In 1998, Yamaha revealed the truly remarkable R1 to the world. This awesome motorcycle looked like nothing else in its class. And there were three vital statistics that confirmed that the R1 was indeed a very special motorcycle. Those figures back in '98 were 150hp, 390 lbs. and 1395mm, representing power output, weight and wheelbase. Nothing else in the class came even close to matching them. They amazed both the press and the motorcycling public. And the combination of high power, low weight and ultra-compact chassis dimensions signaled the beginning of an exciting new era in high-performance riding. The rest is history.

The R1 was universally acclaimed by journalists throughout the world as one of the most important bikes of the '90's that broke just about every record in the large-capacity supersport class. The general consensus of opinion was that the R1 didn't merely live up to the claims that had been made by Yamaha, it far exceeded them.

In terms of engine and chassis performance, the R1 raised the stakes in the hard-fought supersport category to a whole new level. Other supersport machines that had previously been considered as state-of-the-art before the R1 arrived suddenly looked well past their prime after the fall of 1997. Delivering awesome levels of power combined with precision handling performance, this high-tech one-liter motorcycle is regarded as one of the most influential sportbike models ever.

In 2000, the R1 received a total makeover with more than 150 component changes. It was winner of the 2000 Sport Rider open class comparison, scoring perfect 10's in engine power delivery, transmission, chassis and handling, suspension and the fun-to-ride category. 9.5's and 9.0's in all others. It was also Motorcycle On-Line's 2000 Openbike Shootout winner.

For 2001, there's also an R1 Champions Limited Edition model, which includes special paint scheme and stamped aluminum authenticity plate signifying the bike's limited production number.

Manufacturer's Sugg. Retail Price...$10,299 - $10,799

FEATURES & BENEFITS



Engine:

Compact, ultra-lightweight 998cc, DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine.
Specially designed, one-piece cylinder and crankcase assembly provides tremendous engine rigidity that's lighter and stiffer than two-piece designs.
Engine is a fully stressed chassis member to allow for a super-light frame design and outstanding handling.
Compact slant-block engine design uses stacked gearbox shafts to create a low center of gravity and balanced front/rear weight distribution.
Special 3-axis gearbox design stacks input/output shafts to keep overall engine size to 600cc-spec dimensions.
Lightweight forged pistons feature carburized connecting rods for superb strength and reduced reciprocating mass.
Four 40mm big-bore Mikuni CV downdraft carburetors provide precise fuel/air mixture across the rev range for superb low- to top-end power delivery.
Throttle position sensor (TPS) monitors throttle position, adjusting ignition timing to ensure maximum muscle across the entire powerband.
Yamaha's patented Exhaust Ultimate Powervalve (EXUP) monitors engine rpm and adjusts exhaust flow for maximum acceleration.
4-into-2-into-1 exhaust features super-lightweight titanium muffler.
Specially designed camshaft lubrication system reduces tappet clearances and valve train mechanical noise.
Patented electroplated cylinder bores ensure greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced frictional power loss.
Magnesium pickup coil and shift shaft covers reduce weight for better acceleration and handling.
Close-ratio 6-speed transmission delivers seamless power transfer between gears for maximum acceleration.
Compact, large-capacity clutch ensures consistent, positive engagement.
Smooth-shifting hollow chromoly shift shaft delivers superior shift feel and helps reduce weight.

Chassis/Suspension:

Dry weight an incredible 385 pounds.
Deltabox II aluminum chassis designed with 600cc-spec 54.9" wheelbase and 56 maximum lean angle for industry-leading handling.
Extra-long (22.9"), truss-type swingarm features forward-mounted pivot point for superb handling.
Fully adjustable (preload, compression and rebound damping) 41mm inverted telescopic front fork with 5.3" of travel offers race-bred suspension performance.
Fully adjustable (preload, compression and rebound damping) 40mm piggyback rear shock with 5.1" of travel delivers exceptional rear wheel tracking and super-precise handling performance.
Dual 298mm front disc rotors with one-piece 4-piston calipers and 245mm rear disc rotor with dual-piston caliper provide outstanding stopping power.
Cast-aluminum 3-spoke wheels wear competition-spec 120/70-ZR17 front and 190/50-ZR17 rear Dunlop D207 radials for incredible grip.
Adjustable, 5-position front brake lever.
Forged footpegs are extra durable and reduce weight.
Extensive use of hollow bolts and lightweight fasteners help trim overall weight.
Durable #530 O-ring-sealed drive chain.

Additional Features:

Specially designed fairing, headlight profile, fuel tank, tailsection and body cowling reduce aerodynamic drag for greater acceleration and increased top speed.
4.75-gallon fuel tank features a low top profile, gently sloping rear section and deep side cutouts to create a super-aggressive riding position.
Multi-function digital and analog instrumentation with LED illumination features: digital speedometer, analog tachometer, dual tripmeters with odometer, upward-counting fuel reserve meter, water temp gauge and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals.
Trick, race-spec step-motor tachometer is wafer-thin to reduce weight.
Dual 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlight features a sleek, cat-eye profile for superb aerodynamics and visibility.
Dual-bulb taillight design reduces both weight and size while providing excellent visibility.
Anti-theft wiring harness provides easy-access terminals to simplify alarm installation.
Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.

Below are several photographs of my 2000 YZF R1, taken and scanned on 10-28-01: