2018 Yamaha YZF-R1

The thrilling R1 blurs the line between daily rides and track days.

• Engine

The 998cc inline 4-cylinder, crossplane crankshaft engine features titanium fracture-split connecting rods, which are an industry first for a production motorcycle. The titanium alloy used to manufacture the connecting rods is around 60% lighter than steel, and this reduction in weight gives the R1 engine a responsive and potent character at high rpm. This stunning engine delivers extremely high horsepower and a strong pulse of linear torque.

A 6-speed transmission features close-ratio gearing to best match the high-revving engine. The transmission also "stacks" the input/output shafts to centralize mass and to keep the overall engine size shorter front-to-back, which optimizes engine placement in the frame for outstanding weight balance.

Advanced rocker-arm valve actuation uses the arm’s lever ratio to allow for larger valve lift while using lower cam lobes and reduced spring pressure, further boosting power.

• Electronics

Yamaha’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) uses six axes of measurement: a gyro sensor that measures pitch, roll, and yaw, and an accelerometer that measures acceleration in the fore-aft, up-down, and right-left directions… all at a rate of 125 calculations per second. The IMU communicates with the ECU, which activates the technologies in Yamaha Ride Control (YRC): Power Mode, Traction Control System, Slide Control System, Launch Control System and an updated Lift Control System and new Quick Shift System with rev-matching. All these systems are adjustable and can be saved within four presets in the YRC system.

Power Delivery Mode (PWR), similar to the earlier “D-Mode” system, lets the rider choose from four settings of throttle-valve response to best match their preferences and riding conditions, adjusting both engine response and overall power.

• Chassis/Suspension

The slim aluminum Deltabox® frame and magnesium subframe contribute to a light weight and compact chassis design, with overall geometry refined on racetracks around the world. The rigid motor mounts use the engine as a stressed member of the frame for optimal rigidity balance and great cornering performance on the race track.

• Additional

Dynamic YZR-M1 styling creates a more compact profile with improved aerodynamics, getting you closer to MotoGP® than any other production motorcycle available today.