The Yamaha YZF-R1, introduced in 1998, is a sport bike manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company;

Yamaha YZF-R1 1998–1999

Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 after redesigning the Genesis engine to offset the crankshaft, gearbox input and output shafts. This “compacting” of the engine yielded a huge dividend in that the total engine length was now much shorter. This allowed the wheelbase to be shortened significantly which resulted in much quicker handling and an optimized center of gravity. The bike had a compression ratio of 11.8:1. with a 6-speed multi-plate clutch transmission.

The launch model Yamaha YZF-R1 was available in white/red or blue. Early models were subject to a worldwide recall for a clutch problem. Yamaha today describes the launch of the R1 as the true value of “Kando”.

YZF-R1 instrumentation
The 1999 R1 saw only minor changes apart from paint and graphics. Notable improvements were a redesigned gear change linkage and the gear change shaft length which was increased for better gear shifting. Fuel tank reserve capacity was reduced from 5.5 l (1.2 imp gal; 1.5 US gal) to 4.0 l (0.88 imp gal; 1.1 US gal), while the total fuel tank capacity was unchanged at 18 l (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal). A second worldwide recall was issued for 1998 and early 1999 models to change a coolant hose clamp under the fuel tank which could, under hard use, come adrift.

Yamaha YZF-R1 2000–2001

In 2000, Yamaha introduced a series of changes to improve the bike, plus minor changes to the body work to allow for better long duration ride handling. The R1 was an excellent bike to live with on short runs, but due to its quick handling was not a favorite longer run bike. Yamaha’s main design goal was to sharpen the pre-existing bike and not redesign it. Even so they instituted over 150 changes in hopes of making an already light, sleek and mean motorcycle even lighter, sleeker and meaner. For example, even with the addition of the new Air Induction System, which weighs four pounds, the overall weight of the bike is down five pounds to 414 lb (188 kg) dry. At 127.8 bhp (95.3 kW) at the rear wheel, top-end output remains the same but changes to the engine management system are supposed to result in a smoother, broader distribution of power.The bodywork is still unmistakably R1 although a few changes were made resulting in a 3% reduction in the drag coefficient. The headlight housing has a sharper profile, the side panels are more aerodynamic and slippery and the windscreen has been reshaped for better rider protection. In fact the bodywork changed so much that bodywork from previous R1s will not fit the Y2K edition. Also updated is the seating area. The fuel tank is reshaped with a more relaxed rear angle and deeper leg recesses to provide for better rider feel. The seat extends further towards the front of the tank and the new, steeper seating position puts additional weight on the front end. All of this is aimed at improving weight bias and offering sharper cornering and more stability. Again, the resounding theme here is to sharpen what was already a very sharp package. The carburetors have been rejetted in an effort to improve throttle response—especially in the low end—all the way up to the bike’s 11,750 rpm redline. The redesigned camshafts are lighter and use internal oil ways to lubricate journals that, when combined with reduced tappet clearance, provide less friction and create less engine noise. Also changed within the crankcase is the gearbox featuring a taller first gear, a hollow chrome-moly shift-shaft with an additional bearing and a completely redesigned shift linkage and foot pedal. These changes are aimed at nixing last year’s transmission complaints as well as helping to transfer as seamlessly as possible the R1′s prodigious power to the pavement.

Yamaha YZF-R1 2002–2003

A new fuel injection system was introduced for the 2002 year, which worked like a carburetor by employing a CV carburetor slide controlled by vacuum created by the engine. With a similar power output to the 2000-2001 bike, the engine was remained largely the same.

Yamaha YZF-R1 2004–2005-2006

With the competition advancing, Yamaha took to a major development. This included style updates like an under seat twin exhaust, and performance upgrades including radial brakes and for the first time on an R1 Ram-air intake. Furthermore, the wheelie-tendency known from earlier productions is drastically reduced by changing frame geometry and weight properties. The all new engine (no longer used as a stressed member of the chassis) featured a separate top crankcase and cylinder block. The 2004 R1 produces a stated 172 hp (128 kW) at the crankshaft (excluding ram air,180 hp (130 kW) with ram air) and also weighs 172 kilograms (dry).

Yamaha YZF-R1 2007–2008

An all-new YZF-R1 for the 2007 model year was announced on 8 October, 2006. Key features include an all-new inline four-cylinder engine; going back to a more conventional 4-valve per cylinder rather than Yamaha’s trade mark 5-valve genesis layout. Other new features are the Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I) electronic variable-length intake funnel system, Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) fly-by-wire throttle system, slipper-type clutch, all-new aluminum Deltabox frame and swingarm, six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers with 310 mm discs, a wider radiator, and M1 styling on the new large ram-air ports in the front fairing.

Yamaha YZF-R1 2009

In late 2008 Yamaha announced they would release an all new R1 for 2009. The new R1 takes engine technology from the M1 Motogp bike with its cross plane crankshaft, the first ever production motorcycle to do so. Overall handling of the R1 was improved through several changes to frame and suspension. A new sub frame was designed for the 09 R1 which is magnesium cast in a carbon fiber mold. The overall look of the R1 has changed drastically. In a side by side comparison between last year’s model and the 09; to the eye, the 09 looks much more compact and could be compared to the size of the R6r. The center up exhaust on the 09 seems significantly larger compared to previous years, due in some respects to changes in emissions controls.