2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 First Look

Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Font Size: small text medium text large text
RSS Feeds
2010 Yamaha YZF-R1
2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 now comes in an 'LE' model, featuring a Valentino Rossi-replica paint scheme.
For 2010 Yamaha has kept the current and revolutionary YZF-R1 platform unchanged, though it does now come in a slew of new graphic treatments, as well as a Limited Edition model. The base model colors feature an updated Team Yamaha Racing Blue/White, Raven Black and Pearl White, while the “LE” is a Valentino Rossi replica, with graphics exactly as the M1 MotoGP bike, including The Doctor’s signature on each tank; the rest of the machine remains exactly the same as stock. For said graphics, one will pay $14,500 and it will be available January of 2010. The base model comes in at $13,290 and it will be available September of this year.


Courtesy of Yamaha…

Don’t say we didn’t warn you to forget everything you ever knew about the supersport liter class. Moto journalists and consumers agree once you hear the growl of the YZF-R1, it is clear that this bike is unlike anything before. Winning on the World Superbike racing circuit and in the motorcycle press, the R1 was chosen as the 2009 Motorcycle of the Year by Motorcyclist Magazine for its MotoGP inspired engine and chassis technology and its luxurious fit and finish.

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1
Pearl White is a new color for the R1 for 2010.
New for 2010, the R1 will be offered in an LE Limited Edition complete with Valentino Rossi/Fiat Yamaha livery including the number “46” and “The Doctor” logos. Each LE will also contain a replica of Valentino’s signature on the fuel tank.

It’s all about power – delivery of power, to be exact. That’s because the 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).

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1
Here Ben Spies takes the 2010 Team Yamaha Blue R1 for a Sunday stroll around Laguna Seca.
The inclusion of D-MODE variable throttle control function 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 YZF-R1 represents a major breakthrough in supersport technology and performance.

The 2010 R1 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning in September 2009 with a starting MSRP of $13,290 and available in Raven, Pearl White and Team Yamaha Blue/White.

The R1 LE will be available in January 2010 with a starting MSRP of $14,500 and available in Fiat Yamaha Team graphics.

Full information on all Yamaha models can be found at www.Yamaha-motor.com.
2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 Photo Gallery
View Gallery
View Gallery
View Gallery
View Gallery
View Slideshow
Yamaha YZF-R1 Dealer Locator
Other Sportbike First Looks
BMW Inline Six Motorcycle Concept
BMW pulls the wraps off the surprising Concept 6, which features an Inline Six engine and BMW hint that it may anchor a new luxury touring motorcycle.
2010 MV Agusta F4 First Look
A new 186-hp engine and 22-lb lighter chassis headline the changes to the 2010 MV Agusta F4 superbike relased at the 2009 EICMA Milan Bike Show.
2010 Ducati 1198R Corse Edition First Look
Say hello to the uber-trick Ducati 1198R Corse Edition. A host of small changes are seen on the flagship Italian Superbike for 2010.
Comments
Peter Ryan - R1 thumb brake  November 19, 2009 10:45 AM
I would like to buy the new R1 but i wear a prosthesis so i would need a thumb brake to work the back wheel. can ye tell me if there is a thumb brake to suit the new R1 and where could i buy it from. Many thanks Peter.
firefighter - flushmounts?  October 22, 2009 02:48 PM
Hi I'm not familiar with the yamamha lineup, I was wondering why the bikes do not feature flushmount front turnsignals? Does anyone know when that might be standard? Thanks.
morris - 2010 r1  September 13, 2009 11:26 PM
liking the minimal graphics on the regular models.
wr - R1 of course  September 12, 2009 12:22 AM
Give me a brand new R1 and some real handlebars off the FZ1 and move the foot pegs down a bit.take off that stupid plastic and through it in the garbage can.Change the rear sprocket to a larger unit or the small to a smaller unit for a grin on your face all the way to 140 mph.and live happily ever after. sit up straight and run low nines at or near 140+ mph in the Quarter mile. beat up on everyone in town and out up to 140 mph. All day convert and sport bike killer performance. Low nines in the 1/4th mile will make any racer take notice, and for sure us street dummies.wr.
richard molina - the big bang  September 12, 2009 12:22 AM
igot my old 1988 fzr 1000 out. charged the battery, took it out for a spin just wishing it was a r1. But this old bike still lifted the hairs o n back of my neck.. BAD ASS YAMAHAS. GORDO
Superlight - R1  September 9, 2009 06:42 AM
Graphics on the Pearl White version are much better (simpler) than last year. The Rossi graphics? Don't ask.
GS - Mike's not interested in motorcycle racing...  September 9, 2009 04:44 AM
Nobody's racing a '48 Panhead in SuperSport or an Ultra Classic ElectraGlide in Superbike.
x2468 - spies replica  September 8, 2009 09:04 PM
I like the rossi replica. But i'd like to see a spies one too. ---- I see Milwaukee Mike is being dim as ever.
Racer1 - That's something to live up to...  September 8, 2009 07:12 PM
Showing up to a track day on an R1 decked out in Rossi's livery will be like showing up with a target on your back! If you don't have the skills to back it up it could be a bit embarrassing! I would love to get that bike in my sights on the track and overtake "Rossi"! Mike - FIAT is merely a MotoGP sponsor, nothing more, and has no financial interest in Yamaha.
milwaukee mike - Chyrsler-Fiat / Yamaha-Fiat  September 8, 2009 06:52 PM
OK, thanks to Nobama, the italions and us taxpers now own Chyrsler.
But when did Nobama get the italions to buy Yamaha?
spiesfan - replica  September 8, 2009 03:36 PM
i'd rather see a ben replica.

Add a Comment
Your Name:

Subject:

Comments:

MotoUSA Magazine
Get your copy FREE!
Email Newsletter
Sign-up for our monthly update.
MotoUSA Mobile
Optimized for your mobile device.
Motorcycle Superstore
Shop with confidence - #1 rated.

Motorcycle USA covers the world of motorcycles with breaking motorcycle news, motorcycle reviews and motorcycle race coverage. When you can’t afford to miss a single event in the world of motorcycling, trust Motorcycle USA to bring you the inside scoop on the two-wheeled world.


Copyright 1996-2009 Motorcycle USA, LLC. All rights reserved.