The 2009 Yamaha R1 Motorcycle: Cutting-Edge Power and Control

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Written by Mr.R1 on August 28, 2009 – 9:48 pm -

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Yamaha R1 motorcycles have had a solid reputation as one of the best sport bikes available over the last ten years. When designing the 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles, the engineers were faced with this puzzling question: How does one improve on perfection? As Yamaha R1 motorcycles were already incorporating some of the best performing motorcycle technology of the day, there was only one logical solution to this question: Invent new technology! In 2009, Yamaha R1 motorcycles have undergone a complete redesign to incorporate new innovations not seen on any other sports bike.

First, let’s quickly cover the basic specs of 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles before getting sidetracked by describing all the new technology it features. 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles feature a liquid-cooled, 998 cubic centimeter, inline four-cylinder, sixteen-valve DOHC engine. They have a six-speed manual transmission with a multi-plate slipper clutch. The Yamaha R1 engine is capable of 180 horsepower at 12,500 rpm and 85 pound-feet (11.8 kilogram-meter) of torque at 10,000 rpm. The Yamaha R1 top speed has been reported by consumer at or around 190 mph (257.5 kph). All this power is currently available for less than $12,500.

Now, onto the new Yamaha R1 motorcycle technology for 2009! The 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles are the first to feature crossplane crankshaft technology in a two-wheel motorized vehicle. Crossplane crankshaft technology is a highly technical, very complicated machine, and a full explanation of it could easily fill its own article. Therefore, we’ll try to describe it in the briefest, simplest layman’s term we can.

In a traditional engine, gasoline combustion drives pistons in a reciprocating (up-and-down) motion. The pistons, in turn, drive the crankshaft. The crankshaft turns the reciprocal motion of the pistons into rotational motion that ultimately turns the rear wheel of the motorcycle. This translation from reciprocal to rotational motion is never perfect. Energy is always lost when motion changes form, not to mention a timing delay from the pistons firing to the wheels turning. The greater the motion and energy (in this case, the RPMs), the greater the loss in energy and motion transfer. What this means for you as a motorcycle rider is that the fast you go, the less control your throttle has over the rear wheel.

A crossplane cranksaft design takes a completely different approach. First, instead of two sets of pistons firing alternately, this engine involves four sets of pistons firing in rotation. Second, the connection rods from pistons to crankshaft are placed at ninety degrees from each other around the crankshaft. The firing order of the pistons is 270° -- 180° -- 90° -- 180°. The result of the right-angle location and non-liner firing sequence is that the transfer of energy and motion from the pistons to the rear wheel is much more smooth and exact. What this means for you as a motorcycle rider is that your throttle has much more control of the rear wheel, allowing a steady, linear acceleration and smoother handling of the bike, even at high speeds.

Another innovation in 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles is a forced-air intake system. This system increases air intake efficiency by using the natural airflow generated when riding to pressurize the air in the air cleaner box. As more air in the engine generates more strength, the new R1 engine has exceptional power, especially at high speeds.

Yamaha has also adapted the chip-controlled throttle and intake technology from racetrack motorcycles. This combines computer technology with the driver’s throttle control for electronic micro-control of the fuel injection and sir intake systems. The result is a throttle response that is both instantaneous and precise. Together, all these technological improvement in 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles deliver more power and speed, and greater pilot control at the same time. What’s not to love?

Since one can’t completely redesign the engine without redesigning the frame, Yamaha has done that as well, including many new improvements. It features an aluminum frame precisely balanced for the combination of both rigidity and flex that a racing bike needs. It also includes forged aluminum pistons, a lightweight titanium intake valve, and electronically actuated steering dampeners.

Despite all of 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles’ advantages and innovations, including great acceleration, excellent responsiveness, and heightened maneuverability, it has its drawbacks like any vehicle. Some owners report finding it to be uncomfortable when commuting or driving long distances. The bike gives off a lot of heat, which can get uncomfortable at low speeds, or in the stop-and-start nature of rush hour city traffic. On the other hand, some people may argue, 2009 Yamaha R1 motorcycles are not built for commuting-they’re built for racing. If you’re looking to commute in comfort, go buy a minivan.

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