The theme for the new development project was “dynamic cornering performer”. Kioke recalls: “what we had to decide first was the direction to take the next evolution, while still retaining the best aspects or the R1. A basic element of the existing R1 was ‘a rigidity balance within the realm of smooth flexibility.’ It was the kind of machine character that, say, if you decided to let up a little during cornering, the machine would still take you through the curve in an enjoyable way. But, when you are really trying to attack curves aggressively, it could, in rare cases, leave the rider with an unsatisfying impression. That was the kind of character we built into the original R1, and the bike’s handling performance set the benchmark for super sport bikes in the late 1990’s. With the new R1, we wanted a machine that would respond with more controllability when the rider tries to use it aggressively.”

The key would be to achieve linear throttle response together with direct handling response. “From the engine response through to the precise character of the feedback of the brakes, we worked on every element or the overall riding experience to create a new generation of super sport machine,” says Kioke.

Looking back, Kioke says “The concept of ‘Rider-Machine Communication’ is part of every Yamaha bike, but I don’t think there has been any motorcycle yet that epitomizes that idea like the new R1.” Asked what makes it so, he replies, “Everyone on the development staff just spends a lot or time riding the prototypes we built. And shared experience of riding puts all then staff on the same vector. We see the importance of each design element and we are able to set clearer priorities. I don’t think I have ever seen a team that came together so completely as we did on this project.”

Kioke: “The place where staff would end up talking and debating most often was the meeting room behind the pit at the test track. That shows how much time all of us spent riding the prototypes. A bike has got to be something that is fun to ride.”