A short introduction to the electronic systems that allow the R1 rider to focus fully on riding, with extreme precision and without distractions. LCS, LIF, TCS, SCS, QSS, PWR, YRC… what do they mean and what are the benefits?
Starting point: the IMU that enables it all
Contrary to conventional wheel-speed-sensor systems that make estimations about how the bike is behaving, the new R1 has real 3D motion detection.
An Internal Measuring Unit (IMU) contains acceleration measurement in all 3 directions (forward, sideways and up/down), plus gyro measurement in all 3 directions (pitch, roll and yaw).
By constantly analysing this data 125 times per second, the IMU is able to establish the R1’s position and behaviour – including lean angle, slide speed and pitching rate.
These are used as input for the electronic control systems on the bike and they adjust and refine the engine output when needed. An extensive package like on the R1 is common in MotoGP racing, but quite new to production bikes!
Let’s have a look at those systems:
Launch control (LCS)
Blasting away at the starting line with 200 PS in first gear?
The LCS assists you to improve your starts. This system keeps engine rpm at the ideal 10,000 rpm, even with the throttle fully open, and maintains an optimum level of engine output.
The system has a choice of 2 levels and can also be switched off.
LIFt control (LIF)
Smoothens out front lifts during starts and acceleration.
(It does allow front lifts, its main purpose is to react when a sudden lift is detected).
The system has a choice of 3 levels and can also be switched off.
Traction control (TCS)
To avoid wheel spin and to bring out the maximum drive force potential of the rear wheel.
This system takes into account the lean angle of the bike and applies a stronger control setting at deeper lean angles!
The system has a choice of 9 levels and can also be switched off.
Slide control (SCS)
Just launched in 2012 on the YZR-M1 race bike, and now applied for the first time on a production bike. This patent-pending system controls the engine output when a slide is detected, and works in association with the banking angle sensitive TCS.
A certain amount of sliding is helpful because it helps a rider change lines in a corner. If the slide is smooth, the system intervenes only slightly; if a sudden or excessive slide develops, the system dampens it accordingly.
The system has a choice of 3 levels and can also be switched off.
Quickshift System (QSS)
A sensor on the shift lever rod detects when the rider is upshifting, and the system cuts drive torque to the engaged gear, in an exact relation to throttle opening, rpm, gear position and rear wheel speed.
The system has a choice of 2 levels and can also be switched off.
Power modes (PWR)
The engine has a choice of 4 different power modes to set the throttle response to your own preference or riding situation. In three of the four modes, full horsepower is available; the throttle sensitivity is different.
Yamaha Ride Control
A set of all these individual settings can be saved as a package under the so-called Yamaha Ride Control system. It keeps 4 packages stored (A/B/C/D) that are easily available on the dashboard.
You can save more packages if you want, via the optional CCU / data logger that is controlled by an app.
CCU unit / data logger
This is an accessory item on the R1 (and comes standard on the R1M). It includes a GPS unit to monitor your actual position and has a wireless connection to be able to see the data afterwards on a tablet or smartphone. This provides fascinating info: you can check riding lines, lap times, top speed, brake points etcetera. At any point on the track or route, you can look in detail at all the IMU’s measurements: corner speed, lean angle, brake pressure, G forces, throttle opening etc.
Interesting to improve your skill as a rider, or to compare with friends!
ABS with UBS
The new R1 features an ABS. And there’s also a UBS that is lean angle sensitive.
UBS means Unified Brake System. It combines front and rear brake action for a smoother balance, preventing unwanted machine motion during braking.
It is lean angle related: the more the lean angle, the less the rear wheel brake pressure that is applied through the system. The ABS/UBS system is an integral part of the machine and cannot be switched off or adjusted.
Rider and machine are one
The electronic systems only do what they are told to do. So input from test riders is extremely important, and at Yamaha we put a lot of emphasis on this. Yamaha developed the systems to optimise the interaction between rider and machine. They feel completely natural, so the new R1 is ready to connect to your body and take your riding to a new level!
“I believe the greatest excitement, comes from besting who you were yesterday” says our Project Leader. “This bike is your partner for doing it, and nothing can beat that kind of excitement!”
this all comes from the official Yamaha website, just sharing the knowledge..
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