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Posts Tagged ‘Yamaha YZF R1 Pictures’

The R1 has been designed to be the “Ultimate Cornering Master” of the open super sport class and one of the keys to incredible handling lies partly in the chassis but equally as important, in its ability to put useable power to the ground. This revolutionary cross-plane crank R1 delivers as much power as the rider wants, exactly when the rider wants it … by a simple twist of the right wrist; leaving the rider feeling like they are directly connected to the rear wheel of the new R1.

Forget everything you ever knew about the supersport liter class. The 2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 is unlike anything before. That’s because it’s the world’s first production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. The result? Incredibly smooth power delivery and outrageous torque for a rush like you’ve never experienced.

The 2010 Yamaha R1 represents a paradigm shift in technology, performance and controllability among litre class sport bikes. Inspired by Yamaha’s M1 MotoGP race bike, this latest generation R1 features a crossplane crankshaft design with an uneven firing order to provide outstanding yet easy to control torque and an exceptionally linear throttle feel never experienced before. But there is far more to the R1 than just a revolutionary engine.

Price: $13,290.

Engine

The key components of this cutting edge engine design are the “crossplane” crankshaft and an uneven firing order. Both of these features are used on Yamaha’s championship winning M1 MotoGP racer. Please note … this is not a “big bang” engine. The R1 departs from the norm for in-line 4 cylinder engines and the 180 degree alignment of the crank pins (where the connecting rods attach to the crankshaft), and locates the center two rods at a 90 degree plane from the outer cylinders. This means instead of the crank pins aligned on the same plane (a straight line drawn through the center of the crankshaft), they align on 2 planes in the form of a cross … or “crossplane”. Working in conjunction with the crossplane crank is an uneven firing order. A traditional in-line 4 cylinder’s firing order is normally 1,2,4,3 with a 180 degree interval. This R1 engine fires 1,3,2,4 cylinders and the firing intervals are uneven at 270 / 180/ 90 /180 degrees. What all this means to the rider is the most linear torque possible and amazing throttle control. This engine design allows a whole new level of rider – machine communication. One of the most important benefits is the outstanding cornering performance that increased engine control allows.

The lightweight titanium intake valves reduce the reciprocating weight of the intake valves allowing for higher rpms without the concern of valve float. The use of lightweight “Ti” valves has allowed the engineers at Yamaha to use a 4-valve format. In the past, the use of 5 smaller valves allowed a higher rpm limit since each of the “smaller” valves was relatively light. The use of light weight titanium now means the engineers no longer have to use the 5-valve design to achieve the same high rpms.

All Mikuni fuel injection system features twin injectors (one set of primary & one set of secondary injectors). This type of twin injector system is also used on our M1 MotoGP race bike and the R6. One set of injectors (primary) are located in the 45mm throttle bodies while the secondary injectors are located in the air box very near the computer controlled intake funnels. The primary injectors utilize 12 spray holes to maximize the fuel atomization process. The secondary injectors, located inside the air box, begin to function at mid rpms onwards to supply more fuel as required. This system is lighter and simpler than the sub motor driven secondary valve type FI system, which is no longer utilized due to Yamaha’s chip controlled throttle ( YCC-T).

An oxygen sensor is fitted into the exhaust collector making this a “closed loop” type FI system, which feeds back info to the ECU so adjustments can be constantly made to the fuel-air mixture for improved performance and reduced emissions. The benefits of fuel injection include excellent throttle response, great fuel economy, reduced emissions, stable idling and no choke to fuss with during start up. The fuel injection’s lightweight Electronic Control Unit (ECU) utilizes a powerful 32-bit processor for fast control of the injection process. The compact design also reduces weight.

YCC-I or Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Intake means the intake funnels / stacks vary in length (2 positions) depending on engine rpm. An electronic servo motor varies the funnel length from the tall position at low to mid rpms to the shorter setting for improved high rpm power. The transition rpm between the 2 lengths is approx. 9,400 rpms. The revolutionary YCC-I provides the best of both worlds …solid low rpm torque and power combined with an amazing high rpm rush. It takes only 0.3 of a second for the funnels to move from the tall to the short position.

Compact close-ratio 6-speed transmission features optimized gear ratios for maximum performance. The “stacked” 3-axis gearbox / clutch design stacks input/output shafts to create a low center of gravity and keeps overall engine size shorter front to back. As a result, the stacked design gives the engineers the freedom to place the engine in the “sweet spot” of the frame for optimum weight balance for awesome handling.

Yamaha D-Mode variable throttle control enables the rider to adjust the performance characteristics of the engine based on riding preferences or conditions. Standard mode emphasises the very linear throttle and torque feel of the engine. The A mode allows the rider to enjoy sportier engine performance in the low to mid rpm mode. While the B Mode reduces the power response for riding situations that require softer power characteristics. The switch mechanism is located on the RHS switch gear.

Chassis/Suspension

Aluminium Deltabox frame has been designed to offer an optimized rigidity balance to maximize handling performance. This frame is very rigid or stiff at the head pipe, engine mounts and swingarm pivot point. In other areas, material has been carefully removed to allow “tuned flex”. Finished in black, this frame boasts a compact 1415mm (55.7″) wheelbase. The swingarm pivot location has been optimized to minimize the chain tension effect under hard acceleration, providing more stable handling. The engine is a fully stressed chassis member to maximize handling. Stability, a key to great handling, is unsurpassed while the ability to hold a line under hard acceleration is excellent. This frame features a mix of gravity cast (head stock & front engine mounts & swingarm pivot area), CF (controlled filling) die cast (outer tank rails) and aluminium panels (inner tank rails). Each of these aluminium parts has different flex characteristics in order to provide the rigidity balance the engineers desired.

Fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork features independent left and right damping system. The compression damping is adjusted via the left fork leg, while rebound damping is adjusted on the right fork leg. This system simplifies the flow of oil through the fork and minimizes oil cavitation (aeration of the oil) for more stable suspension performance. Front wheel travel is 120mm (4.7″). The thickness of the inner tube and the shape of the outer tube have been optimized. The adjustable design allows the rider to tailor suspension settings to match rider weight and road /track conditions to maximize handling and suspension performance.

The engine mounting location in the aluminium frame is different than previous R1 models. The engine incline (9 degrees) and location (12mm forward) has been changed to improve the weight balance, front to rear weight ratio and the centre of gravity. Detachable magnesium CF die cast rear subframe reduces weight. The detachable design allows rear shock access and is less costly to repair if accidentally damaged. Extra-long, lightweight aluminium “truss-type” swingarm provides great torsional rigidity for class leading handling, agility and manoeuvrability. This new lighter swingarm is made up of cast aluminium and CF die cast parts. The distance between the swingarm pivot and the rear axle has been optimized (597 mm) for excellent “turn-in” abilities and rear wheel traction.

Bottom link Motocross rear suspension utilizes a fully adjustable piggyback-style rear shock. The bottom link design lowers the centre of gravity for excellent handling. This shock features 2-way (hi speed & low speed) compression adjustment plus rebound and spring preload adjustability too. This is a rising rate or progressive system. The adjustable design allows the rider to tailor suspension settings to match rider weight and road /track conditions to maximize handling and suspension performance. Rear wheel travel is 120mm (4.7″).

Aditional Features

Adjustable footrests can be raised 15mm upward and 3mm backward if desired. Immobilizer ignition system is designed to reduce the possibility of “ride away” theft. This system must recognize the “coded ignition key” in order for the unit to start. If the immobilizer ignition does not recognize the key (or a thief’s screwdriver or other type of “jimmy tool”) the bike will not start even if the ignition is turned or forced into the on position. If the system does not recognize the coded chip in the ignition key, it will not allow the ignition system, fuel pump or starter motor to function.

Race inspired lightweight instrumentation includes an analog tach plus digital speedo, dual tripmeters, clock, coolant temperature and fuel trip meter. This console also features adjustable back lighting, adjustable shift light and a low fuel warning light. Other key features include a gear position indicator, accelerator opening angle indicator, engine mode indicator integrated stop watch, lap timer with split time mode and an air intake temperature display. The lap timer is controlled by the starter switch button for added convenience and ease of use. Dual 55-watt halogen projector headlights are compact and thereby allow the ram air intake ducts to be integrated into the framework of the headlight assembly. The lights not only cast a very bright beam of light, but also add a unique styling touch.