It is commonly held that long distance touring is only for massive, high displacement motorcycle. At the Milan Show in September of 1997, Yamaha shattered this myth with its YZF-R1. Targeting high-speed turning on a winding road, it has been constructed with compact design of a 400cc bike. Adopting a short wheelbase and an EXUP exhaust system unique to Yamaha, its 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 5-valve, DOHC engine pumps out 150hp of maximum power. The YZF-R1 has drawn worldwide attention with its ability to nimbly round turn after turn at breathtaking speeds. In response to this high performance, a wide variety of parts have been put on the market to make the ride even more thrilling. Taira Racing, represented by former All Japan 500cc champion, Tadahiko Taira, put forth an abundance of these parts for use with the R1. Taira became the champion in the 350cc international A Class of 1980, but he did not stop there. Riding the Yamaha YZR, Taira challenged the 500cc class of the All Japan Road Race Championship and won for three years straight. Furthermore, he participated in the World Championship 250cc class throughout 1986, winning the final event, the San Marino GP. Starting with a titanium muffler for more power at moderate speeds, a curved carbon fender over the rear tire and aluminum sprockets. Taira Racing has released abundant parts in the pursuit of riding excellence.
