The YZF-R1 utilizes a very compact engine design.  The gearbox mainshaft is mounted high, with the drive shaft directly below.  Weight is saved by dropping cylinder liners in favor of electroplating and casting the cylinders and upper crankcase as a single unit.  The stiffer power plant carries more chassis stress, allowing for a lighter frame.

The R1's long swingarm.
 

The lightweight instrument cluster
 

R1 FEATURES:  The redesigned EXUP system and the CDI ignition system are linked to sensors monitoring gear position, throttle position, and the rate of throttle opening to optimize performance for different conditions.  The faster you twist the throttle, the more response and  harder the R1 pulls!  The chassis specs look more like a 500 GP bike than a production liter machine.  While the R1's wheelbase is a very short 54.9 inches – the shortest in its class – the compact engine design allows for a very long 23-inch swingarm. YAMAHA uses this same technology on their 500GP race bikes.  This swingarm is 2½ inches longer than last year's YZF1000.  This NEW geometry gives the R1 greater stability when powering out of corners.  And with 56° of lean angle, fast corners should be no problem!