R1 underseat exhaust, whats the advantage?

**gav** · 9th September 2004, 13:51

Why does the Yamaha R1 have an under seat exhaust? What are the supposed advantages?

So why dont the M1's use it?

**svs** · 9th September 2004, 13:54

Looks. I reckon most bikes with the undertail exhaust look pretty smart.

Don't get scratched when you drop it.

Neither of which is relevant to the M1

**StoneChucker** · 9th September 2004, 13:59

I guess for added clearance for cornering (when leaned all the way over)? Not that I'd ever need that haha, but I suppose experienced riders, on a RACETRACK, could use it to their advantage?

And looks yeah

The stock pipes, imho, look better than any aftermarket pipes (For the R1). Only thing aftermarket ones give you is a nicer sound, which for me, would only be for a safety issue (louder - cars more aware)

**White trash** · 9th September 2004, 14:01

I think the only bike that looks good with an undertail exhaust is a 916.

I told Suzuki this and to keep the Trash Man happy, they agreed.

**Firefight** · 9th September 2004, 14:05

Well I don,t like them, and if the 05 R6 has one, I won,t buy it,

F/F

**White trash** · 9th September 2004, 14:30

Originally Posted by Firefight

Well I don,t like them, and if the 05 R6 has one, I won,t buy it,

F/F

That Suzuki's looking better every day, F/F!

**Blakamin** · 9th September 2004, 14:35

Originally Posted by White trash

I think the only bike that looks good with an undertail exhaust is a 916.

I told Suzuki this and to keep the Trash Man happy, they agreed.

Shoulda told them you would test their new fairing materials while you were at it

**vifferman** · 9th September 2004, 14:36

There are no advantages apart from giving a bit of protection in a crash or fall, but there are some disadvantages. It's awkward to route the pipes etc. to fit them under the seat, probably more expensive, and definitely hotter (esp. for the pillion). Plus on many bikes you lose some underseat space.

**Paul in NZ** · 9th September 2004, 14:42

Main advantage is that you get to sell more full priced bikes to people that have to have the latest and greatest... After all, at 100 paces who could tell the difference from last years 'must have' driveway jewellery. Goodness me... Wodney fwom hup the road mhight think we didn't hupgrade this yeah dahlink!

Most of em are sad 916 copies (the 916 is a seminal design classic).

Cheers

**Eddieb** · 9th September 2004, 14:49

It's the current fashion so manufacturers think it will help sell more bikes.

Why else?

**Firefight** · 9th September 2004, 14:57

Originally Posted by White trash

That Suzuki's looking better every day, F/F!

yep its looking that way Jimmy,. got 23k on this one as of this am the only other option would be another 04 R6 the price on them will drop a bit when the 05 is released, however your pencil seemed sharpe last time we spoke, looks like it will only be a two horse race. anything will be good as longs its not that calf shit yellow paint job.(sorry Banana man)

F/F

**vifferman** · 9th September 2004, 15:08

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Most of em are sad 916 copies (the 916 is a seminal design classic).

Indeed.
However (but!), Ducati did copy the single-sided swingarm and the underseat zorsts from Honda's NR, which was also instituted in the VFR.
But (however!) the VFR's SSS was ugly compared to the Ducati's, or Triumph's. And the NR's underseat zorsts weren't as pretty as Ducati's either, nor were the Vtec VFR's.
Thing is though (which I didn't realise until I was watching "Top Gear"), the Japanese aren't good at integrated design, as they concentrate on the details. So when evaluating summat, they look each detail separately, admiring each one on its own, before moving to the next detail and admiring that. So you often end up with a bunch of details which are OK on their own (apart from Honda's SSS and underseat zorsts), but look odd together. Mix enough of these, and voila! (or "viola!" if you prefer) - you get some ugly bastidge like the FireStorm.

**MOTOXXX** · 9th September 2004, 15:20

wouldnt it be more aerodynamic to have the pipes under the seat instead of out to the side.
i dont know, maybe im just crazy.

**Zed** · 9th September 2004, 15:26

Originally Posted by gav

Why does the Yamaha R1 have an under seat exhaust? What are the supposed advantages?

I suppose they get rid of some wind resistance. The chances of someone burning themselves on the pipe is reduced, eg pillion legs (did I say pillion?) and pedestrian browsers with children!

Personally I like the new look, and it's not only on new Yamaha's, but the new CBR's look good too - especially if an aftermarket pipe is fitted to replace the gawky looking stock ones. Always admired the 916 look...

**Pwalo** · 9th September 2004, 15:28

I think it's because it's fashionable and cleans up the back of the bike. I've always wondered if it cooks the rear shock as well as your pillion's botty.

Guess it's not a problem on a race bike, but I really can't see the advantage on a road bike. I much prefer the can beside the swing arm where it belongs. I'd love an '04 Gixxer 750.