Yamaha’s all-new 189 bhp, US$11,600 YZF-R1 Supersport

The frame is made up from three distinct types of component: gravity-cast aluminium; high-tensile extruded aluminium; and aluminium panel for the outer structure.

For 2007 the cast components that are used for the engine mounts, head pipe and pivot support have been reinforced to give added rigidity at these crucial points. There are six rigid engine mounts (four on the upper and lower crankcase, and two on the cylinder head), and the engine is used as a fully-stressed member.

The outer layer of the Deltabox frame is constructed using 2.5mm thick aluminium panel material to give a certain level of ‘forgiveness’ in the new frame, which enhances handling and cornering performance, and improves surface feedback.

Other changes to the new 2007 frame include the addition of ribs within the Deltabox frame structure, and the removal of the cross pipe featured on the 2006 model.

By using a mix of cast, extruded and panel aluminium, our designers have succeeded in creating an all-new chassis with a carefully selected level of flex engineered-in to the structure in order to achieve even better handling characteristics.

New design hybrid swingarm

Complementing the all-new Deltabox frame is a newly designed swingarm which features an asymmetric left/right layout, and consists of an upside-down truss configuration. This new swingarm is manufactured from three different types of aluminium components: gravity-cast parts for the pivot assembly box structure; Yamaha CF die-cast parts for the main rear arm; and forged aluminium for the end sections.

This new swingarm has primarily been designed to enhance cornering performance, firstly by enhancing handling qualities in the initial stage of a turn – and secondly, by increasing the rear wheel downforce on the road surface when accelerating away from a turn.

...continued