The 2006 European models Yamaha Sports "YZF-R1" and "YZF-R1 SP" With engine and chassis maturation for improved circuit performance

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) announces the debut of the new 2006 European market model the Yamaha Sports "YZF-R1," mounting a liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC in-line 4-cylinder 5-valve engine on an aluminum frame. Also debuting is "YZF-R1 SP," an advanced limited version with boosted circuit performance potential (500 units for Europe, 1,330 units in all with other spec variations). These models will be displayed at the "Paris Show" (Mondial du Deux Roues 2005) opening on October 1, 2005.

The new YZF-R1 was developed to take the existing model's already outstanding basic functions and add even more performance potential through maturation of the engine and chassis with the aim of "offering an even more exciting world of riding." The boosted max. power output and the optimized rigidity balance of the chassis substantially increase the performance and further refine its famed R1 handling. What's more a range of four color options are now offered, including Yamaha Motor 50th Anniversary model with the nostalgic "Inter color" scheme (Reddish Yellow Cocktail 1) of the Yamaha race machines of the 70s.
As a deluxe performance model, the "YZF-R1 SP" version boasts added performance potential for circuit riding with features including (1) a "slipper clutch" that contributes to smoother cornering performance, (2) Ohlins suspensions for more consistent, stable performance and (3) lightweight Marchesini forged aluminum wheels front and rear.

Yamaha "YZF-R1," "YZF-R1 SP"

After October 2005 (Date to vary with the different European distributors)

12,500 units (European total for 2006, including YZF-R1 SP)

Demand in the European supersport market has held steady in recent years at an annual level of about 140,000 units primarily in the 600cc class and the 1,000cc class. Of these, the 1,000cc models have been the center of increasing attention since the change in the World Superbike regulation that allows entry of (4-cylinder) 1,000cc models beginning with the 2003 season.

The development concept for the existing YZF-R1 introduced in 2004 was "A beautiful & exciting sports model that wins the title of fastest in secondary road riding." When it was launched on the market, it immediately won the hearts of enthusiasts for its high-level balance of design, performance and handling, and its appearance on the scene caused the other makers to launch some ten rival machines. Still the YZF-R1 has continued to win the popular support of enthusiasts.
In the marketplace it was highly acclaimed not only for the excitement offered by its outstanding performance but also the unprecedented artistry of its design details rarely seen in a production model.
This YZF-R1 also proved its awesome performance potential in 2004 by winning the championship titles in the FIM World Endurance Championship, Superstock class of the AMA road racing championships in the USA and the European Superstock Championship.
Building on the already awesome potential of this existing model, the new 2006 YZF-R1 is particularly characterized by its ease of use on winding public roads and added excitement in circuit riding, making it a models that offers the double enjoyment of high performance for riders whose hobby is circuit riding and a "jewelry-like" finish in many of its exterior details.

1) Boost in power output by maximizing intake/exhaust efficiency (same for both models)
While maintaining the same liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC, 40-degree forward-inclined, in-line 4-cylinder 5-valve fuel injection engine format and specs including the bore-stroke, the compact combustion chamber, high-lift cams, the 12.4 : 1 compression ratio and FS connecting rods, a thorough pursuit of further intake/exhaust efficiency has produced a significant boost in power output compared to the existing model due to increased intake air volume. Compared to the existing model, the max. power output has been raised by 3PS to 175PS at the same rpm level of 12,500 rpm (NA: at natural intake).

2) Optimized frame balance (same for both models)
The Deltabox V (Victory) frame designed through a process of structural analysis and repeated testing based on the concept used for the MotoGP competition model YZR-M1, has been further revised to achieve optimum rigidity balance for improved handling.
The portion of the main frame where the forward engine mounts are located is made from layers of cast aluminum and aluminum plate (sheet metal) and the thickness of the cast aluminum piece that forms the inner layer has been reduced by 1 mm in some places for optimum balance.
For the YZF-R1 SP, additional changes have been made in the attaching portion of the engine mount area to achieve a setting that contributes to even better handling in cases such as high-speed circuit riding. Optimization of the connecting point rigidity in line with the chassis concept has helped achieve excellent handling characteristics to answer the needs of a variety of circuit riding situations.
Furthermore, the rigidity and shape of the under-bracket for the front fork has been revised along with the rigidity balance of the outer tube. The combined effect of these changes is an ideal rigidity balance in terms of the amount of "give" in the frame during cornering. The result is smoother response characteristics from the frame from the point of entering a turn until you begin to accelerate out of it, which contributes to this model's outstanding cornering performance.

3) Longer wheel base and long rear arm adopted (same for both models)
The upside down truss shaped aluminum rear arm maintains basically the same structure while being lengthened by 16 mm in the front-rear direction. The resulting increase in distance between the pivot and the rear axle contributes to reduced interference to the chassis resulting from chain tension during cornering, while also providing a good rigidity balance for achieving strong traction performance. This further improves the YZF-R1's excellent secondary steering performance. The resulting lengthening of the wheelbase is also 16 mm than the existing model.

4) Slipper clutch adopted (YZF-R1 SP only)
In order to further increase the capability for smooth approach into the turns, a slipper clutch has been adopted. This clutch has a mechanism that controls the amount of torque being transmitted from the rear wheel to the crank.

5) Ohlins suspensions adopted front and rear (YZF-R1 SP only)
In order to provide excellent cornering performance in circuit riding, Ohlins suspensions have been adopted front and rear. These suspensions have been developed by Ohlins staff, who are highly experienced as MotoGP machine setting crew members, working together with highly experienced Yamaha machine development staff through repeated road tests. The suspensions are characterized by the capacity to work up excellent settings based on the desired concept and provide a high-level balance of circuit performance potential as well as the qualities needed for use on public roads.

6) Forged aluminum Marchesini wheels (YZF-R1 SP only)
In order to further improve on the excellent handling characteristics of this model, lightweight forged aluminum wheels have been adopted for the best combination with the new frame spec. Adopted for the first time on a Yamaha production models for use on public roads, these wheels have been jointly developed by Yamaha and Marchesini engineers according to Yamaha manufacturing standards and are specially manufactured by Marchesini. In appearance they have the same "Y" shaped spokes as the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine's wheels. The two wheels combine to give a weight reduction of about 400 g compared to the existing model's wheels.

7) 17-inch radial tires front and rear for outstanding performance
In order to provide the best match with the new frame balance, the new YZF-R1 adopts as its standard tires OEM models with new internal structure (same existing outer tread pattern, Dunlop "D218" / Michelin "Pilot Power") that ensures excellent handling and traction. As for the "YZF-R1 SP," the Pirelli "Diablo Corsa" is set as the standard tire for outstanding performance in circuit riding.

[  ] represents "YZF-R1 SP"