May 14, 2009
Care To Do Lunch?
Holy CR%P!!!
I just got back from my lunch break. Didn’t eat just went for a ride with one of my colleagues here at YMCA’s he
ad office. Aaron had some errands to run and I had not had the chance to take out the all new 2009 Yamaha R1.
I had just finished hearing Dave MacDougall rave about the phenomenal response the 25+ Sport Bike riders had after testing the R1 at his recent MC Power Tour at POWERSPORT JUNCTION In Guelph. Dave seemed pretty stoked about the feedback he was getting from the riders so I thought, “What the heck… I’ll take it for a spin” (Gotta ride before I can talk about it… right!!?)
Aaron had the new FZR6r and I had the … Yamaha R1…
Let me say it again… HOLY CR%P. This bike is awesome, Crossplane crankshaft with uneven firing order, Selectable drive modes… (What!) Inverted front forks, Radial front disc brakes, Variable intake, and new compact Deltabox chassis with fully adjustable suspension. I try to keep abreast of the latest technology but, put all this technology in one package… sick!
I fired it up… the sound was unlike anything I have ever heard, let alone ridden. Is it a twin? A triple? Doesn’t sound like an inline 4? I moved off casually, not knowing what to expect… a mid range surge… a top end rush…It delivered controllable power to the ground anywhere in the power band… NO, forget power band, there is no power band! Just start the beast and you’re in the power band. 20kph, 60kph, 100kph and above. Anywhere u twist the throttle it produces gobs of earth shattering torque and horsepower… I need to go change my pants…
Ok I just bought some stock in a dry cleaning business. I figured the cleaning business is going to boom if they are located next to a Yamaha dealership!
The R1’s power plant is so unbelievably good the guys and gals that purchase this bike are going to need to have their leathers laundered professionally EVERY single time they take their bike out for a ride.
Why aren’t our governments talking about this as a stimulus for the economy? ‘…No ticky / no laundry’
… No need to spend trillions of dollars bailing out the cage drivers, Put one of these in every driveway and we’ll have the sport population working over time to afford to buy more accessories, (and new riding gear). They’ll sell their cars and put snow tires on their new R1… they won’t want to give it up, it’s that good.
They’ll spend billions flying their bikes to far away places to find more roads, Infrastructure? They’ll lobby their politicians to build new twisty roads to the nearest 7 11 corner store… Take the long way home…
I have to stop. I need a dictionary. Think I’ll just use metaphors and similes to finish this blog:
More power than a locomotive, more reliable than my best friend. Cornering? Felt like it was on rails!! More of a rush than my 1st date kiss with a gal from Florida. Put a silly grin on my face bigger than that of the Cheshire Cat. The adrenaline rushing through my veins… feeling the ‘Fight or Flight’ syndrome… guess which option I chose.
I couldn’t finish the ride! I got off at an intersection and told Aaron he had to take her home. I’ve been riding long enough to know when I’ve had enough. It takes a bigger man than me to ride this bike on the street. While I’m riding it I’m invincible, I can do no wrong, it is confidence inspiring it makes up for all my short comings as a man, but then at the stop light, I couldn’t keep my hands and legs from shaking. “Aaron u take it”. The beast just purred and idled its unique 90deg uneven firing purr (sounded like it was laughing at me)
Can’t wait for the next track day. I’m a changed man… I have always considered my self to be educated and able to convey my thoughts and emotions easily through the spoken word… but this new R1 is beyond description. You’ll have to ride one for yourself and explain the silly grin that follows.
Did I say I can’t wait for my next track day???
Cheers Dre
Loading ...
I have ordered a 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 as well as thousands of dollars in aftermarket parts.
I also currently have an ‘08 ZX-14 SE. I have owned several super sport bikes in the past.
Unfortunately, the ‘09 R1 has been rated the lowest in at least four separate liter bike comparisons, smackdowns, shootouts.
Only MCN has rated the 09 R1 highly in comparison tests.
Hopefully, I will not have made a poor choice with the ‘09 R1. Great engine sound does not guarantee great performance.
Hi Rus
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my blog… nice to know there’s people who read what I write.
I have to admit, I don’t put much credence in Magazine comparisons, They’re like political polls… the only one that counts is the poll on election day… in this case the only comparisons that counts is the one we make when choosing a bike. You choose the R1. Me too.
I know when I took the R1 out, I went straight to my favourite on-ramp and, even though I was only riding 7/10th I was dead even with my best speed upon exiting the ramp!!! and this was 1st time out for the season!!
For me, the bike made it easy, the power delivery, the stability in the corners, the confidence it inspired… I hadn’t changed, the road surface was the same, the only difference… the bike.
As for the sound… The sound alone will get you more looks than anything else. Anyone that knows anything about bikes will be very inquisitive about what u’ve done to ur ride…
I think after u’ve been out on it a few more times, u’ll realize that u made the best choice in the R1. It’s the bomb. lol
Thanks again for writing Chris, Hope to see u around.
André Harris
May 16th, 2009 at 12:54 amEvent Coordinator
PS
We’ll be doing a demo ride at Snow City on Thurs May 21st from 10-4. Maybe we’ll see u there, would love to hear more about your experience.
I like how the picture was taken..
Just reading between the lines – I think you enjoyed the R1. Can only imagine the pull and handling the R1 has to offer. The sound…….
When you say track test..do you just load a bunch of bikes up and head out…or is it a controlled outing giving the staff a chance to ride– to best experience the bike?
Selectable drive – can you explain that in you next post – just guessing ….. fuel map?
In another post – can you explain and show pictures of the variable intake?
In closing -your enthusiasm brought back memories (I’m old) of driving latest 650 …… while working for the very new Yamaha Ca. My shock and awe mirrored yours.
Not such a happy ending….. rode them a lot trying to figure why some were tank slappers…I took one out that was set up to run coast to coast (that was a big deal back then) to enjoy the thrill and to see if it was a slapper. That all ended – a car ran a light on Finch. Good thing I wasn’t on my GT80.
Hi Bob,
re; the “selectable drive” or D-mode as factory has named it, is not a fuel/ignition mapping as has been used by some other manufacturers.
The R1 has our chip controlled throttle (sometimes referred to as fly-by wire) and this allows us a whole new dimension. The D-mode merely changes the rate of throttle opening and the actual opening angle. In standard, it opens 1:1 with the twistgrip. “A” mode gives a faster opening rate and wider angle. B mode gives us a slower rate and less angle for those wet slippery surfaces.
I will put some information on the Yamaha Motor Canada website about both the D-mode and also the Lifting intakes (YCC-I). Many people haven’t noticed the “Technology” section on the web site. It has many items that I’ve been adding over the past couple of years. If there is something missing (old or new) that you feel should be there, let us know.
cheers
Dave S.
Hi Bob,
Glad u like my blog.
I certainly enjoyed doing the research.
I’m going to have to defer any technical questions to our techie guru Dave Shepherd. He is better informed and can answer the technical questions u posed.
The spec sheet on or R1 webpage http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?model=3002§ion=ft&group=M#contentTop
lists all the specs, but stay tuned to our blog and I’ll see if I can get some more detailed explanations.
Track days are organized by several dealers, Pro 6 Cycle and I think FAST used to arrange track days too.
Each rider is responsible for their own bike but some dealers are more flexible than others in the services they offer. Shop around.
So u used to work for YMCA? Cool, hope ur still riding.
André Harris
May 19th, 2009 at 1:17 pmEvent Coordinator
What an inspiring blog post! Peed on my pant already just to imagine riding R1 myself
Cheers,
~bb~
Hi BB
I’m telling you… buy stock in Dry Cleaners… we’ll make a killing. lol
Glad u enjoyed the article… stay tuned for more.
André Harris
May 20th, 2009 at 4:23 amMany thanks for the feedback. I’m looking forward to adding the ‘09 R1 as one of my bikes.
Could Dave Shepherd please explain Yamaha’s rationale for limiting throttle blade opening via its chip controlled throttle. Reportedly, the throttle blades will not open more than 60% below about 7000 RPM no matter how much throttle input is given regardless of D-Mode. Perhaps this is a primary reason for the ‘09 R1’s comparatively poor performance in the liter bike comparisons.
If Yamaha improves this on the ‘10 R1, hopefully they will make it a backwards compatible fix for my ‘09 R1.
I didn’t find any information on this in the Technology Section of the web site.
Many thanks!
May 20th, 2009 at 11:53 amHi Russ,
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:28 pmThe YCC-T is a very effective method of controlling air velocity through the throttle bodies. In fact, that is the main point of it, while making the body tract length as short as possible to improve HP. Keeping that in mind, at 7000rpm, the engine is a long way from its peak power, so it only makes sense that the thottle plate (blade) is only partially open. Without changing the twistgrip position, the plates will change position depending on the load and calculated air velocity.
But make no mistake, if the motor can take the load applied by the rider and road, and the velocity is good, the plate will fully open at some point.
Does that help?
Thanks for the question Russ.
Cheers
Dave S
Many thanks for the clarification Dave.
The general consensus in at least one R1 Forum on the Internet has been that the inability of the throttle blades to open more than 60% below about 7000 RPM inhibits performance.
If I understand the mechanical principles involved correctly, it does make sense in terms of basic physics. At lower RPMs, the smaller the throttle blade (plate)opening, the higher will be the velocity of the air being sucked into the engine during the intake stroke(in comparison to a larger opening).
Can you advise how these parameters have been altered in the GYTR ECU for the ‘09 R1?
Super thanks again!
May 26th, 2009 at 3:24 pmHi:
What I meant to ask was whether the throttle blade (plate) opening parameters are altered when using the Y.E.C Racing ECU Set etc. for the ‘09 R1?
Many thanks!
Russ, the Race ECU and wire harness has many changes (too many to go into) from stock.
It eliminates the d-mode due to allowing the rider/tuner to dial in “his own mode” and then save it as map 1 or map 2.
The throttle plate angle cannot be quickened more than 1:1 (but many racers are using a different ratio throttle to pulley), but you can slow the angle by varying amounts and in various gears as required for greasy surfaces or certain tracks.
Does that answer your question?
Cheers
May 27th, 2009 at 10:26 amDS
Yamaha’s YCC-T throttle system returns, controling their YCC-I variable intake system, which is updated for smother action. The system changes the intake funnel length based on rpm for optimum power. It’s a two-part system that changes length at 9400 rpm, with the funnel in its long length below that mark and the two pieces separating there to make for a shorter intake track above 9400 rpm for improved peak hp. Fuel injection is now aided by secondary 12-hole Mikuni injectors for better atomization, a first for any production R1.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:27 amMany thanks, Dave and gobay, for the explanations. Much appreciated!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:16 pmI’ve got one further question I’d really appreciate an answer to.
Is the ECU on the Canadian version of the ‘09 R1 the same as the “Euro Spec” U.K. ECU?
If not, what are the specific differences?
Many thanks as always!
The part number is different between the 2 ECU, but the performance spec is same. We do know the wire harness is different for EU models so that could be the reason. Another could be markings required for EU3 emission requirements vs those required for EPA. Not all EU countries have the immobilizer system also (although UK usually does).
June 9th, 2009 at 8:42 amDS
Thanks Dave for the ECU comparison info.
It will be interesting to see what changes Yamaha will make in the Canadian spec YZF-R1 for the 2010 model year.
I’ve taken delivery of my ‘09 R1 in Yamaha Blue and I think it’s beautiful!
Definitely a “warm” ride with the undertail exhaust but I always wear leathers.
My butt tells me that the “Comfort Seat” is a great accessory to add post delivery!
I certainly expect to enjoy my ‘09 R1 despite not having “bragging rights” from the ‘09 liter bike comparos.
June 17th, 2009 at 11:19 am