YAMAHA YZF-R1 (2002-2003) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2002, Yamaha launched the YZF-R1, their world-famous superbike, a machine that received the Sport Rider Magazine's Bike of the Year on two occasions.

For the 2002 model, Yamaha introduced a new fuel injection system with a similar power output as the 2000-2001 model. The engine remained almost the same with only one notable improvement, such as the new cylinder sleeves of high silicon content alloy with magnesium that minimized thermal distortion and reduced oil consumption.

Also, the exhaust system was redesigned from a four-into-one to a four-two-one system made of titanium.

The 2002 Yamaha YZF-R1 featured a newly developed Deltabox frame with a hydro-formed construction that reduced the total number of welding points and improved the rigidity by 30 percent.

In the performance department, the bike featured a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 152 hp with a peak at 10,500 rpm and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque at 8,500 rpm.

Yamaha's refined engine added even more precise control over the performance and provided the sport riders with even more fun both on the street and on the race track.

For suspension, the bike packed a 43 mm adjustable inverted telescopic fork on the front and a truss-type aluminum swingarm with an adjustable motocross system on the rear.