2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 Project Photo Gallery

Lofting the front wheel under power becomes difficult with TC on its maximum setting.

Follow along as MotorcycleUSA gets its hands on a 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 and begins transforming it into a pavement pounder both on the street and the track. Check out the full story in 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 Project Bike and 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 Project Bike Part 2.

An optional 12-position Traction Control Adjustment Switch which includes an up/down map selection toggle, both mounted on the left handlebar. The TC switch allows the rider to adjust the traction control sensitivity on-the-fly.

The Bazzaz Performance Z-Fi TC system retails for $999.95 and can be purchased through them directly or via Tucker Rocky Distribution.

Bazzaz Performance's Chris West install the Z-Fi TC system on a 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1. Installation takes about 3 hours.

Once you experience the joys of a quick shifter, you'll never want to ride a standard shifting motorcycle again.

If you look carefully you can spot the three seperate compound areas.

Developed courtesy of our leather-clad friends in MotoGP, the new 'Stones feature multiple compound construction.

You could still spin the rear tire on command. It did, however, quell the power when under hard acceleration out of the corner.

After experiencing the rapid shifting bliss of the quick shifter, it makes bikes with conventional shifters passe.

We tested the VIO POV.1 camera system at Buttonwillow. Look for an in-depth write up soon.

The new Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 is a fantastic tire. Not only do they warm-up fast, but they have a suprisingy amount of outright grip for a street tire and grip levels are always consistent. The price is pretty reasonable too.

We were surprised by how light the stock mufflers have become, but the replacements were even lighter. We were also astonished by the fit and finish of the pipes. The carbon fiber is real and looks super trick yet the brushed stainless-steel end caps help keep things elegant.

Traction levels are consistent and the tire never 'goes off' even through a full 30-minute session. Another bonus was how compatible the tires were with the bike.

The GYTR pipes really clean up the backend of the R1. They sound pretty cool too.

Horsepower and torque gains were modest with the GYTR High Flow Air Filter and GYTR Carbon Fiber Slip-On's, however, once mapped properly throttle response was far more precise and overall driveability was significantly improved.

Throttle response at all rpm's had increased significantly and the popping and backfiring that we had encountered with the stock map was completely eliminated.

A view from the cockpit just outside of Ojai, California on our way to Laguna Seca on our project R1.

Atop Nacimiento-Fergusson road before dropping down onto PCH enroute to the '08 USGP on our project R1.

Posing with a tank at the entrance to Hunter Liggett military base.

The PCH is a scenic way to Monterey - Laguna Seca.

Our project R1 posted up at the local bike night.

Yamaha's comfort seat (part no. GYT-4C821-00-00) not only looks my stylish but provides more comfort on short rides.

The GYTR Carbon Fiber Slip-on's are 3 lbs. lighter than stock.

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

With the use of computer virtually any fuel, quickshifter, or traction control setting can be altered.

Bridgestone's new BT-003 racing tire comes in three unique compounds. Type 2 (hard), Type 3(medium) and Type 4 (medium-soft).

The Bridgestone BT-003 DOT-labeled road race tire sports a new tread pattern designed for enhanced performance.

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

A stand that elevates the motorcycle from the headstock is required in order to remove the fork. We used a stand by Pit Bull.

Although they look similar, the Penske Racing shock (above) offers a wider yet more finite range of adjustment.

We replaced the R1's non-adjustable steering damper with GPR's 20-way adjustable V4 Road Stabilizer.

On the street the suspension modifications we made resulted in a substanitally firmer ride. Also noteable was the smoother action when the suspension compressed.

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

Bazzaz Performance’s proprietary Z-Fi Mapper software makes it easy to make traction control adjustments at the track.

Out on the closed-confines of the racetrack the Traxxion fork mods and Penske Racing rear shock not only delivered an enormous amount of road feel but also allowed the R1 to be ridden much more agressively than stock.

Galfer brake lines come in a kit ready to install.

Note the difference in shape between the BT-003 Type 4 tire on the left and the BT-003 Type 3 front tire on the right.

2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

The Bridgestone BT-003 DOT-labeled road race tire sports a new tread pattern designed to reduce chatter.