Delivering 172 horsepower and weighing 172 kilograms, the 2004 Yamaha R1 is the first machine in its class to achieve the 1:1 power to weight ratio - a statistic that guarantees this awesome motorcycle an automatic entry in the record books.
The original R1 has gone down in motorcycle folklore as the bike that turned the supersport class upside down. The magical numbers associated with the original R1 were 150bhp and 177kg. But the figures only told a part of the story, for the original R1 opened up a new world of performance that astonished those who unleashed its awesome potential.
Featuring the most advanced and sophisticated engine and chassis technology ever employed on a Yamaha production machine, the all-new R1 represents as great a leap forward now as the original bike did seven years ago.
The seemingly unattainable goal of one horsepower per kilogram was considered almost impossible just a few years ago, and to put it in perspective a typical two-seater sports car would need to be producing over 1000bhp to match the new R1?s power to weight ratio.
But that 172bhp @ 12,500rpm is only the beginning - when the effects of forced air intake are taken into account, the maximum power output of the new R1 engine rises to 180 horsepower, easily smashing the 1:1 barrier!
The new cylinder layout is angled forwards at 40 degrees. This configuration is similar to the layout used on Yamaha's MotoGP racing machinery, and it allows greater freedom in the development of a much stiffer chassis. By sloping the engine forwards, the new generation R1 frame has a virtually straight, unimpeded run from the headstock through to the swingarm pivot point, which, in chassis terms, is an idealised layout.
And because the cylinder head now sits below the route of the twin spars, the overall width between the spars is greatly reduced. This in turn allows the fitment of a slimmer fuel tank, which makes for a more comfortable and aerodynamic riding position.
The latest R1 uses a totally new fuel injection system featuring twin valve throttle bodies, and digitally controlled motor-driven secondary butterfly valves that actively control the airflow. The result is class-leading driveability together with precision throttle response that makes for previously unattainable levels of controllability.
One of the most significant stylistic changes seen on the new R1 is the compact new 4-into-1-into-2 exhaust. Tucked beneath the seat, the dual titanium end cans give the R1 a slim and aggressive looking rear end and the system has been tuned to emit a deep, strong growl that gives more than a hint that this is the most powerful Yamaha supersport ever.
The torque-boosting EXUP (Exhaust Ultimate Powervalve) system is situated where the four header pipes flow into one, and features a titanium butterfly valve for the first time.
The latest race-bred technology is virtually wherever you look on the new R1, and the radially mounted front brake calipers are another example of how MotoGP influences the 2004 model. Mounted to highly rigid cast brackets on the 43mm front forks, the R1's dual one-piece four piston calipers grip the 320mm diameter front discs to give outstanding braking performance.
For improved control the calipers are operated by a new radial pump type Brembo master cylinder assembly which ensures that the new front braking system delivers the accurate feel that R1 riders need to get the best from their machinery.
The third generation R1 runs with new five-spoke wheels with a 120/70 ZR17 front tyre and 190/50 ZR17 rear. Featuring slim, hollow cast spokes, the 3.50 wide front wheel and 6.00 wide rear are lighter than the previous three-spoke design, and the reduction in unsprung weight makes a positive contribution to front and rear suspension performance.
And if that isn't enough, Yamaha are offering a range of goodies for the R1 including double-bubble screen, crash bungs, carbon front mudguard, and a single seat cover. You know you want one.
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