2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Specifications

Name: 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1
Brand: Yamaha

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Overview

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 is a sport motorcycle built around 998 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 12.7:1. 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 delivers 132.4 kW @ 12500 rpm of peak power and 112.7 Nm @ 10000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 287.7 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2008 YZF 1000 R1 tips the scales at 190 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 835 mm and spans a 1415 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 12.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2008 YZF 1000 R1 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 makes 132.4 kW @ 12500 rpm with 112.7 Nm @ 10000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Fuel injection: The fuel injectionwith YCC-T and YCC-I system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 835 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the YZF 1000 R1 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injectionwith YCC-T and YCC-I. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The 2 x 310mm discs 6 piston calipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the YZF 1000 R1 runs 43mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression damping, rebound damping; and Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; adjustable for hi-/lo-speed compression damping, rebound damping, spring preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Deltabox V aluminium aluminium, twin spar - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

YZF 1000 R1 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained YZF 1000 R1 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any YZF 1000 R1. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The YZF 1000 R1's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 have?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 uses a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. engine with 998 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 has a factory-quoted top speed of 287.7 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 weigh?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 weighs 190 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 make?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 produces 132.4 kW @ 12500 rpm of power and 112.7 Nm @ 10000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.

Is the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 has a seat height of 835 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 have?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 uses 2 x 310mm discs 6 piston calipers at the front and Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 use?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/50 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 have?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 was produced across 13 model years (1998-2021). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1998	2001	2003	2005	2008	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Max Power	148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm	148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm	152 hp / 110.8 kW @ 10500 rpm	171.3 hp / 126 kW @ 12500 rpm	132.4 kW / 180 hp @ 12500 rpm	133.9 kW / 182 hp @ 12500 rpm	147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm	147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm	147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm	147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm	147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm	147.1 kW / 197 hp @ 13500 rpm	147.1 kW / 197 hp @ 13500 rpm
Wet Weight	192 kg / 423 lbs	192 kg / 423 lbs	192 kg / 423 lbs	185 kg / 407.8 lbs	190 kg / 418.8 lbs	206 kg / 454 lb	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	203 kg / 448 lbs	203 kg / 448 lbs
Dry Weight	177 kg / 390.2 lbs	177 kg / 390.2 lbs	175 kg / 389.5 lbs	172 kg / 379 lbs	177 kg / 389.4 lbs	177 kg / 389.4 lb	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Top Speed	277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph	277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph	277.5 km/h / 172.4 mph	296.1 km/h / 184 mph	287.7 km/h	280.9 km/h	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Height	813 mm / 32.3 in	813 mm / 32.3 in	813 mm / 32.3 in	833 mm / 32.3 in	835 mm / 32.9 in	835 mm / 32.8 in	830 mm / 32.7 in	830 mm / 32.7 in	830 mm / 32.7 in	830 mm / 32.7 in	830 mm / 32.7 in	861 mm / 33.9 in	861 mm / 33.9 in
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / US 4.7 gal	18 Litres / 4.7 gal	18 Litres / 4.7 gal	18 Litres / 4.7 gal	18 Litres / 4.0 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 gal	17 Liters / 4.5 gal	17 Liters / 4.5 US gal	17 Liters / 4.5 US gal	17 Liters / 4.5 US gal	17 Liters / 4.5 US gal	17 Liters / 4.5 US gal	17 Liters / 4.5 US gal
Frame Type	Aluminium, twin spar	Aluminium, twin spar	Aluminium, twin spar	Deltabox V aluminium aluminium, twin spar	Deltabox V aluminium aluminium, twin spar	Deltabox V aluminium	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Power

132.4 kW / 180 hp @ 12500 rpm

Torque

112.7 Nm / 11.5 kgf-m @ 10000 rpm

Top Speed

287.7 km/h

Weight

190 kg / 418.8 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Full 2008 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Specifications

Year 2008

Make Model Yamaha YZF1000 R1

Seat Height 835 mm / 32.9 in

Wheelbase 1415 mm / 55.7 in

Ground Clearance 135 mm / 5.3 in

Height 1110 mm / 43.7 in

Length 1110 mm / 43.7 in

Width 720 mm / 28.3 in

Dry Weight 177 kg / 389.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.0 US gal

Wet Weight 190 kg / 418.8 lbs

Top Speed 287.7 km/h

Max Power 132.4 kW / 180 hp @ 12500 rpm

Max Torque 112.7 Nm / 11.5 kgf-m @ 10000 rpm

Standing Start 0-1000 m 18.9 sec / 275.2 km/h

Standing Start ¼ Mile 10.5 sec / 232.9 km/h

Displacement 998 cc / 60.9 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 77 X 53.6 mm

Compression Ratio 12.7:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Oil Specification Synthetic, 10W/40

Fuel Induction Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I

Ignition TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)

Lubrication Wet sump

Spark Plug NGK, CR9EK

Starter Electric

Clutch Cable-operated multiplate wet slipper clutch.

Final Drive #530 O-ring chain

Gear Ratios 1st 38/15 (2.533) / 2nd 33/16 (2.063) / 3rd 37/21 (1.762) / 4th 35/23 (1.522) / 5th 30/22 (1.364) / 6th 33/26 (1.269)

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Deltabox V aluminium aluminium, twin spar

Suspension - Front 43mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression damping, rebound damping;

Suspension - Rear Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; adjustable for hi-/lo-speed compression damping, rebound damping, spring preload

Rake 24°

Trail 102 mm / 4.0 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 120 mm / 4..7 in

Brakes - Front 2 x 310mm discs 6 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17

Tyres - Rear 190/50 ZR17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.