2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

Hey guys!
I must admit, I was never into 1000cc super-sports. A little to much for my taste. A good 600cc/middleweight is very suitable for me...for now.
But while surfing the Internet, I came across the brand new 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1. It was just ... shiny. And the design...well, I'll let you decide for yourselves if this is as cool as I think. As I did more research on the model, I found out that it's "light, powerful and packed with trickle-down MotoGP technology and refind fuel injection" that, making it the most advanced open-class motorcycle ever built(at least, by Yamaha).
Enough with the small-talk...it's time to let facts and specs do the talking.

Official facts:


Key Features:
The YZF-R1 uses the YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle system for flawless response under all conditions.
Inline four-cylinder engine is the most powerful, tractable R1 powerplant ever, thanks partially to the world’s first electronic variable-length intake funnel system.
Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.
Aluminum Deltabox frame and swingarm take Open-class handling to the next performance level.
Six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers and 310mm discs generate the kind of braking power a bike like the R1 requires.

Engine:
Short-stroke 998cc DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine produces more tractable power than ever.

Yamaha Chip Control Throttle controls a 32-bit ECU fuel injection system for super-responsive, smooth, instantaneous power delivery.
Yamaha Chip Control Intake electronically adjusts intake funnel length between either 65 or 140mm for an amazingly broad, smooth powerband.
Two-piece ergonomically designed fuel tank carries fuel in the rear section, for good centralization of mass, while the front half contains a Ram-Air-fed airbox for increased power.
Lay-down-design cylinder head optimizes weight distribution, straightens intake tracts for improved cylinder filling and allows frame to pass over instead of around the engine for great strength and a narrow chassis.
Closed-deck cylinder block increases strength and allows a narrow engine in spite of big, 77mm bores.
Narrow-angle four-valve combustion chambers produce a highly efficient 12.7:1 compression ratio; 31mm titanium intake valves and 25mm exhausts controlled by new, high-lift cams flow plenty of air.
Light and strong nutless connecting rods with fractured big ends produce a quick-revving engine with excellent high-rpm durability.
High silicon-content ceramic-composite cylinder sleeves ensure great heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced friction.
Close-ratio six-speed gearbox with triangulated shaft layout for great strength, compactness, and quicker acceleration.
Ramp-type slipper clutch makes braking from speed into tight corners while downshifting smoother and therefore faster.

Titanium underseat exhaust system (with stainless steel midpipe and catalyst) provides excellent cornering clearance and a broad, seamless powerband.
13-percent greater radiator capacity and an aluminum liquid-cooled oil cooler maintain stable operating temperature.
Direct ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and high-output magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing.
AC generator behind cylinder block produces a narrow engine with excellent cornering clearance.

Chassis/Suspension:
A Deltabox frame tuned for optimal flex carries the lay-down four-cylinder stressed-member style for great handling and efficient aerodynamic penetration.
A truss-type swingarm is extremely strong and tuned for optimal traction and feedback.
Dual 310mm front disc brakes; new, six-piston radial-mount calipers and Brembo radial-pump front master cylinder with adjustable lever deliver amazing braking power and feel.
Fully adjustable KYB inverted telescopic front fork with 43mm tubes has been revalved to complement other chassis changes.
Piggyback rear shock now offers both high- and low-speed compression adjustability, rebound damping and a new, twist-style spring preload adjuster.
Light, five-spoke wheels enhance acceleration, deceleration, handling and suspension action.
Additional Features:
Cool headlights provide great illumination and distinctive style, while the LED taillight is light, bright and highly efficient.
Adjustable LCD illumination and multifunction digital gauges: adjustable shift light, odometer, dual tripmeters, water temperature, air temperature, full-time clock, lap timer and large 15,000-rpm analog tachometer.
A fairing with big Ram-Air intakes and screwless windscreen provides maximum aerodynamic efficiency and engine performance.
Sticky 120/70-ZR17 and 190/50-ZR17 radial tires for incredible grip and precise handling.
Forged footpegs are extra durable and light.
Extensive use of hollow bolts and lightweight fasteners helps trim overall weight.
8.6 AH battery is compact and light.
Durable #530 O-ring–sealed drive chain.
Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.

Now the full technical specifications:

Engine:
Type 998cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves (titanium intakes)
Bore x Stroke 77 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio 12.7:1
Carburetion Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition TCI
Transmission 6-speed w/multi-plate slipper clutch
Final Drive #530 O-ring chain


Chassis
Suspension/Front 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; 4-way adjustable, 5.1-in travel
Brakes/Front Dual 310mm disc; radial-mount forged 6-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear 220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Tires/Front 120/70-ZR17
Tires/Rear 190/50-ZR17


Dimensions
Length 81.1 in
Width28.3 in
Height 43.7 in
Seat Height 32.9 in
Wheelbase 55.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 24.0°
Trail 4.0 in
Fuel Capacity 4.75 gal
Dry Weight 390 lb

Now, the new colors and matching prices(recommended by the manufacturer, may change without notice)
(Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from September 2007 : $11,699


(Candy Red) Available from September 2007 : $11,699

(Raven) Available from September 2007 : $11,699

For now, it's the best 1000cc super-sport motorcycle that I wrote about, but, as I made a habbit of comparing same class rival motorcycles, I'll soon do some research on the Yamaha YZF R1's 1000cc rivals.
Dry roads, riders!