R1’s tech:
Atleast Yamaha has now finalized to bring dozens of YZF R1 and MT01. Yamaha’s YZF R1 and YZF R6 are popular superbike and supersport bikes. Yamaha introduced the first R1 in 1998 and since its introduction; the YZF R1 has consistently exceeded the expectations of supersport riders all over the world in one litre category. Yamaha rolled out the fifth generation YZF R1 in October 2006.
Yamaha have always placed great emphasis on the importance of the man-machine relationship, and with this as Yamaha’s guiding principle, it has developed a new fifth-generation R1 which showcases a whole range of advanced new technology. Now as most of the focus in the superbike development has on computer control, Yamaha is at the forefront of this exciting new technology. But these technologies never diluted the bike enthusiast aspiration; Yamaha’s ‘Art of Engineering’ is all about to enhance the man-machine relationship, which ultimately makes a motorcycle so different from any other form of transport. Here’s some information on these exciting technologies.
G.E.N.I.C.H. is by how Yamaha calls the complete R1 technologies. G.E.N.I.C.H. [Jenik] stands for Genesis in Electronic engineering aimed at New, Innovative Control technology based on Human sensibilities. Yamaha’s G.E.N.I.C.H. technology is an advanced concept which involves the application of cutting-edge electronic control technology in order to realise the dual goals of achieving increased performance and enhancing the riding experience. G.E.N.I.C.H. [Jenik] stands for Genesis in Electronic engineering aimed at New, Innovative Control technology based on Human sensibilities.
Slipper clutches are specialized clutches developed for racing motorcycles to mitigate the effects of engine braking when riders decelerate as they enter corners. They are designed to partially disengage or “slip” when the rear wheel tries to drive the engine faster than it would normally. The engine braking forces in conventional clutches will normally be transmitted back along the drive chain causing the rear wheel to hop, chatter or lose traction. This is especially noted on larger displacement four-stroke engines, which have greater engine braking than their two-stroke or smaller displacement counterparts. Slipper clutches eliminate this extra loading on the rear suspension giving riders a more predictable ride and minimize the risk of over-revving the engine during downshifts. Slipper clutches can also prevent a catastrophic rear wheel lockup in case of engine seizure or transmission failure. Generally, the amount of force needed to disengage the clutch is adjustable to suit the application.
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) YCC-T stands for Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle is claimed to achieve outstanding response across the rev range. The ECU unit records the rider’s throttle position and calculates the optimal throttle valve opening, operating the throttle valve by an electric motor drive; one feature of the system is that it actively initiates control of the volume of intake air. In particular, optimizing the drive torque curve and intake airflow speed by controlling the opening degree of the throttle valve helps achieve a smoother, throttle response for YZF R1 riders.
New YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake)
The latest and most innovative product of the Yamaha G.E.N.I.C.H. engineering concept is YCC-I, which makes its debut on the 2007 YZF-R1, and is the first-ever electronically-controlled motor-driven variable intake on a production motorcycle. The intake passage length on an engine is designed to ensure the highest volumetric efficiency in the most commonly used rpm band for that particular powerplant. Generally speaking, a long intake passage and funnel tends to deliver stronger low to mid-range performance, and conversely a shorter intake passage and funnel is typically better for high rpm applications.
During the intake process on any four-stroke engine, the downwards motion of the piston creates negative pressure in the intake passage, which causes a pressure difference with the air and its natural inertia. This pressure difference causes a reverse reaction in the direction of the intake valve in a function known as ‘inertial charging’, and this phenomenon increases the engine’s volumetric efficiency.
The shorter intake design produces a faster beat to the pressure wave which optimises volumetric efficiency, while a longer intake leads to a slower pressure wave beat. Yamaha’s designers have succeeded in creating YCC-I, a unique new electronically-controlled intake system which ensures optimum performance at both low and high engine speeds. The YCC-I system features electronically-controlled variable intake funnels, and is the first electronically-controlled motor-drive system ever used on a production motorcycle. This unique system features four lightweight plastic resin funnels which are divided into an upper and a lower section, and while fully connected, the two sections create a funnel of 140mm in length. However, when the new R1 engine reaches a specific rpm – and the throttle opening also exceeds a certain level – the upper and lower funnels separate to create a shorter intake funnel of 65mm in length. The pre-programmed separation of all intake four funnels is simultaneous, and is driven by an electronically-controlled servo motor.
In effect, the new R1 engine is a true ‘no compromise’ design which is able to deliver highly efficient performance in a wide range of riding conditions. Riding around town at lower rpm, the 998cc engine is operating with its long 140mm intakes, which give strong torque and excellent throttle response. And once the rider increases the engine speed and throttle opening on fast highways or when circuit riding, the intake length is instantaneously reduced to 65mm, allowing the engine to reach its full potential. Another advantage of the new YCC-I system is that its structure is minimal and simple, giving optimal reliability combined with low weight.
Combustion chamber with 4-valve head design
Yamaha’s engineers have focused on air intake volume control and intake efficiency as the key areas in the development of the new R1 engine. The adoption of YCC-I and YCC-T are complemented by the introduction of an all-new cylinder head which is designed to work in close harmony with the new G.E.N.I.C.H. technologies in order to achieve our goal of increased performance at all engine speeds. The use of YCC-I and YCC-T have transformed the operation of the new generation engine, and in order to maximise the gains offered by this new technology, the cylinder head design has been completely revamped. In order to complement the new electronic intake and throttle control technologies, virtually every aspect of the 2007 cylinder head layout is new. The R1’s reshaped combustion chamber runs with a higher compression ratio of 12.7:1, and the valve angle has been revised to 24 degrees – the same angle that is used on the 2006 R6. For 2007 the R1 utilises an all-new four-valve cylinder head design developed from the advanced technology seen on our Rossi’s YZR-M1 MotoGP race bike, and features two 31mm diameter intake valves, and two 25mm exhaust valves.
The two intake valves are manufactured from titanium for reduced reciprocating weight, which promotes the increased intake valve lift featured on the 2007 engine. And to ensure efficient high-rpm operation, the R1 runs with lightweight VX alloy valve springs which are designed to handle continuous high-load riding conditions.
These changes to the cylinder head design maximise the benefits of the new YCC-I and YCC-T by ensuring greater air intake volume at all engine speeds. The result is extremely high levels of combustion efficiency which contribute greatly to the new engine’s stronger and more linear performance throughout its wide operating range.
Midship muffler and EXUP: To ensure excellent exhaust efficiency, concentration of mass, and aerodynamic characteristics, this model adopts a midship muffler. The design aims to make use of the space behind engine resulting from the shorter front-aft length of the new engine and the long rear arm. It also gives the machine a striking appearance.
EXUP is adopted to control exhaust pulsation in the exhaust chamber and improve air intake/exhaust efficiency. One EXUP valve is placed at the point where the four exhaust pipes merge to make for a more compact design. The EXUP body is made of lightweight titanium.
3-way catalyser with oxygen sensor
A new 3-way catalyser with oxygen sensor not only reduces emissions, it also helps to achieve excellent fuel economy. The new system features platinum and rhodium elements in a honeycomb-shaped catalyser. The system’s efficiency is further improved by the addition of an oxygen sensor which feeds information to the ECU, which can instantaneously adjust fuel supply to ensure optimum combustion efficiency for improved performance and cleaner emissions.
Engine highlights:
*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.
*Redesigned 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.
click here to view 2007 YZF R1’s innovations
source: yamaha and businessweek