When Yamaha first introduced its radical R1 in the late 1990s, it was described as a “no compromises”, high-performance sportbike. Yamaha has tried hard to stay ahead of the competition ever since. For 2007, Yamaha has yet another generation of R1 to introduce to sportbike enthusiasts.

At first glance, the styling appears to be a mild evolution over last year’s popular machine, but Yamaha had more than a new look in mind with the new R1’s bodywork. Yamaha claims that the new R1 will have improved aerodynamics and intake flow into the ram-air system. Additionally, a layered cowling is designed to draw hot air away from the engine compartment to help maintain maximum horsepower.

The biggest changes lie beneath the surface of the new R1. The new engine switches to four-valve heads (from Yamaha’s trademark five-valve design), features a higher compression ratio (12.7 to 1), and titanium intake valves. The trickest part of the new engine is in the intake, however.

The new fuel injection system features what Yamaha calls “YCC-I” (Yamaha Chip Controlled-Intake). The intake runners measure 140mm at lower rpm levels — switching to 65mm at higher rpm levels. This spreads torque and horsepower over a broader range than fixed-length runners.

For 2007, the R1 also gets throttle-by-wire similar to the system found on the R6 last year. The powerful chip reads throttle position changes every 1000th of a second. The new R1 will also come with a stock ramp-type slipper clutch for smoother downshifts and corner entry. Radiator capacity is up by 13%, and the exhaust system (titanium, except for a stainless mid-pipe and catalyst) is redesigned for 2007.

Net effect of these engine changes (and others we will discuss after we test the bike) is a claimed increase in power across the board (low-end, mid-range and top-end power). Peak power is said to increase by 5hp to 178hp at the crank.

Consistent with the “all-new” theme is a new frame (flex-tuned for better handling and traction). The rigidity of the all-new swingarm is also tuned (30% stiffer torsionally and slightly less stiff laterally). With a swingarm pivot position 3mm higher than last year’s model, Yamaha claims improved turn-in, together with improved traction for corner exits. New 43mm forks feature larger pistons (up from 20mm to 24) and slightly reduced weight. Yamaha claims their rigidity is matched to the new frame for improved performance.

The rear shock features new linkage to change the progressive nature of the damping (again, to aid traction while exiting corners on the throttle).

The front brakes are new, 6-piston calipers using smaller (310mm) rotors. Yamaha claims the new calipers grip the disc closer to its circumference — effectively making the braking surface as large as the old system, which featured larger, heavier rotors.

The new R1 will be available in the U.S. from November, 2006 at a suggested price of $11,599 for the Team Yamaha Blue color scheme or $11,699 for Charcoal Silver or Candy Red. For additional details and specifications, visit the Yamaha web site here.

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