The 2-Wheeled embodiedment of Yamaha’s most advanced technology.The cutting edge for sport bikes doesn’t get any sharper. The 2008 R1, a showcase for Yamahas most advanced sport bike technology. With MotoGP inspired features like chip controlled throttle and electronically variable intake funnels, the R1 provides a level of riding excitement, confidence and control never before experienced.The R1 features more ground breaking technology than ever seen before.From chip controlled throttle and electronic variable intake funnels, to the advanced Deltabox V frame design, Yamaha strives to offer experienced riders a whole new level of exhilaration and riding excitement. Despite serious power, the R1 is more obedient and more civilized than ever before.Ultra-lightweight, compact, 998cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled, 40 degree inclined, in-line four-cylinder engine produces incredible horsepower.The 4-valve cylinder head design features a compact combustion chamber that utilizes lightweight, trick titanium valves on the intake side. The 4-valve design maximizes breathing efficiency and overall engine performance. This design also achieves cleaner emissions too. The titanium intake valves are 33mm in diameter while the steel exhaust valves are 27mm in diameter. Lightweight yet super strong VX alloy valve springs controlled valve movement.Steep valve angles, 11.5 degrees on the intake side and 12.5 degrees on the exhaust produce a more compact combustion chamber.The lightweight titanium intake valves reduce the reciprocating weight of the intake valves allowing for higher rpms without the concern of valve float. The use of lightweight “Ti? valves has allowed the engineers at Yamaha to use a 4-valve format. In the past, the use of 5 smaller valves allowed a higher rpm limit since each of the “smaller? valves was relatively light. The use of light weight high tech titanium now means the engineers no longer have to use the 5-valve design to achieve the same high rpms. Yamaha will not abandon the 5-valve format on YZ models … it has its own advantages such as a less tall cylinder head design (lower center of gravity) since the actual valve “lift? can be reduced with 5-valves.Short design valve guides provide a less restrictive flow of fuel / air flow into the combustion chamber for improved power output.Computer optimized smooth intake ports increased intake air volume for increased power output.Squish area has been optimized for maximum engine performance. The compression ratio is 12.7:1.Lightweight, high lift, high performance intake and exhaust cams help to provide incredible horsepower and fast engine response.Automatic cam chain tensioner reduces both maintenance and engine mechanical noise.Short skirt, lightweight forged pistons feature 4 valve “pockets? to special ribs in the piston pin area add rigidity for great reliability.Connecting rods are carburized and use a nutless design. The lower end “cap? of the rod is made from the same piece of material as the upper portion; this design is known as “fracture splitting?. This design aids establishing true big end roundness and greater precision in con rod dimensions.Closed deck cylinder design allows the cylinders to be spaced more closely together, allowing a narrower engine, since there are no coolant passages in the cylinder body.The cylinder block is a stand-alone piece; the benefit is improved sealing, and easier serviceability.Ceramic composite cylinder “bores? are a “liner less? design with the ceramic coating sprayed directly on the aluminum block to ensure uniform heat dissipation for consistent power delivery, reduced oil consumption, reduced friction and reduced weight.Lightweight revised crankshaft provides super quick engine response. The surface treatment of the crank is high frequency quench type.The ACM or alternator is located on the backside of the cylinder block to reduce crankcase width. The compact ACM uses rare ear