Product Review for the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1

 

Late last year Yamaha made an announcement that they would be releasing a brand new R1 for 2009.This new and improved model uses the engine technology from the M1 Moto GP motorbike and for the first time ever on any production bike, has the addition of a crossplane crankshaft which reduces internal crankshaft torque. This gives the R1 a much more linear power delivery which Yamaha claim gives the feel of two engines in one, with the pace of an inline four and the torque of a twin. There have also been some drastic changes to the overall appearance of this machine which you will see in this review, but they are changes for the better. The 09 R1 has a sportier look and truly is a force to be reckoned with.

 

Full Specs

 

Spec	YZF R-1
Engine Type	4 stroke liquid cooled 16v DOHC in-line 4cylinder
Displacement (cc/ci)	998 (cc) / 60.9
Compression Ratio	12.7: 1
Torque	87.3ftlb
Transmission	6-speed with mutli plate slipper clutch
Power Bore Stroke	187 bhp  78 mm  52.2 mm
Wheelbase & Grnd. Clearance Height	1,415 mm   44.5 in
Wet Weight	206 kg
Suspension (front / rear)	Front: 43mm telescopic, adjustable pre-load, compression and rebound damping 4.7 in travel .Rear: single shock piggyback reservoir adjustable pre-load, compression and rebound damping
Brakes	Dual 310 mm discs radial mount forged 6 piston callipers /220mm Single hydraulic disc with piston calliper
Ignition Type	Transistor Controlled Ignition TCI
Tires (front/rear)	120/70-ZR-17 M/C 58W 190/55-ZR-17 M/C 75W
Fuel Tank Capacity	18 Litres
Colours	1.     Blue & White 2.     Yellow 3.     Red 4.     Red & White

 

Outstanding Features

 

* NEW* Engine improvements include:

·         Chip Control Throttle YCC-T ECU Fuel Injection System for instant response

·         Crossplane Crankshaft with each connecting rod set 90 degrees from the next giving greater linear power delivery, with unique uneven firing for maximum traction, taken from the M1 Moto GP

·         D-Mode throttle control valve mapping with three settings giving the rider full control of the YCC-T

·         Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake YCC-I is a funnel system which offers variable length intake controlled electronically

·         Multi Plate Slipper Clutch enabling smoother downshifts and corner entry when braking

Rear Shock Swing Arm which connects underneath through a different linkage system

Forged Aluminium Pistons for optimum power delivery

Larger Centre Up Exhaust with 3-way catalyst technology which reduce harmful emissions

 

* NEW* Chassis improvements include:

·         M1 style front suspension with electronic steering damper

·         Lightweight Delta Box Frame

·         Re-Modelled Air Intake Ports

·         SOQI Front and Rear Suspension

·         Adjustable footrests

 

*Additional features include.

A brand new design for the instrument panel which tells the rider exactly what he needs to know, even gear position, re-styled body work which has a more compact look and feel, two projector style headlamps nearer to the nose which allow the ram air ducts to be in a better position for a sleeker look.

 

Review

 

With the introduction of the 2009 YZF R-1, Yamaha have really pulled out all the stops. The very first production motorbike to use technology from a M1 Moto GP racer, with its crossplane crankshaft.Crossplane technology enables the R1 allows the compression torque to build very smoothly and provides a very linear power deliver, it really is in a class of its own.

 

The overall design has changed drastically and compared to the previous model, a bit more compact and very sleek, it has perfect lines and has to be one of the best looking bikes on the market. It is beautiful in every way and certainly does turn heads when people see it coming down the street and the sound from the perfectly formed engine is a dream. It has kept all the superior features of its predecessors but with a few more of its own, the YCC-T and TCC-I which coupled with the fuel injection system, offers maximum power and very smooth response from the throttle. With the addition of the D-Mode throttle control, the rider can select different setting via the forward mode button located on the throttle itself. Standard mode would give you maximum performance for most driving conditions, A Mode offers the rider more power in the low to mid RPM range and B Mode gives a softer throttle response for bad weather conditions or heavy traffic.

 

The new R1 is a serious bike indeed, it is basically a racing machine built for the road but with all the power and technology you would expect to see at the Moto GP. It truly is an achievement and a world class motorbike that offers the rider an immense amount of power but with safety and control. It has also been a forerunner in many races, with female rider Paola Cazzola winning five races, gaining five pole positions and rode four fastest lap times on her R1 in the Italian championship, with hopes of racing in the world superbike championships very soon. Anyone thinking of upgrading or simply buying a new bike should definitely give the R1 a chance, once you test drive it, you will be making space in your garage and choosing leathers to match. It is without doubt a masterpiece of modern technology and with stunning good looks, it is going to take Yamaha a very long time to top the 09 R1    

 

BASE MSRP (US)

 

The manufactures suggested retail pricing for the 2009 Yamaha YZF R-1 is around $12,490

 

Changes from Previous Year

 

The 2009 YZF R1 has seen some amazing changes from last year’s model, with the introduction of the M1 style crossplane crankshaft which will revolutionise the way manufacturers build future bikes. Also the new d-mode throttle control system which gives the rider more control than previous years. The overall design is better and looks fantastic and with last year’s R1 and the 2009 R1 side by side, the difference is quite noticeable, especially from the front where the new layout of headlamps and ram air intake ports are very different indeed. All in all Yamaha have bettered the R1 in every way.