Class Of '09 MC Comparo
Five All-New Sportbikes, Four Days, Three Displacements, Two Venues--One Winner
By:
Aaron Frank,
Ari Henning, Kent Kunitsugu/Sport Rider, Photography by Adam Campbell, Bridgestone, Kevin Wing
2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 | Price: $12,390
|
| Tech Spec | | |
| Engine type: l-c inline-four | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 28/22/25 mpg | Rake/trail: 24.0deg./4.0 in. |
| Valve train: DOHC, 16v/td> | Frame: Aluminum twin-spar | Seat height: 32.9 in. |
| Displacement: 998cc | Front suspension: 43mm Soqi inverted fork with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping | Wheelbase: 55.7 in. |
| Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 52.2mm | Rear suspension: Single Soqi shock with adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping | Fuel capacity: : 4.8 gal. |
| Compression: 12.7:1 | Front brake: Dual Sumitomo six-piston radial calipers, 310mm discs | Weight (tank full/empty): 477/448 lbs. |
| Fuel system: EFI | Rear brake: Single Nissin one-piston caliper, 220mm disc | Colors: Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven/Candy Red, Pearl White/Rapid Red, Cadmium Yellow/Raven |
| Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper | Front tire: 120/70-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D210F | Availability: Now |
| Transmission: 6-speed | Rear tire: 190/55-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D210 | Warranty: 12 mo., unlimited mi. |
| Corrected 1/4-mile: 10.02 sec. @ 144.23 mph | | Contact: Yamaha Motor Corp. USA
6555 Katella Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
800.962.7926
www.yamaha-motor.com |
| Top-gear roll-on, 60-80 mph: 2.90 sec. | | |
Dyno
We were awed by the R1's ferocious Crossplane powerplant. It may have lost almost 9 peak ponies, but you'd never notice. Twist the stick and hold on tight as power builds like a tidal wave, cresting at 146.2 bhp. Touchy fueling at lower rpm makes the R1 difficult to manage in tight corners.
Ergos
A larger seat and a pleasant, pulsing engine are the only major differences between the R1 and the GSX-R, but that goes a long way toward making the R1 a comfortable commuter. The roomy cockpit is tainted only by an ill-placed exhaust pipe that roasts the rider's left foot.
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