The Yamaha YZF-R1 is an open class sport bike,or superbike,motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company since 1998.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".clarification needed.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.Motorcycle Consumer News tests of the 1998 model year YZF-R1 yielded a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time of 2.96 seconds and 0 to 100 mph (0 to 160 km/h) of 5.93 seconds, a ¼ mile time of 10.19 seconds at 131.40 mph (211.47 km/h), and a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h), with deceleration from 60 to 0 mph (97 to 0 km/h) of 113.9 ft (34.7 m).For the 1999 model year, Cycle World tests found a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time of 3.0 seconds, ¼ mile time of 10.31 seconds at 139.55 mph (224.58 km/h), and a top speed of 170 mph (270 km/h).
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.
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. Crossplane technology, puts each connecting rod 90° from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270°- 180°- 90°- 180°. The idea of this technology is to reduce internal crankshaft torque, thus giving the new R1 a more linear power delivery. Yamaha claims the bike would give the rider 'two engines in one', the low end torque of a twin and the pace of an inline four. As with previous incarnations of the R1 the 2009 model keeps its YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle).The R1 now produces 136-138hp at the rear tire.
