Yamaha YZF R1 not reaching over 10k rpm

After driving for a while I realized that someday I could not open full throttle at certain times. I said to myself, shit, what again? I did not do it all the time. I realize there are certain moment my YZF-R1 does not want to go full throttle:

- when the bike is cold and just started (normal I would say)
- when the tank is almost empty

I realized that when it does not go over 10k rpm it would mean that I need to fill up with gas. (Even when the gas light is not on). When I do fill up, I can then go all the way to 15k rpm.

Someone suggested that I have to check the fuel tank vent hose. The theory is that this vent hose is clogged and a vacuum is created in the fuel tank this in turn withholds the fuel pump from being able to suck fuel in. Interesting... I have to check that fuel vent hose.

What a difference new tires can make

Some time ago I changed the rear tire myself, first having to weld a rear stand. Breaking the bead was another story. I bought a pair of Shinko tires, but didn't do the front so I drove for a long while with a bald front tire and it was like a square tire instead of round. Today I brought my bike in by a mechanic to change the front cause I don't have a front stand. Boy what a difference this makes to the bike! I had to drive carefully out of the driveway and on my way home. It is like a different bike, and each time a take a curve my head goes in a haze, not able to adapt with the change. My bike's frame was aligned (chassis alignment) by the good folks (Kent Soignier) at G.M.D. Computrack in Atlanta, Georgia and I think that only now I feel what the difference is. With the new tire on the bike it drives very different, a sensation not felt with the old tires (ever since I bought the bike, never changed the front tire). How can I explain this sensation? It's now more like think left and the bike goes left. The bike goes like in automatic steering. I have to get used to it, I am kinda scared right now, before I dared to lean on the side, with half my a$$ on the saddle, now there's no need for that. Really a great improvement. I'll keep you posted on the riding experience.

2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 Recall

Yamaha Recalls on FJR1300, FZS600 and YZF-R1 built in 2005

Yamaha has recalled three 2005 motorcycles due to throttle position sensor failure, which can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash.

The throttle position sensor can fail on the FJR1300, FZS600 and YZF-R1. These bikes were manufactured between October 2004 and April 2005. Yamaha Motor Corporation said 180 motorcycles are affected.

Yamaha will notify owners and replace the throttle position sensor free of charger. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 7, 2009. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-714-761-7300.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153, or go to www.safercar.gov.

Yamaha YZF R1 2009 Engine with Cross plane crankshaft explanation

How the Yamaha R1 2009 Engine works with the new cross plane crankshaft.

Yamaha R1 Two Wheel Drive (2WD) tested by MCN

MCN (Motorcycle News Magazine) from the UK has some amazing videos on Youtube. Here they're testing out a Yamaha R1 superbike with additional front wheel traction. Wow, that sounds interesting. Really wondering how this takes cornering better. Enjoy the video here!

from MCN's site:
"MCN is the only publication in the world to have ridden the Ohlins two-wheel-drive Yamaha R1. Watch the video for a tech explaination of the 2WD system and see MCN's Trevor Franklin take a test ride on the revolutionary machine at the remote Karlskoga track in Sweden."

Shinko 009 005 Motorcycle Tire SET 120/70-17 190/50-17

I recently bought this Shinko 009 005 Motorcycle Tire SET 120/70-17 190/50-17 from a seller (pinwall_cycle_parts) on Ebay. Great price at $155.95 + $25 S&H.

I am just wondering about the tires though. A week ago I welded my own bike stand and took off the tires. Now about the Shinko's: The tires slip a lot and on a wet, jeeez, I'm like riding on ice! Maybe I have to lower the air pressure (I have the Yamaha R1 recommended pressure of 36psi front 42psi back) I think that's way too hard. Will experiment with lower air pressure and let you know how that works. Anyone else has these tires on?

Yamaha YZF R1 Off Roading

Have you ever seen this? A super sportbike made for mad speed and mean cornering transformed into a off road motorcycle. From what I can tell, only the handlebar has been changed. Ok, this is an older Yamaha YZF R1, but he certainly must have softened the shocks to get through the woods. Seeing this, it reminds me that I have to stop whining when I drive on a dirt road.