inside m1 2008

diagram showing how Yamaha optimised the M1's basic bike dimensions.

diagram showing how the frame of the YZR-M1 was changed to improve braking and cornering characteristics. The 2008 frame was stiffer until torsion and vertical loads, but less stiff under lateral loading.

diagram showing how the aerodynamics of the YZR-M1 were changed to improve oil and water cooling. This resulted in more consistent engine performance and improved reliability

diagram showing the main engine changes for the 2008 YZR-M1 compared with the 2007 version.

diagram showing the main improvements in engine performance. The pneumatic-valve system (first introduced during 2007) reduced the weight of the valve-system by 40%, lowered the amount of spring force required and allowed for a higher valve lift

diagram showing the increase in maximum speed and reduction in fuel consumption, for each track present on both the 2007 and 2008 world championship. The biggest top speed improvement was 16 km/h at Qatar, while the M1 was over 10km/h faster at four other circuits. The biggest drop in fuel consumption was a 13% improvement at Estoril.

diagram showing how Yamaha's EMS (Engine Management System) used real time vehicle dynamics to optimise torque delivery

Summary of 2008 Season

The 2008 YZR-M1 achieved all its racing objectives, winning the riders', constructors' and teams' MotoGP World Championships.

The YZR-M1 took victory in ten out of the 18 rounds - nine wins for Rossi (Bridgestone tyres) and one win for Jorge Lorenzo (Michelin tyres) - and a Yamaha rider finished on the podium at every race. The 2008 YZR-M1 concluded the season with 10 wins, 24 podiums and 7 pole positions.

In brief, Yamaha improved maximum tyre performance due to:

1. Chassis dimensions being modified to suit the tyre.
2. A new EMS [Engine Management System] strategy to maximize tyre performance using vehicle dynamics.

Yamaha's work to maximise engine power and minimise fuel consumption resulted in:

1. Engine performance being improved by 12%.
2. Fuel consumption being improved by 6%.