2004 Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha Steps it up big with its all-new YZF-R1

By: Blake Conner

Photography By: Courtesy of Yamaha

Since the R1 was introduced in 1998, it has gone through a couple of fairly significant updates. Every two years the company has done something to freshen up its flagship sportbike. In 2000 the bike was restyled completely; in 2002 the bike received fuel injection, a new chassis and another facelift, in what we'll call the true second generation of the bike.

For 2004 the company needed to make a huge leap forward instead of just taking another baby step of progress. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 has absolutely been a thorn in Yamaha's side. The Suzuki's monster motor, stable chassis, and winning racing resume, combined with a new iteration of the bike for 2003 has given the other three Japanese companies fits.

So for 2004 Yamaha has completely redesigned the R1 in what is now the true third generation of the bike. There is a lot more to the bike than just a restyle, like a completely redesigned motor and chassis, reduction in weight and more power to compete with the Suzuki.

Cycle News will have the opportunity to ride the bike in December, but man, does that seem like a long way off. So just like you, we have to sit around wondering what it'll be like to ride until then. But here is the information we have so far.

A completely redesigned short-stroke 998cc, DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder engine now produces a claimed 180 horsepower (at the crankshaft) at 12,500 rpm (with Ram-Air). The all-new fuel-injection system uses motor-driven secondary throttle valves and 32-bit ECU for superresponsive, instantaneous power delivery, eliminating the suction-piston vacuum slides. The cylinder head has been reangled 40 degrees forward instead of 30 to optimize weight distribution, straighten out the intake tracts for improved cylinder filling, and to allow the frame to pass over instead of around the engine for greater strength.

The brand-new underseat exhaust system features titanium headers into a steel midpipe to accommodate the catalytic converter, then goes back to Ti and then into the twin Ti canisters with slash-cut tips. It still uses an EXUP system, which is now made out of Ti.

The all-new, aluminum Deltabox main frame rails pass over the engine instead of around it, resulting in a structure that's considerably more rigid. Overall frame width is reduced from 464 to 395.6mm, which produces more comfortable ergonomics as well as more efficient aerodynamic penetration. Front-end geometry has 5mm more fork offset, and the trail is reduced from 103mm to 97mm for quicker steering.

Dual 320mm front disc rotors with lighter/stronger, forged one-piece radial-mount calipers and Brembo radial-pump front master cylinder with adjustable lever should get things stopped in a hurry. The fully adjustable 43mm KYB inverted telescopic front fork gets stiffer springs and has 4.7 inches of travel.

The bike features aggressive new bodywork for improved aerodynamics with twin Ram-Air intakes for increased engine performance. Twin multireflector and twin projector "Gatlingbeam" headlights should provide good illumination.

Specifications

2004 YAMAHA YZF-R1

LIST PRICE $TBA

DISPLACEMENT 998cc

ENGINE TYPE Liquid-cooled, 20-valve in-line four-cylinder

BORE x STROKE 77 x 53.6mm

COMPRESSION RATIO 12.3:1

CARBURETION EFI

IGNITION Digital CDI

TRANSMISSION Six-speed

STARTING SYSTEM Electric

FUEL CAPACITY 4.8 gal.