2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 Gets New Looks, No Extra Power

Not much was changed in Yamaha’s forthcoming supersport bike, which disappoints R1’s fans worldwide. The 2010 YZF-R1 comes with even less changes than the revised R6, as the only changes made were a new paint scheme and a Limited Edition (LE) model.

Visually, the new R1 gets a twin projector beam headlights concentrated near newly placed forced air intake ducts. The bodywork features inner and outer shells controlling airflow around the bike at high speeds and forcing more cool air to the radiator and engine bay therefore eliminating the need for hot-air vents usually located at the sides of the radiator.

As for the 2010 LE model, this will be finished Valentino Rossi/Fiat Yamaha livery including the number “46” and “The Doctor” logos. Moreover, each machine will also contain a replica of Valentino’s signature on the fuel tank.

The R1 is the world’s first production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft, which was originally pioneered in MotoGP racing with the M1. “The result is incredibly smooth, roll-on power delivery with outrageous amounts of torque for a rush like you’ve never experienced before,” Yamaha says on the crossplane crankshaft.

The 2010 R1 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning this month with a starting MSRP of $13,290 and available in Raven Black, Pearl White and Team Yamaha Blue/White. As you can see, just like with its smaller sister, the YZF-R6, Pearl White is a new color for the R1 in 2010. The R1 LE will be available in Fiat Yamaha Team graphics in January 2010 with a starting MSRP of $14,500.