A cross-plane crankshaft may sound a little new to your ears, but they will no longer be soon enough.  It is actually the largest leap and enhancement in literbike engine design after a few long years, and is considered the link to Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP bike.

A part of Yamaha’s most recent YZF-R1, this new crankshaft is a literbike which has been tested last week at the Eastern Creek circuit in Australia.  The Yamaha R1 is said to have a design unseen and unmade in previous motorcycle models.

The Yamaha R1 is made obviously different (in a good way, of course) than previously manufactured literbikes by the 998cc engine’s distinct sound.  It is similar to a V-Four with a rather profound and determined note which comes out a lot like it is a little angry.  But when talking about competition, the Yamaha R1’s motor power generation sets it apart from the others.  The peaky powerband of previous models have been replaced with the most dutiful and biddable four-cylinder literbike.

There is big credit on the enhanced midrange, yet there is greater recognition and acknowledgement on getting the feel of a direct connection between the throttle and the rear tire.

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