2008Yamaha YZF-R1

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The 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 is a track-focused superbike designed for experienced riders seeking maximum performance. Its 998cc inline-four engine delivers aggressive power with advanced fuel injection technology, making it a formidable competitor on the racetrack and road. Known for precise handling and championship-winning heritage, it remains a benchmark sportbike.

Capacity: 998.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 176.9 kg
Seat height: 836 mm
Power: 197.2 HP (145.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Front suspension	43mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression damping, rebound damping	43mm inverted fork

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail2%

Cornering96%

City riding30%

Daily riding28%

Touring22%

Two-up18%

Track99%

Best for: A track-focused open-class superbike built to devour circuits and fast canyon roads, with launch, slide and traction control for extracting extreme performance.
Built for: A razor-sharp, screaming crossplane litre-bike-intense, precise and utterly focused. All adrenaline, thriving at full throttle and hard lean angles.
Not ideal for: Not for beginners, commuters seeking comfort, two-up touring, or anyone wanting a relaxed all-day ride. No off-road ability whatsoever.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 836mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 998.0 ccm
Power: 197.2 HP (145.0 kW)
EPA CO Emissions: 1.2 CO g/km
Torque: 112.6 Nm (11.5 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 1.1148 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6 mm
Compression: 12.7:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiple-disc coil spring

Performance

Top speed: 270.0 km/h (167.8 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1415 mm
Overall length: 2060 mm
Overall width: 719 mm
Overall height: 1110 mm
Seat height: 836 mm
Dry weight: 176.9 kg
Wet weight: 205.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Ground clearance: 133 mm
Oil capacity: 3.70 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium Deltabox
Front suspension: 43mm inverted fork
Rear suspension: Single shock w/piggyback reservoir
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 102 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.0°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/50-ZR17

Other

Color options: Blue/white, raven, candy red
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1998	2005	2008	2012	2019	2026
Capacity	998 cc	998 cc	998 cc	998 cc	998 cc	997 cc
Dry weight	177 kg	175 kg	177 kg	177 kg	177 kg	177 kg
Seat height	815 mm	833 mm	836 mm	833 mm	856 mm	855 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18.4 L	18 L	18.2 L	17 L	17 L