2011 Yamaha YZF-R1

Key Features:

• The YZF-R1 garnered the prestigious award as the 2009 Motorcycle of the Year from Motorcyclist Magazine. The YZF-R1 was chosen for its MotoGP®- inspired engine and chassis technology, and for its luxurious fit and finish.

• Back for 2011, the YZF-R1 is the only production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. Crossplane technology, first pioneered in MotoGP® racing with the M1, puts each piston 90° from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270°- 180°- 90°- 180°. This uneven order does an amazing thing… it actually lets power build more smoothly. That means smooth roll-on delivery out of the corners, with outstanding tractability, followed by very strong high rpm power. It’s a feeling that’s simply unmatched, like having two engines in one: the low-rpm torquey feel of a twin with the raw, high-rpm power of an inline four. This breakthrough technology on the YZF-R1 represents a paradigm shift in both technology and performance.

• This R1 keeps all the technological superiorities developed for its predecessor: YCC-TTM (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP® inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I® is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. The fuel injection system provides optimum air/fuel mixtures for maximum power and smooth throttle response.
• The R1 features Yamaha D-MODE (or drive mode) with rider-selectable throttle control maps to program YCC-T performance characteristics for riding conditions. The standard map is designed for optimum overall performance. The “A” mode lets the rider enjoy sportier engine response in the low- to mid-speed range, and the “B” mode offers response that is somewhat less sharp for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. Switching maps is as easy as pushing a button on the handlebar switch.

• In keeping with this machine’s exceptional cornering ability and crisp handling, the aluminum frame has been designed to offer exceptional rigidity balance. The rear frame is lightweight Controlled-Fill die-cast magnesium, contributing the optimum mass centralization. Suspension includes SOQI front forks which use one of the tricks developed for our winning MotoGP® bikes: independent damping. The left fork handles compression damping and the right side handles the rebound damping. And the rear shock adopts bottom linkage for optimum suspension characteristics.

• The bodywork does more than add break-away-from-the-crowd styling with its more serious, less busy look. The side fairing is smooth for a sleek appearance. And, instead of the usual four-bulb headlight design, the R1 has only two projector-type bulbs mounted closer to the nose of the bike. This positions ram air ducts closer in for a more compact, smooth look. In addition, the rounded lenses are unique to the supersport industry.

Engine:

• Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in victory after victory on MotoGP® machines provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical inline-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180° intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90° with a unique firing order of 270° – 180° – 90° – 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuations in inertial torque during each engine revolution, and the accompanying peaky torque characteristics. Instead, combustion torque continues to build, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction out of the corners.

• To maximize rider comfort as well as power output, the engine adopts a coupling-type balancer that rotates in the opposite direction as the crankshaft.

• This engine features forged aluminum pistons to take maximum advantage of the power characteristics. Titanium intake valves are lightweight.

• A forced-air intake system is adopted to increase intake efficiency by using the natural airflow during riding to pressurize the air in the air box. This contributes to outstanding power delivery characteristics in the high-speed range, while the design also helps to minimize intake noise.

• Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.

• The exhaust system is meticulously designed to enhance engine output while, thanks to its three-way catalyst technology, also reducing exhaust emissions. The silencer is a single expansion type, and the sound coming through from the unique crossplane crankshaft-equipped engine is unlike any other inline-four cylinder production supersport.

• This fuel-injected engine takes full advantage of YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), the MotoGP®-inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. There’s also YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, the variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. Fuel injectors have 12 holes for optimum fuel atomization that translates to the most power from every fuel charge.

• Have it your way, thanks to Yamaha D-MODE (or “Drive Mode”) variable throttle control. There are three modes that control how YCC-T responds to throttle input from the rider. The selectable “A” mode puts more emphasis on engine response in low to midrange rpm. “B” mode, on the other hand, provides less sharp response to input for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. The standard map is designed for optimum overall performance. Selecting the map you want is as easy as pressing a button on the handlebars.

Chassis/Suspension:

• The frame has a combination of uncompromising rigidity where needed along with carefully achieved flex for the precise rigidity balance this bike needs to give the rider the full benefit of its handling and engine characteristics. It is a sophisticated combination of Controlled-Fill die-cast, stamping, and gravity casting… the exact technology needed for each portion of this advanced frame.

• SOQI front forks take a page from the championship-winning design of our MotoGP® weapon, the M1. Since both forks always move together, compression damping duties can be confined to the left fork, while rebound damping is precisely handled by the right fork, reducing oil cavitation.

• The SOQI rear shock features both high and low speed compression damping plus an easy-to-use screw hydraulic adjustment for preload. This unit also adopts a pillow-ball-type joint for exceptional shock absorption, road hold feeling, and damper response. To achieve maximum performance, a bottom linkage is used to work with the rest of the chassis refinements for brilliant, crisp handling characteristics.

• Factory racers get machines tailored to their preferences. Welcome to the club. R1 has adjustable footrests, with a 15mm height and 3mm front-to-rear adjustment.

• The press-formed fuel tank has a shape developed using 3-D simulation analysis technology. The elongated shape of the tank allows it to fit neatly within the frame in a way that promotes concentration of mass.

Additional Features:

• The instrumentation includes everything a rider wants to know, including gear position.

Specs:

Source

Take Advantage Of Motorcycle Lights For Your Motorcycles

The invention of the motorcycle lights was a real technological progress that changed the production of bikes around the world. There are many models and sizes for motorcycle lights, because the designs for this fast means of transportation have a great variety too. Their several types are incorporated in bike design in order to meet the road traveling standards. There should be front, trial lighters and blinkers on the back.

The front motorcycle lights provide visibility during a ride; such lighting systems include a base and a cover over it. There are considerable technological differences between the various accessories and bike lighting systems available. Most modern designs include high intensity driving lighters or HID. You can recognize them by the white blue colors. Lots of advantages come with the use of such bulbs: they are very long lasting, the power consume is very low and the brightness provided resembles daylight.

HID motorcycle lights throw light very far ahead, and in terms of quality, they are very similar to halogen ones. Before you buy a bike, it is incredibly important to check the lighting. People make the mistake of thinking that all these systems are the same. The functions have changed with the use of led lighters in these vehicles, and while in traditional designs you have the yellow-white and red colors for braking, stopping or turning, in modern bikes lighting systems have artistic functions too.

LED motorcycle lights are more and more popular. They are not affected by vibrations, they include waterproof features and they can be mounted on different parts of the bike: the seats, the fuel tank or the headlight. Bikers consider that the different colors in their lighters enhance the beauty of the vehicle, adding character and expressing something of their personality. Do not look at the aesthetic function only, it is very important to check the technical specifications for the motorcycle lights that you buy.

The motorcycle lights should have a very good charging system. Whenever you notice that one of the lighting systems is in a poor condition, you should replace it right away. Take all the safety norms into consideration so that you ride in optimal conditions. New developments appear all the time, and you can constantly make improvements to the lighting system used on your bike. Special attention is required with customization because many mistakes are reported due to amateurish installation. Do not overlook such aspects and ask for professional help if you can not handle the installation challenges!

SOURCE

Motorcycle Apparel - 4 Key Apparel Items For Every Motorcycle Outfit

Motorcycle apparel is a very popular shopping category that contains a number of items that many are shopping for in order to get themselves equipped for the riding season. There are a number of different items within the category of motorcycle apparel that will benefit you this year and will be a great investment for you before you head out on your motorcycle for those long journeys.

Motorcycle Jackets

One of the most important pieces of apparel is the motorcycle jacket which helps keep you warm and also helps protect your arms and torso from road rash if the leather is thick enough and the quality is high enough. Leather motorcycle jackets are available in a number of different styles and are available in a wide range of prices so you'll be sure to find a jacket that will fit your budget.

Leather Chaps

Another great piece of the puzzle, leather chaps also help keep you warm by protecting your legs from the cold temps and cool winds while you're riding on your motorcycle. Leather chaps also help protect your legs from any debris that may come flying off the road. There are also a number of different styles available, and most chaps come in the same high quality leather that motorcycle jackets are available in. Want a little extra warmth' You may want to consider purchasing a pair of lined chaps which will contain a little more insulation to provide more warmth for you on those cold rides.

Leather Vests

If you're looking to add a little more style to your entire wardrobe, then you would also enjoy a nice leather motorcycle vest which would help provide an extra layer of insulation to your outfit at the same time. Leather motorcycle vests can be made of a number of different materials including cowhide leather, buffalo leather, or lambskin. Vests can come with or without laces and the same for pockets, they can have multiple pockets or none at all.

Leather Motorcycle Gloves

One final piece of motorcycle apparel that is worth mentioning is the motorcycle gloves, which are an important piece of apparel that can be used to help protect your hands from the cold and flying dirt and debris while riding on your motorcycle. Leather motorcycle gloves can come in a number of different styles including fingerless, full finger, padded, mesh, and more. Not only do gloves keep your hands warm and protect them from debris, but they also protect them from painful chaffing that typically is experience after holding onto the handlebars for an extended period of time. Gloves help keeps your hands comfortable.

Source

Motorcycle Helmet Mohawks - The Perfect Accessory For Any Helmet

The motorcycle helmet is one of the most visible pieces of equipment that the motorcyclists wears on every ride that is taken, and sometimes riders want to be able to show off a little by sporting the latest and greatest accessories. One of the hottest items on the market today are the motorcycle helmet Mohawks for a number of reasons including the fact that they can add a little more color and creativity to the helmet, they allow the rider to express themselves more, and they don't cost a lot of money and are high quality items.

The helmet Mohawk is one item that can really help spice up your helmet if you've got just the basic flat black coloring or a minimal amount of graphics. Helmet Mohawks are available in a wide range of colors including red, orange, purple, green, blue, and yellow, just to name a few. This great item can help add the much needed life to your plain old helmet. Chances are you're not happy about having to wear the helmet in the first place, so the helmet Mohawk will give a reason to be excited about putting on the helmet when you head out for a ride.

One reason that your excitement level will increase when you put on your helmet with the newly attached helmet Mohawk is that it gives you a sense of individuality, or a little more attitude to your rider persona. This great item will help you stick out of the crowd a little better in order to let everyone feel your presence.

Motorcycle helmet Mohawks are fairly inexpensive which means that they can be easily purchased without a lot of commitment on your part as far as budget goes. You can typically find these items in the range of $25 to $30 depending on the style of Mohawk that you are looking at buying, and you can typically find them online pretty easily.

Helmet Mohawks are attached to the helmet with suction cups and most Mohawks that you find out there will have enough holding power to remain attached in high winds so you won't have to worry about them falling off.

If you've been wanting to add a little extra to your motorcycle helmet, but just aren't sure what you want to do with it yet, you may want to consider the helmet Mohawk as your first option. You'll be happy with the way that it makes your helmet stand out in a crowd.

source