2006 Yamaha YZF R1 Review

It’s fair to say that the YZF-R is one of, if not the most famous supersport motorcycle ever built. When it was originally launched in 1998, the first-generation R was universally regarded as being the most remarkable motorcycle of its time.

With numerous racing victories to its credit, the R has proved that it is at the top of its game.

Increased power and an even better handling chassis for 2006 mean that this legendary machine is destined to maintain its position as the most exciting, most desirable and most beautiful 1000 cc supersport.

On the race track the YZF-R1 has been quick to make its presence felt, and in 2004 the R1 won three major titles – the AMA Superstock Championship, the European Superstock Championship, and the FIM World Endurance Championship.

Yamaha has always been an innovative and forward-looking company, and for these reasons the R1 development team are constantly striving for an even higher degree of perfection.

When the fourth generation YZF-R1 was launched it immediately set new standards for cornering, performance and styling, and the wide range of engine and chassis changes introduced for 2006 are designed to enhance the R1 experience even further. The higher powered engine and more agile chassis are sure to underline the R1’s unrivalled cornering performance and handling qualities on secondary roads – and will undoubtedly reinforce its reputation as the most exciting and rewarding supersport machine.

All these developments are the result of Yamaha’s ongoing research and development programme, in which the R1 has been constantly pushed to the limit by our factory test riders. It is their input that has helped to make the latest model feel and perform the way it does, and it underlines how human sensitivity has played a key role in forming the distinctive character of the R1.

The R1 is the culmination of 50 years of racing experience, combining tremendous power with light weight and excellent handling.

Newly retuned Deltabox V frame, revised forks and a 20mm longer swingarm take R1 handling to the next level.

50th Anniversary Special Edition model celebrates Yamaha racing heritage with special badging and classic black and yellow livery.

Features

Key Features:
The R1 is the culmination of 50 years of racing experience, combining tremendous power with light weight and excellent handling.
Newly retuned Deltabox V frame, revised forks and a 20mm longer swingarm take R1 handling to the next level.
50th Anniversary Special Edition model celebrates Yamaha racing heritage with special badging and classic black and yellow livery.

New for 2006:
GP tech trickles down: Revised rigidity of the main frame between the engine mounts and steering head, a new, more rigid lower triple clamp, a 20mm-longer swingarm produce the best-handling R1 ever.
Shorter valve guides and other revisions increase intake flow and reduce friction, for more power.
Gold-colored forks look great.
Revised clutch boss provides increased oil flow for excellent durability.
 
Engine:
Short-stroke 998cc DOHC, 20-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine.
Dual-valve fuel injection system uses motor-driven secondary throttle valves and 32-bit ECU for super-responsive, instantaneous power delivery.
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—40 degrees forward— 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 five-valve combustion chambers produce a highly efficient 12.4:1 compression ratio. Big valves and high-lift cams flow plenty of air.
Carburized 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.
Strong, yet lightweight clutch and close-ratio six-speed gearbox with triangulated shaft layout for great strength, compactness, and quicker acceleration.
Titanium underseat exhaust system (with stainless steel midpipe and catalyst) contains a titanium EXUP valve for a broad, seamless powerband.
High-efficiency curved radiator and an aluminum liquidcooled oil cooler maintain stable operating temperature.
Direct ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and highoutput magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing.
AC generator behind cylinder block produces a narrow engine with excellent cornering clearance.
 
Chassis/Suspension:
Overall frame width of only 15.6 inches produces comfortable ergonomics as well as efficient aerodynamic penetration.
Controlled Fill die cast, truss-type swingarm is very strong and longer, for optimal traction and feedback.
Controlled Fill die cast, detachable aluminum subframe is light, strong and allows easy rear shock access.
Dual 320mm front disc brakes; light/strong, forged one-piece radial-mount calipers and Brembo radial-pump front master cylinder with adjustable lever delivers amazing braking power and controllability.
Fully adjustable KYB inverted telescopic front fork with 43mm tubes provides 4.7 inches of travel.
Piggyback rear shock gives 5.1 inches of wheel travel, full adjustability and a lightweight, accessible aluminum preload adjustment collar.
Light, five-spoke wheels enhance acceleration, deceleration, handling and suspension action.
 
Additional Features:
Two multi-reflector and two projector beam headlights provide great illumination and distinctive style.
Adjustable LCD illumination and multi-function digital gauges: adjustable shift light, odometer, dual tripmeters, water temperature, air temperature, full-time clock, lap timer and large 15,000 rpm analog tachometer.
Aggressive bodywork with twin Ram-Air intakes for increased engine performance.
LED taillight is light, bright and highly efficient.
Sticky 120/70-ZR17 and 190/50-ZR17 radial tires for incredible grip and precise handling.
Forged footpegs are extra durable and light.
Extensive use of hollow bolts and lightweight fasteners helps trim overall weight.
8.2 AH battery is compact and light.
Durable #530 O-ring–sealed drive chain.
Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.
 

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SPECS

Engine
Type: 998cc, liquid-cooled, 20-valve, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 77 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio: 12.4:1
Carburetion: Fuel injection, dual-valve throttle bodies with motor-driven secondary valves
Ignition: Digital TCI
Transmission: 6-speed w/multi-plate clutch
Final Drive: #530 O-ring chain

Chassis
Suspension/Front: 43mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression damping, rebound damping; 4.7" travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock w/adjustable preload, compression damping, rebound damping, spring preload; 5.1" travel
Brakes/Front: Dual 320mm discs; radial-mount forged 4-piston calipers
Brakes/Rear: 220mm disc w/single-piston pin-slide caliper
Tires/Front: 120/70-ZR17
Tires/Rear: 190/50-ZR17

Dimensions
Length: 82.1"
Width: 28.3"
Height: 43.5"
Seat Height: 32.9”
Wheelbase: 55.7”
Rake (Caster Angle): 24.0°
Trail: 3.8”
Fuel Capacity: 4.75 gal.
Dry Weight: 381 lbs.

Other
Primary Reduction Ratio: 65/43 (1.512)
Secondary Reduction Ratio: 45/17 (2.647)
Gear Ratio - 1st Gear: 38/15 (2.533)
Gear Ratio - 2nd Gear: 33/16 (2.063)
Gear Ratio - 3rd Gear: 37/21 (1.762)
Gear Ratio - 4th Gear: 35/23 (1.522)
Gear Ratio - 5th Gear: 30/22 (1.364)
Gear Ratio - 6th Gear: 33/26 (1.269)
Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
MSRP:

• $11,599 (50th Anniversary Yellow/Black)
• $11,399 (Raven)
• $11,299 (Team Yamaha Blue)