The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 has a big-bang engine

 

MCN was on hand to witness the covers being pulled off the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 in Amsterdam yesterday (September 8), and Yamaha fired the bike up to demonstrate the big-bang, cross-plane crank motor's distinctive new sound.

• Listen to the audio file here

Our reporter recorded the bike - unfortunately we weren't allowed any video equipment, but even on this low-quality recording you can pick out the distinctive, almost V4-like noise.

• See all the 2009 Yamahas here
• Video: See and hear the 2009 Yamaha R1 in action