Showcases ‘Art of Engineering’ with 2010 YZF-R1

New Delhi, December 18th, 2009: After kick starting the trend two years back, Yamaha is back to fuel the growing appetite for superbikes in India with the launch of Super Sports 2010 YZF-R1 in the Indian market. With the launch of this machine, Yamaha is all set to enhance the joy of Indian riders and experience true ‘Art of Engineering’, which lies at the heart of Yamaha’s creations. Embodying the dynamic and exhilarating spirit that today’s super sport rider demands, the MotoGP-inspired R1 is the most advanced Open-class production motorcycle.

Yamaha was the first two wheeler company to introduce the genre of super sports and torque sports performance bike in India with the launch of YZF-R1 and MT01, two years ago. The introduction of these machines, illustrates company’s aim of enriching Indian bikers riding experience while elevating the current biking paradigm.

Signifying the launch, Mr. Yukimine Tsuji, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd., said, “While the market for superbikes in India is still limited, consumer response to our previously launched YZF-R1, MT01 and latest VMAX superbikes has been overwhelming. The 2010 YZF-R1 superbike model carries Yamaha’s DNA – Performance, Innovation and Design & has one of the most advanced technologies available in the world. Its launch signifies our successful brand transformation efforts in India. In future also, we would continue to launch products that will associate the Indian biking enthusiasts with the combined thrill of technological superiority and artistic brilliance.”

The 2010 Yamaha R1 represents a paradigm shift in technology, performance and controllability among litre class sport bikes. The R1 has been designed to be the “Ultimate Cornering Master 1000” of the open super sport class. Inspired by Yamaha’s M1 MotoGP race bike, this latest generation 998cc R1 features a crossplane crankshaft design with an uneven firing order to provide outstanding yet easy to control torque and an exceptionally linear throttle feel never experienced before. But there is far more to R1 than just a revolutionary engine.

Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in victory after victory on MotoGP® machines provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical inline-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180° intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90° with a unique firing order of 270° – 180° – 90° – 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuations in inertial torque during each engine revolution, and the accompanying peaky torque characteristics. Instead, combustion torque continues to build, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction out of the corners.

This R1 keeps all the technological superiorities developed for its predecessor: YCC-T™ (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP® inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I® is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. The fuel injection system provides optimum air/fuel mixtures for maximum power and smooth throttle response.

The R1 features Yamaha D-MODE (or drive mode) with rider-selectable throttle control maps to program YCC-T performance characteristics for riding conditions.

In keeping with this machine’s exceptional cornering ability and crisp handling, the aluminum frame has been designed to offer exceptional rigidity balance. The rear frame is lightweight Controlled-Fill die-cast magnesium, contributing the optimum mass centralization. The bodywork does more than add break-away-from-the-crowd styling with its more serious, less busy look. The side fairing is smooth for a sleek appearance. And, instead of the usual four-bulb headlight design, the R1 has only two projector-type bulbs mounted closer to the nose of the bike. This position rams air ducts closer in for a more compact, smooth look. In addition, the rounded lenses are unique to the supersport industry.

The frame has a combination of uncompromising rigidity where needed along with carefully achieved flex for the precise rigidity balance this bike needs to give the rider the full benefit of its handling and engine characteristics.

The press-formed fuel tank has a shape developed using 3-D simulation analysis technology. The elongated shape of the tank allows it to fit neatly within the frame in a way that promotes concentration of mass.

2010 YZF-R1 will be available in 24 authorized Yamaha CBU dealerships in 13 cities including 4 Yamaha Factory Shops located in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Kolkata and is priced at Rs 12.5 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom, All India). The color options will be Yamaha Blue, Metallic Black and Bluish White.

Yamaha believes that developing motorcycles is both a technological and an artistic endeavor. It pursues a level of performance that transcends mere specifications. The goal is to produce technologically superior motorcycles that should have a deep and intangible emotional appeal. It is what defines the company and this is what we call the “Art of Engineering”