Yamaha R1-SP
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Contents |
Introduction
The R1-SP is the most exotic and exclusive open-class superbike that Yamaha has ever produced.
The letters SP stand for Sport Production and is unique in that it is not simply a mass production model YZF-R1 with a range of race parts fitted to it. Rather, it is a specially developed motorcycle featuring exclusive one-off components that have been designed and tested specifically for this machine in close association with Öhlins and Marchesini.
Unique Modifications
Frame
Frame modifications are by way of changes to the Deltabox V (Victory) frame which was modified through a process of structural analysis and repeated testing based on the concept used for the MotoGP competition model, the YZR-M1.
Specifically, frame modifications are by way of cast aluminum main spars that are 1mm thinner between the steering head and the front engine mounts. The resultant reduction in rigidity gives the R1SP a quicker turn-in and better front-end feedback.
Other areas are modified in search of extra rigidity with the bottom triple clamp and inner tube being thicker along with modifications to the thickness of the front engine mounts.
The combined effect of these changes is an ideal rigidity balance in terms of the amount of "give" in the frame during cornering. The result is smoother response characteristics from the frame from the point of entering a turn until you begin to accelerate out of it, which contributes to this model's outstanding cornering performance and high-speed circuit riding characteristics.
Wheelbase
The swing-arm is 16mm longer stretching the wheelbase to 1415mm. The resulting increase in distance between the pivot and the rear axle contributes to reduced interference to the chassis resulting from chain tension during cornering, while also providing a good rigidity balance for achieving strong traction performance. This further improves the R1-SP's excellent secondary steering performance and the increase of weight on the front wheel by 1% which can make for a more settled bike under full throttle lower gear acceleration and uneven surfaces.
Suspension
Front and rear suspention was developed by Ohlins staff who are highly experienced team members of Valentino Rossi's MotoGP bike setup crew who worked together with Yamaha Racing production engineers.
Front suspension is handled by 43mm Öhlins upside-down forks offering full adjustability for pre-load, compression and rebound dampening and with redesigned sliders. These forks have been developed to work in unison with the Öhlins rear shock absorber which has an adjustable relay arm with 5mm of movement allowing a ride height adjustment of up to 10mm to suit varying track conditions and set-ups.
Wheels & Tires
In order to further improve on the excellent handling characteristics of this model, lightweight forged aluminum wheels were adopted for the best combination with the new frame specifications.
Adopted for the first time on a Yamaha production models for use on public roads, these wheels were jointly developed by Yamaha and Marchesini engineers according to Yamaha manufacturing standards and are specially manufactured by Marchesini.
In appearance they have the same "Y" shaped spokes as the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine's wheels and offer a 400g saving in unsprung weight from the standard machine.
Unique to the R1-SP are the Pirelli "Diablo Corsa" that are fitted as the standard tire for outstanding performance in circuit riding.
Engine & Gearbox
The engine features shorted intake-valve stem guides with minor changes to fuel injection to suit producing 178hp.
A slipper clutch is also fitted to the R1-SP model in order to further increase the capability for smooth approach into the turns. It achieves this by controling the amount of torque being transmitted from the rear wheel to the crank.
While maintaining the same liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC, 40-degree forward-inclined, in-line 4-cylinder 5-valve fuel injection engine format as the standard R1, specifications including the bore-stroke, the compact combustion chamber, shorter intake-valve stem guides, high-lift cams, a 12.4 : 1 compression ratio and FS connecting rods have all been amended thorough pursuit of further intake/exhaust efficiency. This produced a 3PS boost in power output to 178PS compared to the standard model at the same engine speed of 12,500 rpm due to increased intake air volume.
The cam chain tensioning system was also revised to give better sealing duribility and the main gear axle shaft is 5mm longer to offer more strength.
Paintwork & Finishing Trim
Apart from the fuel tank and seat cowl which are painted in metalic gloss black, the R1SP’s fairing, frame, and swingarm are finished in a 'Gunsmoke' paintwork which is a very dark satin blue and is unique to this model.
Gold Muffler Covers, and gold decals including a Yamaha Racing URL decal above the left hand headlight are also unique to the R1-SP.
Identification
A R1SP is most easily recognised from its unique coloring (as detailed above) which often looks black in certain daylight lighting conditions and low light. Its gold finishes to its Ohlins suspension components, its gold Marchesini 'Y' shaped rims, and gold Yamaha decals allow the R1SP to be more easily recognised at a moderate distance.
A genuine R1SP can always be identified by the bike’s unique production number which is embossed to a R1SP labeled build plate located off-centre to the left of the steering yoke.
Production
Only 800 R1-SP’s where produced in order to satisfy the Homologation approval requirements for the motorcycle’s entry into the European Supersport racing round in which the R1-SP dominated.
It is reported that 400 R1-SP’s where released to the Northern Hemisphere, and 400 to the southern hemisphere where the majority of these bikes where purchased for track use. The number of R1-SP’s registered for road use is unknown.
Known Locations
Australia
It is known that 18 R1-SP's were imported into Australia. 3 to the State of Western Australia of which 1 has since been destroyed in an accident, and 2 remain.
Known Owner Register
Plate #508 - Perth, Western Australia (Owner's Name/Nickname - Deej).
Plate #516 - Perth, Western Australia (Owner's Name/Nickname - Hornet).
Plate #502 - Perth, Western Australia (Owner's Name - Unknown) - Currently residing at 5 Star Yamaha
Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Yamaha Racing |
| Overall length/Width/Height: | 2,085mm/720mm/1,105mm |
| Seat Height: | 835mm |
| Dry Weight: | 174kg |
| Engine Type: | Liquid-cooled, stroke, DOHC, 5-valve |
| Cylinder Arrangement: | In-line 4 cylinder |
| Displacement: | 998cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 77.0 x 53.6mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 12.4:1 |
| Maximum Power: | 132.73kW (178.0 PS) |
| Maxiumum Torque: | 107.1Nm(10.9kgfm / 10,500rpm) |
| Starting System: | Electric |
| Fuel Tank capacity: | 18 litres |
| Fuel Supply System: | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Tire Size (Front / Rear): | 120/70ZR-17 MC / 190/50ZR-17 MC |
See Also
External Links
Official Website of Yamaha Racing www.yamaha-racing.com
R1SP Owners Register (under construction) - www.r1sp.com
Australian (Perth) Community Website with two R1-SP Owners - www.perthstreetbikes.com
Video
Yamaha Promotional Video www.youtube.com/watch
