

998 (cc) / 60.9

Compression Ratio

12.7: 1

Torque

87.3ftlb

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Power

Bore (mm/in)

Stroke (mm/in)

187 bhp

 77 / 3.03

 53.6 / 2.11

Wheelbase & Grnd. Clearance

55.7” / 5.1”

Dry Weight

177 kg

Suspension (front / rear)

Front: 43mm telescopic, adjustable pre-load, compression and rebound damping 4.7 in travel .Rear: single shock adjustable pre-load, compression and rebound damping 5.1 travel

Brakes

Dual hydraulic disc / Single hydraulic disc

Ignition Type

Electronic ignition TCI

Tires (front/rear)

120/70-ZR-17
190/50-ZR-17

Fuel Tank Capacity

18 Litres

Colours

1.     Blue

2.     Black

3.     White

4.     Silver

5.     Red

 

 

 

 


Outstanding Features

 

* NEW* Engine improvements include:

·  Chip Control Throttle 32-bit ECU Fuel Injection System for instant response

·  Chip Control Intake which adjusts the funnel length electronically between 65 or 140mm delivering a broad and super smooth power band

·  Closed-Deck Cylinder Block which increases the strength

·  Yamaha Narrow angle 4-Valve Combustion Chamber producing an efficient compression ratio, with Titanium Intake Valves and 25mm exhausts

·  Ramp-Type Slipper Clutch enabling smoother downshifts and corner entry when braking

13-percent larger radiator capacity with liquid cooled aluminium oil cooler which gives a steady operating temperature

M1 styling on the larger ram air ports located in the fairing

 

 

* NEW* Chassis improvements include:

·  A Delta box Frame which has been tuned for optimal flexing offers great handling and very efficient aerodynamic performance

·  Adjustable KYB Inverted Telescopic Front Forks which have 43mm tubes

·  Piggyback rear shock absorbers offering high and low speed compression and damping adjustments with brand new twist style spring pre-load adjustability

New 5-spoke wheels which enhance the overall performance

 

*Additional features include.

 

Fully adjustable LCD digital gauges, shift light, trip metres, temperature gauges and 15.000 RPM


Tachometer. Fairing with huge Ram-Air Intakes providing excellent and very efficient engine


Performance. Sticky radial tires for amazing grip and precision handling and a durable 530 O-ring

  Sealed drive chain

 

Review

 

The YZF R-1 series are not for the faint of heart, this bike has the look and feel of a Moto GP racer and over the past few years has seen some modifications. The initial change back to the four-valve set up was a very good move for Yamaha and features a new found mid range drive. The engine is not only powerful but coupled with the fly by wire throttle system linked to the detailed ECU mapping, very responsive and very clever.

 

The Suspension offers everything you need for day to day riding but with a few adjustments and an open race track is where it comes into its own. The new delta box aluminium frame and swing arm, give you the feeling of stability and cornering control is more responsive. The 998cc engine produces 187 bhp which gives 87.3ftlb of torque and with the stylish aerodynamics makes it a force to be reckoned with. Since it was put into production in 1998 after Yamaha redesigned the Genesis Engine, making the total engine length slightly smaller, which in turn allowed the wheelbase to be shortened making the handling more responsive and optimizing the centre of gravity. From then on over the passing years changes were made every year, with slight modifications to the body, engine, brakes even the style of tail light.

 

The 2008 model has seen many changes from the original. This bike really is in a class of its own and offers prospective owners something quite extraordinary, with its sleek lines and pure, untamed power, the R-1 is a very good choice and will definitely give you the ride of your life. The look of the R-1 is a masterpiece and whichever colour you choose you can be guaranteed that heads will turn. Noriyuki Haga currently rides for Yamaha in the World Superbike Championship, he has had some success while riding the R-1 and continues to show exactly what this bike is capable of. The most recent win for the R-1 was at Le Mans earlier this year, when the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) took the chequered flag, Steve Martin, Igor Jerman and Gwen Giabbani battled flawlessly in pouring rain for over twenty hours to claim a fantastic victory. This really does speak volumes about the bikes ability, even in the worst conditions possible, it comes through with flying colours.

 

The overall result was a bike that not only handles perfectly with awesome power but looks stunning. So whether you are using your YZF R-1 for everyday use or making a few slight adjustments and taking it out on the track, you will be enjoying the benefits which this amazing bike has to offer. Great looks, awesome power and excellent handling.

 

BASE MSRP (US)

 

The manufactures suggested retail pricing for the 2008 Yamaha YZF R-1 is around $11.699

 

Changes From Previous Year

 

The main changes from 2007 to 2008 are the in line four cylinder engine as opposed to the five valve genesis line. It now has YCC-I Yamaha Chip Control Intake and the TCC-T Yamaha Chip Control Throttle using a fly by wire system which gives a greater response. Aluminium Delta box frame and swing arm. Wider radiator and M1 style ram air ports. The overall shape and style has not changed and still has that racing look.

Search R1 Motorcycles


    Advanced

    Search title & description

Navigate

  • Home
  •   2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

Sponsored Links