2009 R1 - big bang motor?

[Road Warrior]

I saw one of these things for the first time today - actually it was riding past me while I was contemplating my navel at the bus stop :eyes:

It sounded strange, addictive in fact. This model R1 is supposed to have a 'big bang' type motor in it isn't it? It sounded like a cross between a Duke (that's the ding Duke I'm talking about, not the orange roughie) and a bombed Jap I4 SS bike.

Anyone seen or ridden one or know what the story is with these? I'm curious...

[duke5700]

YouTube - Yamaha R1 2009 Akra Evo full exhaust (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHBmVNoG0Js&feature=related)

Sounds horn...

[markols1]

Try this RW cheers bit of a beast. http://mcnews.com.au/ go to the r1 right hand bottom. its all to do with the firing order.

[Stevieboy34]

All depends what your into. When you hear them in person I reckon its a tad dissapointing. I prefer the noise of a screaming Jap bike like a CBR1000 or Suzuki etc... But then again, I have never been a fan of the vtwins...

Def easier to ride as they are really grunty. They actually have the exact same frame and swingarm as the 08 but just have a new motor. Interesting enough the new engine has less power than the 08. Plenty of tourque though.

No doubt its high tech, personally not a fan of the noise:spew:

[BlownVR]

I bought one a few weeks ago, to replace my 07 model. There is a lot of hype and misinformation about this bike, including in this thread already.
It is not a particularly torquey engine, despite claims by the manufacturer and some journos when it was first released. There are plenty of dyno charts around now to show this. The peaks and dips in the torque curve are in different places to the 07-08 model. It is stronger below 5000rpm, but the 04-08 R1s were always weak down there. The frame is all new although the swingarm may be the same as the previous model.

It feels and sounds a bit like a twin at lower revs but goes like a 4 up top. Slightly down on peak power, probably due to having a balance shaft to smooth out the irregular firing intervals. Strictly speaking, it is not a big bang engine, but a fairly similar concept. Big bang fires multiple cylinders together. A conventional 4 cylinder has even 180 degree firing intervals. The 09 R1 goes 270-180-90-180. Obviously this gives it the distinctive exhaust note.

Any questions, just ask :)

[scharged]

Not too familiar with the bike scene, but that sounds blardyy TOUGH!

[Stevieboy34]

I bought one a few weeks ago, to replace my 07 model. There is a lot of hype and misinformation about this bike, including in this thread already.
It is not a particularly torquey engine, despite claims by the manufacturer and some journos when it was first released. There are plenty of dyno charts around now to show this. The peaks and dips in the torque curve are in different places to the 07-08 model. It is stronger below 5000rpm, but the 04-08 R1s were always weak down there. The frame is all new although the swingarm may be the same as the previous model.

It feels and sounds a bit like a twin at lower revs but goes like a 4 up top. Slightly down on peak power, probably due to having a balance shaft to smooth out the irregular firing intervals. Strictly speaking, it is not a big bang engine, but a fairly similar concept. Big bang fires multiple cylinders together. A conventional 4 cylinder has even 180 degree firing intervals. The 09 R1 goes 270-180-90-180. Obviously this gives it the distinctive exhaust note.

Any questions, just ask :)

Well written. Interesting read!

For sme reason Iw as told that the frame was the same? In your opinion, was it worth changing from your 07 if its just ridden on the road? I certainly know the 04-06 was a fantastic bike!

[Road Warrior]

It feels and sounds a bit like a twin at lower revs but goes like a 4 up top. Slightly down on peak power, probably due to having a balance shaft to smooth out the irregular firing intervals. Strictly speaking, it is not a big bang engine, but a fairly similar concept. Big bang fires multiple cylinders together. A conventional 4 cylinder has even 180 degree firing intervals. The 09 R1 goes 270-180-90-180. Obviously this gives it the distinctive exhaust note.



So in other words, it's awesome.

[BlownVR]

For sme reason Iw as told that the frame was the same? In your opinion, was it worth changing from your 07 if its just ridden on the road? I certainly know the 04-06 was a fantastic bike!

Frame is definitely different. If you look up some pics of both models you can clearly see the difference. I just checked and the swingarm is different too.

Comparing with the 07-08 model, the difference is all about the engine. The handling is the same once I put a Pilot Power on the back (the stock rear Dunlop on the 09 does not let the bike tip in nicely), brakes feel identical, gear ratios are the same. Of course the styling is quite different and there are little improvements like better instrumentation and adjustable footpegs etc.

I dont know if the engine is better or worse, but it sure is different. You get the pulsating like a twin below 5-6000rpm which takes a bit of getting used to if you've been riding conventional inline fours for years. And at higher revs, it gives the impression that it is revving less than it really is. My 07 used to really take off once it hit 8000rpm, but the 09 is more smooth and progressive. You dont feel the big top end "hit" which I used to enjoy. The fly-by-wire throttle is improved over the 07-08. Not as snatchy on the transition from closed to open. Plus there are 3 different throttle maps to choose from - mild to wild.

I'm not yet feeling this magical connection between my throttle hand and rear tyre that Yamaha goes on about, but maybe that is because my name is not Rossi or Stoner. Not doubt it is a good thing on a race track, but I'm not convinced there are big benefits for road use. Depends how hard you ride on the road I guess :D Overall I quite like the new engine though. And it is different to anything else currently out there.

An 07-08 can be had for a fair bit less $$ than the 09. In most ways the 07-08 is just as good, and it is slightly lighter and more powerful. But what price do you put on the sound and feel of an engine, or fact that it is just new and different? Only a test ride will tell you if the 09 is worth the extra coin. For me it was.

[goose202]

My understanding is that it's simply a cross-plane crank rather than the flat-place crank that a 4 cylinder normally is. ie the same as our V8s but missing one bank.

What I can't get my head around is why this actually makes the power more controllable as Yamaha claim. I would have thought the opposite, because now the pulses aren't evenly spread.

[BlownVR]

Watch this video from about the 2:00 mark for a graphical illustration.

YouTube - 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 engine technology explanation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvTXMtTTKQw)

And this is a good read http://www.ashonbikes.com/cross-plane_crank

I think you need to be riding very hard to utilise the benefits though.

[haul3r]

sounds like a twin on roids :bow:

[steve_t]

Are there many Japanese 09 bike up on power (or even with the same power) vs the 07 and some 08 bikes? I've heard they've tightened their emissions regulations so the stockers are down a bit... but you could always bolt some bits on :goodjob: Anyone else heard this?

[Stevieboy34]

Are there many Japanese 09 bike up on power (or even with the same power) vs the 07 and some 08 bikes? I've heard they've tightened their emissions regulations so the stockers are down a bit... but you could always bolt some bits on :goodjob: Anyone else heard this?


For sure mate yeah. The new Gixxer is heaps faster and lighter. The 08 Blade is 14kg lighter standard with a fair bit more (especially midrange) HP!!! The result is when I rode mine stock, I was truely amazed at how hard the new blade grunts out of corners, its incredible. My 08 standard (engine wise) was as impressive just about as my 07 which was a full blown factory superbike engine with HRC computer, cams, head work etc.

Pretty insane what has come off the showroom floors in the last 5 or so years. The main consensus now seems to be "rideability", they are getting smaller, and "easier" to ride. What impresses me is how good the 600's are now too!!!

Just wait until Honda shock everyone and bring out a limited edition CBR1000 V4!!!! Well, here hoping anyway:smilesandbanana:

[VU_SS_UTE]

My understanding is that it's simply a cross-plane crank rather than the flat-place crank that a 4 cylinder normally is. ie the same as our V8s but missing one bank.

What I can't get my head around is why this actually makes the power more controllable as Yamaha claim. I would have thought the opposite, because now the pulses aren't evenly spread.

From what I understand it offers more grip due to longer delays between "pulses" to the rear tire, enabling it to "recover" grip from the last "pulse"

I cant really put it into words well myself and dont have any of tha mags hgere with me that explain it better

[goose202]

VU_SS_UTE: That sounds believable, still not what I'd have expected, but I'm sure they've done their research :)

[msss]

hey this bike has been much anticipated model.. ment to be an absulte weapon

[chubby4clubby]

Think I am gonna go for a test ride:1peek:

[steve_t]

Quoted from another forum I'm on


Aussie MCN Superbike shootout
Interesting reading this.

Results as follows :

1. Honda CBR1000RR
2. Ducati 1198S
3. MV Augusta 312R
4. Suzuki GSX-R1000K9
5. Kawasaki ZX-10R
6. Yamaha YZF-R1
7. KTM1190 RC8R


Biggest suprise for me is the R1. It showed to have the lowest power to weight ratio but managed the 3rd fastest lap time. (About 0.6 sec behind the Honda)

A good read though...

Guess it's only the opinion of the reviewer at MCN Australia.
The next comment on the forum was that every review reads differently so the bikes really must be quite close and what lap times you get depends on your riding style

R1's are f'n sexy :goodjob:

Chubby, I dig your ZX10R!! :bow::bow:

[leadfoot]

hi all ,,,,i wonder how reliable the new engine will be?

[Road Warrior]

Spent the day at Barbagallo Raceway today for round 2 of the state bike titles, there was one of these racing. Sounded fkn horn but didn't pull off any spectacular lap times or anything??


hi all ,,,,i wonder how reliable the new engine will be?

I was discussing this with someone up there today...the cross-plane firing arrangement might generate some long-term stress and reliability issues in years to come. Just my view however.

[RENEGADE]

YouTube - Yamaha yzf1000 R1,2009, Akrapovic,Factory Pro,EC997,dyno (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TJiOf3bCp8)

If you have a subwoofer make sure you turn it on (and up!!) before you watch this vid.

Sounds F***in Horn!!!

With an Akrapovic system the sound these R1's put out they leave the Dukes for dead IMHO!!!

[Gosling1]

VU-SS-Ute

thats a fair-enough description of one of the 'benefits' of this new motor....

I can tell you all - hearing Ben Spies on this bike (well, the WSB version) down at Phillip Island earlier this year, from right on the fence at Turn 1......it sounded fantastic. Really 'deep' and 'growly' , and not much at all like the normal high-pitched scream of a 180deg crank like most of the other jap 4's.....

I have only ridden the '07 model R1, and it was a lot of fun for a short blast through our local scratchers roads......but it really needed to be ridden 'on the front wheel', and it revved its tits off. Looking forward to a ride on one of these Big Bang versions .....

:)

[funkshen]

i recently rode one of these bad boys.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn171/funkshen08/2789_76626123813_680193813_1596989_.jpg


from coming off a 250.. :O

it has the 2 bros system and PC3

i


however, be wary when selecting A mode..or just hold the **** on.

[brocke8]

I've been riding mine for about a week now, its insane.

I rode the demo model in A mode all I saw was the sky in the first three gears.

I'm getting my first service done tommorrow should be a lot of fun from now on as I have restricted my self to B mode while running in the bike.

[Road Warrior]

So does this bike have the same user-selectable on the fly fuel map contraption that the Squidzukis have?

[steve_t]

So does this bike have the same user-selectable on the fly fuel map contraption that the Squidzukis have?

Kind of... it has Modes A, B, C but they relate more to throttle response mapping more than fuel mapping I think

[the vapour]

I have heard the new R1 and they sound different but no way sound like a Ducati.

My Ducati with 70mm race system, high flow filter and race ecu put out 190hp at the crank and weighs 164kg. its torgue is higher than all the jap 4s by a long way.

THE R1 looks bulky in the front fairing and is nowhere as good looking as previous models.

Vapour

[wikky]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn171/funkshen08/2789_76626123813_680193813_1596989_.jpg


Just my opinion but they're one of the gheyest looking bikes I've ever seen.

[funkshen]

ur opinion mate..when you see them in real life their unbelievable

[wikky]

ur opinion mate..when you see them in real life their unbelievable

I wasn't having a go mate, as I said, it's just my opinion. :) And my opinion is based on seeing one in the flesh. They're a great bike, just not my cup of tea.

[Capt.LS2]

I signed the paperwork for one this morning :smilesandbanana:

I never intended to get one but after one test ride I was sold. This new engine is amazing. I can see how it's not everyone's cup of tea but that's why we have choice.

I pick mine up next Thurs with Akrapovic carbon cans fitted and a fender eliminator :goodjob:

Pics to come! :)

[Road Warrior]

I signed the paperwork for one this morning :smilesandbanana:

I never intended to get one but after one test ride I was sold. This new engine is amazing. I can see how it's not everyone's cup of tea but that's why we have choice.

I pick mine up next Thurs with Akrapovic carbon cans fitted and a fender eliminator :goodjob:

Pics to come! :)

Sick.

Colour? Price?

[Capt.LS2]

Sick.

Colour? Price?

$19,500 ride away.

Went with the white with red frame. Almost went for the Black but in the end I fell for the white! It grew on me. Have had CBR900,CBR1000's, 01' R1's & this just blew me away.

[BlownVR]

Here is mine with a few mods.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/gav346/2.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/gav346/3.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/gav346/4.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/gav346/8.jpg

And it sounds like this (if your speakers have some bass).

YouTube - 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 Akrapovic evolution systeem. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9vQfvMPVM)

[Road Warrior]

Looks the goods. Are those mirrors standard?? I've only seen them up close in race trim so I have no idea what a road version looks like...

[BlownVR]

No they are some cheapy eBay mirrors. I wanted to get the stock front indicators off the fairings to clean it up a bit. All the other litre bikes have the indicators in the mirrors now.

[Stevieboy34]

Out of interest why did you buy the Yoshi exhaust?

[BlownVR]

Out of interest why did you buy the Yoshi exhaust?

Two reasons. Firstly I prefer the look of them to anything else currently on the market. And secondly they are priced much better than some of the big name stuff, probably because the pipes and internals are stainless rather than titanium.

Was originally going to get Leo Vince slip ons but no one had stock, then decided I liked the Yoshis better anyway. I don't like the Akrapovics as much and the rest are damn ugly. Personal taste I guess.

It has an Akrapovic titanium y-pipe to replace the cat, and keeps the stock titanium headers.

[PUMPED]

I have had mine for a little over a month i just got a set of GYTR pipes for it from the states i love the feel and sound of this bike!

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t104/PUMPED_00/70YRI016.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t104/PUMPED_00/70YRI020.jpg

[steve_t]

Two reasons. Firstly I prefer the look of them to anything else currently on the market. And secondly they are priced much better than some of the big name stuff, probably because the pipes and internals are stainless rather than titanium.

Was originally going to get Leo Vince slip ons but no one had stock, then decided I liked the Yoshis better anyway. I don't like the Akrapovics as much and the rest are damn ugly. Personal taste I guess.

It has an Akrapovic titanium y-pipe to replace the cat, and keeps the stock titanium headers.

Did u get them from BGW (used to be Mat Mladin)? Or from the US directly?

[BlownVR]

Did u get them from BGW (used to be Mat Mladin)? Or from the US directly?

Direct from US (Motomummy). I don't think anyone local had them at the time and they can't compete with US prices anyway.

[Road Warrior]

No they are some cheapy eBay mirrors. I wanted to get the stock front indicators off the fairings to clean it up a bit. All the other litre bikes have the indicators in the mirrors now.

You should have checked out Gregg's custom flushmounts - little LED indicators that sit flush with the fairing in the stock hole.

+ 1 for Motomummy, always had good service from them, and Performance Motorsports. Will never deal with Sum Of All Parts again :flipoff:

[BlownVR]

You should have checked out Gregg's custom flushmounts - little LED indicators that sit flush with the fairing in the stock hole.

+ 1 for Motomummy, always had good service from them, and Performance Motorsports. Will never deal with Sum Of All Parts again :flipoff:

I don't like flushmounts, visibility from some angles is not good and I don't want to get smashed by a car. The mirror indicators are more easily seen from the front IMO. I was considering the Watsen Design flushmounts for a while but decided against it. I'm using Greggs fairing plugs. Could have had flushmounts plus mirrors I guess but I like the plugs.

I've found More Power Racing to be good to deal with too.

[A^K^T]

Here is mine with a few mods.
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s28/gav346/4.jpg
And it sounds like this (if your speakers have some bass).
http://, not unlike www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9vQfvMPVM

I saw an R1 that looked like it had the same exhaust go past my house , it sounded good :)

[Stevieboy34]

Dunno if you guys had tried Indy Superbike before, they are pretty good. As are/were superbikesupply... Some of there sites are not always up to date do if you have a product just email them.

What did you pay in customs, I have always had them mark warranty return on them and email the invoice so there is no value in the box for customs to ping you on. Works for me :smilesandbanana:

[BlownVR]

What did you pay in customs, I have always had them mark warranty return on them and email the invoice so there is no value in the box for customs to ping you on. Works for me :smilesandbanana:

So far I've managed to avoid customs duties by keeping all shipments under $1000, at least in declared value ;) Most stuff I buy is only in the hundreds $ range, although exhausts etc are pushing the limit.

[Road Warrior]

I spent about $5K on my 636, all of it with ebay bought parts from the US, the exhoorst alone was $1500 and I never got any grief from Customs. Just lucky I guess - some people I know have had to go through all hell and high water to get their stuff that was *just* over the threshold...

[markols1]

Hi they don't seem to being doing to well on the aussbk doing it tough against those suzies and those very very quick Honda's. a big learning curve this year they will have it sorted for 2010 easy they will be good then i think it will do OK and with Jamie on board yer he will do OK.

[BlownVR]

To anyone out there with an 09-12 R1, there is a tuning interface available now which makes them so much nicer to ride. Gone is the snatchy throttle at low rpm, excessive engine braking and high coolant temps. You can set the engine braking however you like it, set cooling fan temps, idle speed, import Power Commander fuel maps, change the ignition maps, throttle default to A-mode if you wish, and numerous other features. There is an ECU-based quickshifter option too. Although ECU flashing for these bikes has been around for a while, after using the interface there is no way I would pay for a single reflash. You can buy the interface for less than what some places have been charging for a single mail-in flash, and it will flash multiple ECUs. The software download is free.

Here is a video of it. Note that this is an early version and there have been more features added since. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCp1BNHhS68

It really is a different bike after a reflash. They should have come this way from the factory. Probably the best mod you can do to a late model R1. It also works on the 07-08 R1 and 06+ R6.

[madalpinestar]

I'm currently looking for one of these new r1s but can any tell me what they are like riding around town as most of my time on the bike is to and from work? any opinions would be welcome. im coming from a cbr600rr

[BlownVR]

I'm currently looking for one of these new r1s but can any tell me what they are like riding around town as most of my time on the bike is to and from work? any opinions would be welcome. im coming from a cbr600rr

In stock form, not the best commuting bike. Lots of owners complain about the heat from the underseat exhausts, coolant temps tend to get a bit high at low speeds, first gear ratio is quite tall, and the crossplane firing intervals make the engine pulsate at very low rpm. But if you ditch the cat for an aftermarket y-pipe, flash the ECU with revised cooling fan settings, -1 front sprocket, and don't let the revs drop too low, it isn't a bad thing. They are quite thirsty on the fuel compared to earlier models. For commuting I think I prefer the smoothness of a conventional inline 4 at low revs.

[macca_779]

Buy a BMW S1000R. Far better commuter, in addition to just being a better overall bike.


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk HD

[RATTLER]

Buy a BMW S1000R. Far better commuter, in addition to just being a better overall bike.


Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk HD

Rode the new S1000RR the other day for around 3hrs!

Great bike and works very well around town and the open roads but it's still a BMW :( Lol