Yamaha launches 2010 WSBK campaign

A raft of changes are made to the Yamaha R1 in an effort to help it maintain its World Superbike title
Yamaha launches 2010 WSBK campaign

Reigning World Superbike champions Yamaha have become the latest team to launch its 2010 campaign by taking the wraps off the bike it hopes will defend its crown.

Ben Spies took Yamaha to its first-ever World Superbike crown in 2009 when he triumphed in the rider standings, but with the American bound for MotoGP this year, the Japanese manufacturer has charged an all-new rider line-up with maintaining its position in front.

Taking on that responsibility will be MotoGP exile James Toseland and graduating World Supersport Champion Cal Crutchlow, the pair making their presence felt at the launch of the 2010 R1 at the Sterilgarda plant in Italy.

With Italy's second largest UHT dairy manufacturer lending its title backing to Yamaha in 2010, the collaboration sees the bike take on a slightly revised appearance, with Sterilgarda's corporate white hues making a prominent appearance amidst Yamaha's traditional blue scheme.

Yamaha has also released details about the 2010 R1's upgrades:

- Increased engine power - Maximum engine power increased by 8hp, considerable power benefits over the full rev range.
- Weight reduction - Overall bike weight reduced by 3kg without losing the electric starter.
- Different radiator shape - For increased cooling capacity and also to reduce drag.
- Different fuel tank - Now made entirely from carbon fibre with greater capability and lighter.
- Re-designed bottom fairing - Narrower design for less drag, design allows for easier heat dispersal
- New exhaust system - For increased power in the middle of the rev range.

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