
Another highly sophisticated element unique to the R1 is the electronically controlled intake funnel length. At 10,500 rpm (with the throttle position electronically indicating aggressive acceleration) the intake funnels feeding fuel to the engine expand from 65mm to 140mm, increasing intake volume by 40 percent. The result is a substantial hit in the upper spectrum of the tachometer which is suited more so to track day outings than any legal—or sane—application on public roads.
The engine has a flat spot between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, exaggerated by a bit of a hiccup off the bottom. In stop and go, slow moving traffic this is a nuisance. This minor glitch is forgiven by the R1’s tight engineering that syncopates clutch action, throttle response and gear changes into the realm of second nature, making it more than capable as a daily commuter—if you’re really intent on squandering this baby’s attributes sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Although the engine may not be the most conducive for around town riding, the R1’s riding position is surprisingly comfortable—even for riders 5’10" and above. The cockpit is well stretched out with regard to the essential three points that comprise ergonomics: the handlebar/seat/footpeg relationship. Seat height is 33" and is complimented with a narrow mid-point for optimum leg reach to the pavement.

As expected, (and eagerly anticipated, given the street test of the machine) the R1 took to the unrestricted environs of a closed course like a duck to water. The Yamaha was built to be ridden aggressively, delivering its best all around performance in a relatively narrow powerband between 9,000 and 12,000 rpm. While this kind of temperament is less than accommodating for a commute on public roads, it works seamlessly on a racetrack, where it’s much easier to keep the engine in its sweet spot. The result is an adrenaline rush of continually blurred peripheral vision.A close-ratio, 6-speed transmission runs through a factory-installed slipper clutch, which can only truly be appreciated on a racetrack. The back torque-limiting clutch works by modulating engagement of the transmission with the engine, greatly reducing the possibility of hopping the rear wheel under aggressive downshifts. When ridden in anger, the slipper unit requires very little finesse, just pull it in, bang it down several gears, and drop the lever. The engine/transmission are automatically and gradually engaged without concern for getting the bike unsettled.
The new Delta Box aluminum frame has been tuned for optimum flex under intense structural demands at high speeds to help the machine absorb the stresses passing through it. The new truss style swingarm has been lengthened 16mm for added stability and is constructed to accommodate a wider race tire. Wheelbase is a tidy 55.7" and contributes to a fast, predictable turn-in, with wonderfully intuitive feel that makes hitting marks and apexes on a race circuit extremely easy—further exemplifying the influence from Yamaha’s Grand Prix garage. To illustrate just how far engineers have gone to imbue the R1 with GP level performance, they chose

Inverted 43mm KYB forks with adjustable preload, compression damping, and rebound damping handle suspension on the front. The rear is suspended by a single shock with adjustable hi/lo-speed compression damping, rebound, and spring preload. Hollow bolts and various lightweight fasteners, along with lightweight five-spoke wheels contribute to the R1’s claimed dry weight of 390 pounds.The R1 is a serious race machine, the result of building off technology from the GP wars. It deserves the wide-open expanses of a race circuit. To take possession of one of these thoroughbreds and keep it within the legal and responsible—not to mention sane—confines of public roads is a travesty, bordering on the unjust. Don’t let all of Valentino’s hard work go unrewarded. Although the R1 is a beautiful canyon bike and can handle the daily grind, do yourself and the bike a favor and take it to the track occasionally.
www.yamaha-motor.com RIDING STYLE
Helmet: AGV XR-2
Leathers and gloves: Dainese
Boots: Sidi Vertigo Corsa