The competitors:2008 VS.2009
2008
Introduced in 2007 and carried over into '08, it represented the last model in the evolution of the traditional R1. Where more recent models were docked for a lack of midrange-grunt, Yamaha revamped the motor for more pop under the curve. The compression was increased, larger cams were fitted and a revised exhaust system was used. In place of the 20-valve cylinder head, which had been used since the R1's inception, a more traditional 4-valve per cylinder head found its way into the mix.
Tech-heads also rejoiced as Yamaha fitted throttle-by-wire electronic throttle bodies (YCC-T) and adjustable velocity stacks that changed length (YCC-I) around 10,400 RPM for more top-end hit. A slipper clutch was also added to aid in smooth downshifts.
Suspension components were upgraded with stiffer springs and new six-pot front binders put the hurt on updated rotors. A new frame and swingarm equated to more stiffness and less heft. While weight was claimed to be down, in actuality it gained a few pounds over the previous generation.
A decade of tweaks produced an R1 that could be considered the "best" of its lineage. Through the years the various weaknesses were addressed and the strong points were highlighted from each model year to the next. Ultimately the '08 comes to battle with traits from its brethren of the past ten years.
2009
Yamada started with a clean slate when it designed the '09 R1. Forgoing everything from the past decade, the biggest news is the new cross-plane crank motor with direct roots from the Yamaha M1 MotoGP monster. The new mill has a big-bang firing order that has the torque and traction of a V-twin with the top-end punch of a traditional inline-four motor.
Cradling the new motor is an equally fresh frame that's said to maximize feedback with more rigidity in key spots and less so in others. New forks and a bottom-link suspension were utilized as well as upgraded brakes for slowing things down. And speaking of slowing your roll, all these hi-tech goodies must have tacked on some weight, because the new bike tips the scales at 449 pounds dry, up nearly 15 pounds on the '08 model.
Other tech pieces include the latest versions of the (YCC-T) electronic throttle bodies and the variable-length intakes (YCC-I). Other big news includes the all-new D-Mode button that allows the rider to toggle between various response maps on the fly-there's Standard mode as well as A- and B- modes that either soften or heighten throttle response via the electronic throttle bodies.
Fresh bodywork, gauges and a new pair of under-seat exhaust cans wrap up an all new package that's about as unorthodox as it is cool.