YAMAHA YZF-R1 (2007-2008) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2008, Yamaha released the YZF-R1, a light and powerful machine that featured MotoGp technology and was the most advanced Open-class production motorcycle ever built at the time.

Also, the inline four-cylinder engine was the most powerful unit ever built by the Japanese manufacturer, with its world's first electronic variable-length intake fuel system and YCC-T fly-by-wire system that provided crisp throttle response under all conditions.

In addition, the aluminum Deltabox frame and swingarm took the Open-class handling to another level, while the slipper-clutch back-torque-limiting system offered great performance braking and downshifting from high speeds and the six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers with 310 mm discs generated strong braking performance.

In the power department, the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 had its heartbeat set by a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that provided an output power of 180 hp with a peak at 12,500 rpm and 113 Nm (80 lb-ft) of torque available at 10,000 rpm.

All that power was converted into speed by a six-speed manual transmission, and with a dry weight of 177 kg (389 lbs), the bike reached a top speed of 288 kph (179 mph).

As for suspension, the model packed a 43 mm adjustable inverted telescopic fork on the front and a piggyback adjustable single shock absorber on the rear.