Honda introduced its new CBR 900RR in 1992, and it became the new trend. None of the Japanese bikes came closer to its popularity. The CBR era came to an end in 1998 when Yamaha launched its R1. All Big Four OEMs were shocked by the Yamaha YZF-R1; meanwhile, it has become a new sensation among bike lovers. From that day, the craze for this bike among bike lovers has been the same till now.
If you want to know more about this mighty machine’s top speed, specs, and price, then read the full article.
History of Yamaha YZF-R1
Here is the step by step upgrade history of this bike is given below.
- 1998 was the year when Yamaha launched its R1.
- In 2000 Yamaha reduced its 2kg weight and changed its look by making it sharper in style.
- The company added angular styling, a new chassis, and a fuel injection system in its 2002 model.
- In 2004 this bike got a few more upgrades, including a new chassis, braced swing arm of the brace, and a more powerful engine. It also became a test-winning superbike by MCN’s group that year.
- The 2006 model gets a longer wheelbase for better and bump-free rides. That year Yamaha also launched its limited edition that comes with the slipper clutch and Marchesini wheels.
- In the 2007 update, R1 gets a new chassis, and to produce more power, it gets ride-by-wire, electronically-controlled inlet trumpets. This model also won the MCN’s Superbike of the Year award.
- A new chassis and style were introduced on the first cross-plane crank R1 based on the MotoGP M1 engine layout in 2009.
- R1’s new 2012 update gets detail changes and a six-level traction control for better road grip.
- In 2015 Company started to aim more at the track, and to fulfill this, it became the first Japanese bike to join the big power race. This model was also equipped with side control.
- The 2018 update gets minor electronic updates.
- In 2020, the R1 was updated to meet Euro 5 restrictions but still produces the same level of power and torque. Some other upgrades include an improved engine braking system, ABS electronics, updated suspension internals, and new styling.
How Fast a Yamaha R1 can go? Top Speed of R1
The top speed of the Yamaha R1 is 185.7 mph(299 kph). As per the company claim, it has a maximum power of 200 hp / 147.1 kW @ 13,500 rpm and maximum torque of 112.4 Nm @ 11,500 rpm.
It can go from 0 mph – 60 mph in an exceptional 3.10 seconds and cracks 100 mph in 5.73 seconds before shifting into a second. When you feed the gears, 0 mph -150 mph is accomplished in 9.56 seconds, which is not an easy task, especially considering that only fourth gear is required to reach that speed. It takes only 16.28 seconds for the Yamaha R1 to reach 180 mph, which is the new benchmark for liter Superbikes, while it takes 34 seconds for the R1 to reach 191 mph.
Lastly, the R1 likes to veer left or right whenever you hold on tight due to your contortions. In order to get the front down on the ground again, you often have to back off the throttle for a fraction of a second, then point it straight and resume.
Specifications
Here are The specifications of this monster given below.
| Engine | 6-speed; wet multi-plate assist and slipper clutch |
| Power | 198 HP |
| Bore x Stroke | 79.0 mm x 50.9 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection with YCC-T and YCC-I |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed; wet multiplate assist and slipper clutch |
| Final Drive | 6-speed; wet multi-plate assist and slipper clutch |
| Suspension Front | 43 mm KYB® inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in travel |
| Suspension Rear | KYB® single shock, fully adjustable; 4.7 in travel |
| Brakes Front | Dual 320 mm hydraulic disc; Brake Control System and ABS |
| Brakes Rear | 220 mm hydraulic disc; Brake Control System and ABS |
| Tires Front | 120 / 70 ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F |
| Tires Rear | 190 / 55 ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 gal |
| Overall Length | 80.9 in |
| Overall Width | 27.2 in |
| Overall Height | 45.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 55.3 in |
| Trail | 4.0 in |
| Seat Height | 33.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 448 lb. |
| Price | $17,599 MSRP |
Engine
Yamaha R1 has DOHC 998 cc inline four-cylinder engine with a liquid cooling system that keeps the engine temperature low. It is a powerful, robust bike with a bore and stroke ratio of 79.0 mm x 50.9 mm and an aggressive 13.0:1 compression ratio.
It has a 6-speed transmission with a wet multi-plate assist and slipper clutch. You will not feel any engine heat or vibration in this bike. It also has a Fuel injection system with YCC-T and YCC-I; In order to maintain power output; there’s a new addition of a cable-less ride-by-wire throttle system named Accelerator Position Sensor with Grip (APSG).
In 2015 Yamaha R1 became the first bike to use a six-axis gyro to control its rider aids. It has many other features, like four power modes, three launch control settings, and three up/down shifter modes, four slide control levels, and ten tractions controls.
Suspension & Handling
It has a 43 mm KYB® inverted front fork with 4.7 inches travel and KYB® single shock with 4.7 inches travel. Both front and rear suspensions are fully adjustable, so you can easily adjust them according to your weight and need.
These suspensions, along with its chassis, provide a smooth and calm experience. It Engine design also helped the R1 to gain more traction, particularly at the corner exit in full throttle. For a better riding experience, the company continuously improved this bike’s engine power, handling, and electronic technology. You will feel much sharper handling due to the NPX fork with integrated gas cylinder on the new Hlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS).
Lastly, it has a 120 / 70 ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11F front tire and 190 / 55 ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11R rear tire that are also helpful in bike handling. These tires provide a good connection with the road so the rider can smoothly ride this bike.
Price & Build Quality
The price of the Yamaha R1 is $17,599 MSRP, and it is easily available in the market. All the parts of this bike are made up of high-quality polyester material reinforced by fiberglass. It has 4.5 stars rating out of 5 stars in the reliability test.
There is no doubt that the build quality is top-notch. In fact, the crank design helps the engine spin more smoothly at high speeds, and it’s no secret that Yamaha R1s are bomb-proof, even when raced.
Yamaha R1, R6 & R7 What’s the Difference?
The R1 has a 998 cc liquid-cooled engine; on the other hand, R6 and R7 have a 599 cc engine and a 689 cc liquid-cooled engine, respectively. The top speed of the R1 is 185.7 mph / 299 kmph; however, the R6 and R7 top speed is 160 mph / 257 kph and 139 mph / 223.6 kph, respectively.
R1 has a reliability score of 4.5 stars; meanwhile, R6 has 4.6 stars, and R7 has 4.5 stars. All of these bikes are good, but if you want a bike to start your superbike journey, then let me tell you, none of these bikes are suitable for you. Still, if you are a mid-level rider, you can choose R6 or R7 because R1 comes with immense power and requires a high level of skills and responsibilities to handle it. R1 is more of a track-oriented bike, so enjoying this bike on the track is best.
Conclusion
Yamaha R1 is a road-legal bike, but it is most suitable for the track due to its robust power. It has a top speed of 185.7 mph / 299 kmph, requiring an expert rider to handle it. R1 has a decent fuel economy of 20 km per liter. It also has good handling and smooth suspensions, providing a good riding experience.
Although it has a high price comparing it with its league bikes, it is the cheapest option available in the market. You can consider this bike if you have good riding experience and can responsibly ride. It is not recommended for beginners to start riding on this bike.
FAQ’s
Here are some of the frequently asked questions, and their answers are given below.
Is Yamaha R1 a good bike?
Yamaha R1 is the most iconic bike of all time, and every motorcycle lover wants to get this machine. It has an excellent aggressive design with a powerful engine. It is a good bike for road riding and track races.
Is Yamaha R1 comfortable?
Yes, Yamaha R1 is an exceptionally comfortable bike due to its premium front fork and rear shock; it will give you a bump-free ride. Even you can go on long trips on this bike.
How many gears are in R1?
R1 has six gears transmissions, a wet multi-plate assist, and a slipper clutch.
Is Yamaha R1 suitable for the street?
Yes, Yamaha R1 is a street-legal good bike, but keep in mind to ride it carefully as due to its immense power, it can be hazardous when driven carelessly. As a result of its rugged nature, the track is where it really shines.
Rand Frankey is OffRoadsCare freelance Content Editor. He loves offroad Travelling and bikes, jeeps, and dirk bikes. He will explain all his experience with dirt bikes and offroad vehicles which helps you to make a decision like which vehicle is right for you.
