At the Motorcycle Show held in Milan, Italy, in September of 1997, the Yamaha YZF-R1 supersport motorcycle made its debut. Sporting a powerful 1000cc engine, it has the compact construction of a 400cc bike. The YZF-R1 was developed for maximum possible cornering ability in a production motorcycle. With a 1000cc water-cooled, four stroke, 4-cylinder, 5-valve engine and adopting a redesigned EXUP exhaust system, it pumps out 150hp of high-intensity power. Subtle throttle control makes both superb acceleration response and rhythmic cornering a reality. The Deltabox II aluminum frame was sought after not only for its rigidity, but more so for its moderate flexibility during tight cornering. With the addition of a long span aluminum swing arm, high control ability has been achieved. By adopting an upside-down front fork, stroke distance has been increased and traction heightened. Boasting a sharp form with multi-reflector lights, the YZF-R1 has been given an unprecedented style. From the contact points between the rider and motorcycle, right down to the material used in the seat and tank, the YZF-R1 has been thoroughly studied. Of course, the abundance of high precision and high quality parts goes without saying. Designed to cruise at high speeds on winding roads, the YZF-R1 shatters expectations about large exhaust engine motorcycles. Yamaha has expanded the possibilities of a 1000cc bike.
