2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 Comparo Photo Gallery

Faster tracks like Buttonwillow and Willow Springs played to the R1's strengths more so than shorter, tighter courses.

The 2008 R1 continues to score high in aesthetics.

Even though it won't take home this year's title, the 2008 R1 is still the best-looking, most powerful R1 ever built.

A piggyback rear shock offers both low-and high- speed compression adjustability.

The R1's front end features a fully adjustable KYB inverted telescopic front fork with 43mm tubes.

The instrument cluster features a centrally-located black-faced analog tach with LCD screens on either side, but without a fuel gauge or gear position indicator.

The 2008 R1 rated high in initial turn-in capability but its mass centralization kept it from ranking higher.

The Yamaha Inline Four makes horsepower similar to the Ninja and GSX-R until around 10,000 rpm when the others start to pull away.

A slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch helps braking and downshifting from high speed.

There's no mistaking the front cowling of the R1.

The 2008 YZF-R1 is a scintillating bike in its own accord, but sits in the middle of the pack against some very stiff competition.

Strong points on this year's R1 include a solid transmission, a wailing motor, an efficient slipper clutch and a buttery-smooth throttle.

The 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 weighs in around the same as the ZX-10R but is 25 lbs heavier than the lightweight 1098 and the '08 CBR.

Waheed fulfills his need, his need for speed.

Motorcycle USA's Adam Waheed said that the R1's midrange was much improved over previous years.

Pacific Track Time's Michael Ernest liked the way the R1's motor ripped and was impressed with its strong pull at the top of its powerband.

Our more experienced test riders found the Yamaha YZF-R1 very adept at hustling through the tight stuff.

Underneath the R1's stylish fairing sits a durable Deltabox frame.

It only took fourty-four race tires and four tracks to come to our 2008 Superbike Smackdown conclusions.

'Midrange is much improved over previous generations, but it still is lacking when compared to the current open-class crop,' explains MCUSA Associate Editor Adam Waheed.

The Hutch opens up the clutch for a little one-wheeled action.

A fairing with big Ram-Air intakes and a screwless windscreen improves aerodynamics and engine performance.

While other manufacturers have opted out of the underseat exhaust, the 2008 R1's exhaust continues to toast some buns.

The 2008 R1 is compact compared to the GSX-R1000, but it's still bigger than the Ducati, Kawasaki and Honda.

The brakes on the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 are powerful, with a consistent, fade-free feel.

Our dyno test results show the R1 putting out 150 hp at 12,200 rpm while producing 73.64 lb-ft of peak torque at 9500 rpm.

Th '08 R1 ranked behind the other Inline Fours from 0-60.

2008 Superbike Smackdown Horsepower Chart

Thanks to its 998cc DOHC 16-valve engine, it doesn't take much to get the '08 R1 lifted off the ground.

2008 Superbike Smackdown Torque Curves

2008 Superbike Smackdown Quarter Mile Times

It may not have been the fastest in the quarter mile, but the R1's trap speed was second to none.

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 - Superbike Smackdown V

The 2008 R1's technological sophistication is world-class and includes Yamaha Chip Control Throttle and Intake systems.

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 Comparo Photo Gallery

Photos of the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 Comparo. 2008 Superbike Smackdown V