2009 Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha has unveiled the 2009 YZF-R1 and for people who expected a stunner of a looker - well

you be disappointed! The bike has traded the 'high-beam' headlight units of the 2008 R1 for an air-intake and hence the only units providing illumination are the Projection Beams. Yamaha has also incorporated a host of new engineering to make the ride smoother and have a much better power delivery. Unlike its predecessor, the 2009 R1's console is much larger and incorporates a larger multi-information display as well. Building

further on the YCC-T platrom, Yamaha now has three rider modes as well - A and B. The “A” mode lets the rider enjoy sportier engine response in the low- to mid-speed range, and the “B” mode offers response that is somewhat less sharp response for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation.

Unlike the competition, Yamaha has maintained the underseat

exhausts and a redesigned tail-light. Expect this bike to be quiter than the earlier models, unfortunately because of all the stringent emission norms. The R1 is launched at a premium for 12500$. At 215kg, the bike is still heavier than arch-rival Fireblade, but only the full blown track tests will show what the bike is worth.

Tech Specs:

Engine
Type	998cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 16 valves (titanium valves)
Bore x Stroke	78.0mm X 52.2mm
Compression Ratio	12.7:1
Carburetion	Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition	TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission	6-speed w/multi-plate slipper clutch
Final Drive	#530 O-ring chain
Chassis
Suspension/Front	43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Suspension/Rear	Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; 4-way adjustable, 5.1-in travel
Brakes/Front	Dual 310mm disc; radial-mount forged 6-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear	220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Tires/Front	120/70ZR17M/C 58W
Tires/Rear	190/55ZR17M/C 75W
Dimensions
Length	81.1 in
Width	28.1 in
Height	44.5 in
Seat Height	32.8 in
Wheelbase	55.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle)	24.0°
Trail	4.0 in
Fuel Capacity	4.8 gal
Fuel Economy**	N/A
Wet Weight	454 lb

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