Video: 2009 Yamaha R1 engine explained

The 2009 Yamaha R1 boasts an all-new crossplane crankshaft engine that runs at an uneven firing interval. Watch this Yamaha promotional video for an explaination of the technology and reasoning behind their new 998cc powerplant.

• Watch the 2009 Yamaha R1 video test
• Go onboard the Yamaha R1 for a lap of Eastern Creek

The new engine design is said to give the bike a smoother and more linear throttle response.

Yamaha argue that this improves rider control and feel, creating a more direct connection between throttle hand and rear tyre. In a recent promotional video, Fiat Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi says that the new Yamaha R1 makes it “very easy to understand what’s happening with the rear tyre under acceleration”.