Japan 2010 Yamaha R1 comes to the inevitable cross-plane crankshaft explanation in an effort to save time. The shortened version basically the heavy spinning counterweight through each offset by 90 degrees which makes the inertial for smoother. Thus making the power delivery smoother that’s pretty much it. Yamaha YZF R1 race bike has been using this technology in their MotoGP bikes since 2004 which is also when Valentino Rossi signed with them.
It took until 2009 before Yamaha introduced this cross plane engine into their production bikes. What exactly does this mean for the bike it’s got a smooth throttle but this also helps with handling. It is ridiculous how stable the r1 is through the corners it’s more stable than a Rossi fans ego after a Rossi Grand Prix victory.
Stats say that the r1 puts out 180 horsepower at the crank and about 85 foot-pounds of torque. 85 torques is a lot for a sport bike most modern sport bikes are only putting out 8283 and that torque is in the low to mid-range as well. Instead of higher up in the lift, it’s kind of like a Ducati with two more cylinders and way less torque than a Ducati. Anyway, there are more features on this thing just the engine some pretty interesting ones too 6 piston brakes.
They aren’t Brembo ultra wide fairing dual under tail exhaust speed sensitive electronics steering damper and projector headlights. Both of the headlights act as low beam and the high beam. So you won’t have random people going and what are your headlights around if they do though. You’ll know there’s a problem it also has the B and standard riding modes. None of them cut or adds engine power however just like a Prius is driving modes it only dictates the throttle response B for the Tama standard. The standard a4 when that Mustang inevitably revs at you at a stoplight.
The r1 handles well it sounds good does it feel good sitting on it initially. After about 20 minutes my main gripe is the handlebars it has a more aggressive seating position. It puts a lot of strain on my wrists during a long ride the seat was fine but that was only because of how wide it is. The seat itself is firm so occasional standing and stretching at stoplights is a thing that will happen.
The rear sets I had no issues with gear shifts were nice as well and neutral is easier to find than a Rossi fan complaining on facebook. After Marc Marquez wins a Grand Prix all in all this bike is just straight-up fun it has a confidence-inspiring torque curve plenty of power for speed demons aggressive looks. A drool-worthy exhaust note it’s not the best bike to come out in 2010 because of you know reasons but after writing this thing. I personally want one solely for track day purposes. Now the crossplane crank figuration allows for understandable and tactile feedback when pushing the bike hard. That’s something that just makes sense for track day use and it makes you feel like a badass.
