Yamaha YZF-R1 Taira Racing Motorcycle 1 12

It is commonly held that long distance touring is only for massive,

high displacement motorcycle. At the Milan Show in September of 1997,

Yamaha shattered this myth with its YZF-R1. Targeting high-speed

turning on a winding road, it has been constructed with compact design

of a 400cc bike.

Adopting a short wheelbase and an EXUP exhaust system

unique to Yamaha, its 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 5-valve, DOHC engine

pumps out 150hp of maximum power. The YZF-R1 has drawn worldwide

attention with its ability to nimbly round turn after turn at

breathtaking speeds.

In response to this high performance, a wide

variety of parts have been put on the market to make the ride even more

thrilling. Taira Racing, represented by former All Japan 500cc

champion, Tadahiko Taira, put forth an abundance of these parts for use

with the R1.

Taira became the champion in the 350cc international A

Class of 1980, but he did not stop there. Riding the Yamaha YZR, Taira

challenged the 500cc class of the All Japan Road Race Championship and

won for three years straight. Furthermore, he participated in the World

Championship 250cc class throughout 1986, winning the final event, the

San Marino GP.

Starting with a titanium muffler for more power at

moderate speeds, a curved carbon fender over the rear tire and aluminum

sprockets. Taira Racing has released abundant parts in the pursuit of

riding excellence.