According to French motorcycle magazine Motorevue, Yamaha is preparing R1’s cross-plane crank engine for the 2011 FZ1. Together with it, upgraded suspension, six-pot brakes and a new R1-inspired half-fairing will make the line between supersport and sport-touring even thinner.

Ever since the 2006 revamp, when the FZ1 go fuel-injection for its “previous generation” R1 engine, the bike carried on being produced without any significant upgrades and it seems that the need was felt for some new technology. While we have nothing against that, looking at this very plausible rendering made by the friends at Motorevue, we can’t help noticing the dramatically sportier riding position, which is in total contradiction with FZ1’s reputation.

Expect to see the new Yamaha FZ1 at 2010 bike shows around the world.

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