Totally Technical- The Enigma behind the 2009 R1 engine
Have you noticed that every time there is a new product from any of the auto giants, comes along a handful of totally news and never before seen technology. Now, Yamaha has launched the 2009 edition of its best selling R1 motorcycle and the main focus this time turns towards its engine.
Yamaha has become the first manufacturer to introduce a engine with crossplane crankshaft in its production line. This type of technology is seen only in MotoGP bikes and due to the advantages it offers, Yamaha has decided to put it into the bikes which come out of a production line.
MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi -
It's very much like my M1 and its exciting to see so many MotoGP qualities now appearing on a bike for the road. The all new technology with crossplane crankshaft puts each crank pin 90 degrees from the other one. This results in a linear power delivery and with exorbitant amount of torque out of corners.
This crossplane crank is controlled but Yamaha advanced ECU which individually maps each cylinder's ignition and fuel injection timing. In addition to this it has D-Mode variable throttle control that enables the driver to switch three different modes with the touch of a single button.
The radical engine is mounted in a magnesium sub frame. Apart from all these the 2009 R1 gets new projector headlamps with integrated ram air ducts and a stubby new rear tail section. We are sure that this all new R1 is going to make heads turn for a while in the two wheeler market, maybe only until the next R1 comes to life. So from now on you can create your own GP track nearby your place.
Press Release
| 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 Features Uneven Firing Order For Improved Power DeliveryCypress, Calif. – 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. Full information on all Yamaha models can be found at http://www.yamaha-motor.com. YAMAHA RIDERS UNVEIL NEW R1 IN LAS VEGAS All four Yamaha MotoGP riders took part in the global unveiling of the all-new Yamaha R1 today in a suitably glittering show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fiat Yamaha Team riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, plus Tech 3 Yamaha team-mates Colin Edwards and James Toseland were surprise guests at the unveiling, which took place in front of 3000 Yamaha US dealers at the famous Mirage Hotel. The all-new version of the R1, Yamaha's premium performance road bike, is more closely linked than ever to the YZR-M1 on which the four riders contest the MotoGP championship. The riders each came on stage aboard a different colour version of the machine, before being interviewed about it's qualities in relation to their own MotoGP bikes. Next stop for the foursome will be the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural MotoGP race at the famous venue, which takes place this Sunday. Valentino Rossi "This is a great bike, it's very like my M1 and it's exciting to see so many MotoGP qualities now appearing on a bike for the road. I think everyone who loves the R1 and Yamaha will be very excited about this new version, it's fantastic!" Jorge Lorenzo "I think this bike will be very popular. Yamaha have worked very hard to try to make it as like our M1 as possible and it seems they have done a fantastic job. The cornering and agility especially is great, which is of course one of the best qualities of the M1." |