Check out our video review of the Yamaha's 2009 R1 with our Likes and Dislikes listed below...

What we liked...



- Engine - you can really wind the piss out of it
- Unique power delivery
- Easy to ride
- Packed with technology
- Adjustability for taller riders
- Handling
- Brakes
- Fit & Finish close to perfect
- Attention to detail


What we didn't like...

- Engine - you need to really wind the piss out of it to really feel it come on
- Unique power delivery - feels like a twin, but just doesn't have the grunt & torque of a real twin
- Even packed with all that technology there are really no huge net gains over other models
- Heat displaced onto rider
- Lack of storage space
- So much technology - where's all the extra HP?





Visit our R1 forum at ... http://www.r1-zone.com



2009 R1 - Review






2009 R1 on the Dyno...





2009 R1 Engine Explained...





2009 R1 Unveiled in Las Vegas, Nevada - 2008...






Links you need...

Yamaha Motor Canada R1 Info

Yamaha Motor USA R1 Info

Yamaha R1 Micro Site




MSRP:

Base Model...

Canada: $17,699 (2010) $16,995 (2009)
USA: $13,290
More R1 pics below


What Yamaha says:





Forget everything you ever knew about the supersport liter class. Because once you hear the growl of the all-new 2009 YZF-R1, it will become clear that this bike is unlike anything before.

It's all about power - delivery of power, to be exact. That's because the all-new R1 is the world's first production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. Originally pioneered in MotoGP racing with the M1, crossplane technology puts each crank pin 90 degrees from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270-180-90-180 degrees. The result is incredibly smooth, roll-on power delivery with outrageous amounts of torque for a rush like you've never experienced before.

The unique shape of the crossplane crank smoothes out fluctuations in inertial crankshaft torque to provide very linear power delivery as the engine's combustion torque builds, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction exiting corners. Not just new, the R1's new crossplane crank engine represents a complete paradigm shift.

To make the crossplane crank viable an advanced ECU individually maps each cylinder's ignition and fuel injection timing. This powerful electronics package also controls Yamaha Chip Control Intake and Chip Control Throttle (YCC-I, YCC-T).

Also new for 2009 is the inclusion of D-MODE variable throttle control function that enables the rider to adjust performance characteristics to match a variety of riding conditions. In addition to standard mode mapped for optimum performance, the rider can select from A mode for sportier response in low to mid-speed range, and B mode for somewhat less sharp response for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. These 3 different maps at the push of a button allow the rider to choose the optimum power character for their riding situation.

This revolutionary new engine is housed in an equally advanced chassis. Control filled die-cast frame rails balance high vertical rigidity with relatively low lateral rigidity for increased high speed stability while improving handling, especially while leaned over during corner exit. A control filled die-cast magnesium sub frame cuts weight far from the center of balance and contributes to concentration of mass.

Visually the new R1 breaks new ground leading with twin projector beam headlights concentrated near newly placed forced air intake ducts. The sculpted body work features inner and outer shells controlling airflow around the bike at high speeds and forcing more cool air to the radiator and engine bay while eliminating the need for hot-air vents usually located at the sides of the radiator.

More than the just the next-generation of supersport; the 2009 YZF-R1 represents a major breakthrough in supersport technology and performance.

The new R1 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning in January 2009 with a starting MSRP of $12,390. The 2009 R1 will be available in Raven/Candy Red, Pearl White/Rapid Red, Cadmium Yellow/Raven and Team Yamaha Blue/White.


Key Selling Points
1. In the supersport liter class, theres always lots of talk about power. You expect that. What you wouldnt have expected until now is a radically superior way to deliver that power. Introducing the 2009 YZF-R1, the first ever production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. Crossplane technology, first pioneered in MotoGP racing with the M1, puts each connecting rod 90° from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270°- 180°- 90°- 180°. This uneven order does an amazing thing it actually lets power build more smoothly. That means smooth roll-on delivery out of the corners, with outrageous amounts of torque, followed by very strong high rpm power. Its a feeling thats simply unmatched, like having two engines in one: the low-rpm torquey feel of a twin with the raw, high-rpm power of an inline 4. In fact, the new YZF-R1 is not a continuation of existing supersport development; it is breakthrough technology that represents a paradigm shift in both technology and performance
2. This next-generation R1 keeps all the technological superiorities developed for its predecessor: YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. The fuel injection system provides optimum air/fuel mixtures for maximum power and smooth throttle response.
3. The R1 features Yamaha D-MODE (or drive mode) with rider-selectable throttle control maps to program YCC-T performance characteristics for riding conditions. The standard map is designed for optimum overall performance. 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. Switching maps is as easy as pushing a button on the handlebar switch.
4. In keeping with this machines exceptional cornering ability and crisp handling, the all new aluminum frame has been designed to offer exceptional rigidity balance. The rear frame is now lightweight CF die-cast magnesium, contributing the optimum mass centralization. Suspension includes new SOQI front forks which use one of the tricks developed for our winning MotoGP bikes: independent damping. The left fork handles compression damping and the right side handles the rebound damping. And the rear shock adopts new bottom linkage for optimum suspension characteristics. Want even more? For the first time, R1 comes standard with an electronic steering damper.
5. All new bodywork does more than add break-away-from-the-crowd styling. Completely new, the new model has a more serious, less busy look. The side fairing is smoother for a sleeker appearance. And, instead of the usual four-bulb headlight design, the 09 model now has only two projector-type bulbs mounted closer to the nose of the bike. This positions ram air ducts closer in for a more compact, smooth look. In addition, the rounded lenses are new and unique to the supersport industry.


Features
ENGINE:
- Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in victory after victory on MotoGP machines provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical in-line-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180° intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each piston at 90° from the next with a unique firing order of 270° 180° 90° 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuation in inertial torque with each revolution, and peaky torque characteristics, so torque continues to build for awesome power and traction out of the corners.
- To maximize rider comfort as well as power output, this newly designed engine adopts a coupling-type balancer that rotates in the opposite direction as the crankshaft.
- This engine features new forged aluminum pistons to take maximum advantage of the power characteristics. As proven on previous models, titanium intake valves are lightweight titanium.
- A forced-air intake system is adopted to increase intake efficiency by using the natural airflow during riding to pressurize the air in the air cleaner box. This contributes to outstanding power delivery characteristics in the high-speed range, while the design also helps to minimize intake noise.
- Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.
- The exhaust system is completely new. Its meticulously designed to enhance engine output while, thanks to its three-way catalyst technology, also reducing exhaust emissions. The silencer is a single expansion type, and, the sound coming through from the unique crossplane-crankshaft-equipped engine is unlike any other in-line four cylinder production supersport.
- This fuel-injected engine takes full advantage of YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), the MotoGP-inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. Theres also YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, the variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. Fuel injectors have 12 holes for precise fuel delivery that translates to the most power from every fuel charge.
- Have it your way, thanks to Yamaha D-MODE variable throttle control. There are three modes that control how YCC-T responds to throttle input from the rider. The selectable A mode puts more emphasis on acceleration in low to midrange rpm. B mode, on the other hand, provides less sharp response to input for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. Selecting the map you want is as easy as pressing button on the handlebars.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION:
- The frame is completely revamped, with a combination of uncompromising rigidity where needed along with carefully achieved flex for the precise rigidity balance this bike needs to give the rider the full benefit of its handling and engine characteristics. No one-technique-fits-all-needs design, it is a sophisticated combination of CF die-cast, stamping, and gravity castingthe exact technology needed for each portion of this advanced frame.
- New SOQI front forks take a page from the championship-winning design of our MotoGP weapon, the M1. Since both forks always move together, compression damping duties can be confined to the left fork, while rebound damping is precisely handled by the right fork.
- The new SOQI rear shock both high and low speed compression damping plus an easy-to-use screw adjustment for preload. This unit also adopts a pillow-ball-type joint for exceptional shock absorption, road hold feeling, and damper response. To achieve maximum performance, a new bottom linkage is used to work with the rest of the chassis refinements for brilliant, crisp handling characteristics.
- Factory racers get machines tailored to their preferences. Welcome to the club. R1 has adjustable footrests, with a 15mm height and 3mm front-to-rear adjustment.
- Long valued equipment on the track, an electronically actuated steering damper is standard equipment on the new R1.
- The press-formed fuel tank has a shape developed using 3-D simulation analysis technology. The elongated shape of the tank allows it to fit neatly within the frame in a way that promotes concentration of mass.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
- The newly designed instrumentation includes everything a rider wants to know, including gear position.


Specs
Model: YZFR1YL; YZFR1YY; YZFR1YB; YZFR1YW
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
Fuel Delivery: 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
Suspension/Front: 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; 4-way adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual 310mm disc; radial-mount forged 6-piston calipers
Brake/Rear: 220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Tire/Front: 120/70ZR17M/C 58W
Tire/Rear: 190/55ZR17M/C 75W
L x W x H: 81.1 x 28.1 x 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
*Wet Weight: 454 lb
Color: Team Yamaha Blue/White; Cadmium Yellow; Raven; Pearl White

* Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.












































Source: Bikeland.org