The first generation of 1998 – 150 hp, 177 kg
In the late nineties, Yamaha leaders wanted to build a sports motorcycle that would compete with Honda Fireblade. The design and engineering team were tasked to build a motorcycle that will be powered with an aggregate of approximately 1000 cubic centimeters and at least 150 horsepower, with best possible handling and a maximum weight of 180 kilos without fluids. So, it was a serious task.
1998 Yamaha YZF-R1
Probably the most revolutionary thing in the first generation was an aggregate. The first Yamaha R1 rolled slowly to a maximum of 11,750 rpm. Behind the aggregate,is the gearbox that was squeezed in order to make the motorcycle as compact as possible and to give handling at a higher possible level. For better steering the distance between wheels is only 1395 millimeters. The weight of the motorcycle is reduced by using lightweight materials, e.g. The frame itself was made of aluminum. This compatible construction of motorcycle is more and more or less in use today. After first-generation R1 great success, other manufacturers started the Yamaha road. Although this model was praised by both professional media and drivers, it was not all that great. The first specimens had clutch problems, and suspension was no ideal too.
2002 Yamaha YZF-R1
In 2001, Yamaha R1 got its first light facelift. The engineers were able to remove 2 kilos of weight from the motorcycle, the gearbox was better, and the co2 emission gases was also reduced.
However, only in 2002 there are major changes on the model. A new frame was mounted, with the so-called a sub-frame. The new frame was optimized to cooperate with the new front fork and the rear suspension, all for the purpose of better handling of the motorcycle and better control when “lowering the knee”. A fuel injection system has been added to meet even more stringent EU regulations on harmful gases. A new exhaust made entirely of titanium was also installed. The new type of air valve has made it possible to have a more even and more accurate throttle response. With certain changes, the number of horsepower has increased to 152, and the weight of a motorcycle without fluid has been reduced to 174 kilograms. The body kit from 2002 was significantly different from the armor from previous years.
2004-2006 Yamaha YZF-R1
In 2004, the Yamaha launched a brand-new R1 model, and for the first time reaches the ratio of 1: 1 horsepower and kilograms, ie 172 hp and 172 kg! The design of the motorcycle was phenomenal and it was not outdated today. The front end is dominated with four headlights, making R1 easily recognizable. At the rear end is dominated by two exhaust pipes located just below the seat. With the new, shorter pistons in the engine, Yamaha R1 have more torque at 12,500 rpm. The maximum speed was 285 km / h. The complete motorcycle was under the influence of Yamaha’s success in the MotoGP championship. In 2006, there is an improvement in engine performance, horsepower increased to 175. The front fork was now in recognizable gold.
2007 Yamaha YZF-R1
Although the Japanese have worked hard to make driving easier with new technologies, it has become increasingly difficult to control the raw power of Yamaha R1. This generation of R1 got new frame, rear suspension and front fork. This model had four valves per cylinder, while everyone else had five up to this generation. There was a new increase in horsepower to 180, and Yamaha R1 reached a maximum speed of 295 km / h. There are only three colors found in the offer Red and white “raceing” combination, black, and classic Yamaha blue.
2009 Yamaha YZF-R1
This model borrowed the technology from the MotoGP competition, no longer igniting the cylinders two by two (180 degrees) but in the following way 270-180-90-180 degrees. In this way Yamaha’s engineers enabled the bigger thrust with lower revs. With this cylinder ignition model, the engine also gets a completely new, different sound. A new fuel injection system has been introduced, and the drivers were for the first time able to find “engine maps” different modes of operation of the engine, in order to easily adjust the power of the engine to each driver individually. 182 horsepower were available, and since 2009, Yamaha has been releasing only the weight of a motorcycle with all the fluids, which on this model was incredibly small 206 kilograms. The engine is slightly shifted to the front wheel to allow better control of the motorcycle. Model gets a six level traction control in 2012, and the number of headlights is changed from four to two.
2015 Yamaha YZF-R1
The latest, current R1 model represents the peak of Japanese technology and the use of new, lightweight materials. Yamaha R1 with all liquids has 199 kilograms! It has tarction control and slipping control, there is a quickshifter, and various other technological innovations of the Japanese … From the material were used aluminum, magnesium, carbon fibers.
