In 2004, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha YZF-R1, a sport bike that featured major changes such as style updates with an under-seat dual exhaust system and performance upgrades such as radial brakes, and, for the first time, it featured a ram-air intake.
For the 2004 model, Yamaha remediated the tendency for wheelies by changing the frame geometry and weight distribution, while the engine was no longer used as a stressed member of the chassis and featured a top crankcase and cylinder block.
The conventional brake calipers were replaced by radial-mounted calipers, such as two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc with a four-piston caliper on the rear that offered strong braking performance.
For suspension, the bike packed a 43 mm Kayaba inverted telescopic fork on the front and a truss-type aluminum swingarm with an adjustable motocross system on the rear.
In the power department, the 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 took its thrust from a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder engine that delivered an output power of 171 hp at 12,500 rpm and 107 Nm (79 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 10,500 rpm.
The bike was set in motion by a six-speed manual transmission, and due to a dry weight of 185 kg (408 lbs), it reached a top speed of 296 kph (184 mph).