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Turn it Up! A Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF in the Twisties

  • Like beauty is subjective, so is everyone’s preference for motorcycle exhaust note.

  • V-Four engines are among the best – if not the best – sounding.

  • Listen to this Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF.

Just as beauty is subjective, so is everyone’s preference for motorcycle exhaust note. To bikers, the exhaust note is another aspect which stirs the sould. However, V-Fours sound the best in our books as demonstrated by this Yamaha YZF-R1 and Aprilia RSV4 RF.

Yes, yes, the Yamaha R1 isn’t a V-Four but an inline-Four, instead. But I’m sure you already know that the “crossplane” crankshaft is arranged in such a way that the engine fires like a V-Four, hence sounding like one. Or like some say, sounds like Valentino Rossi’s YZR-M1 MotoGP bike.

The crossplane crankshaft spaces the crankpins at 90ofrom each other. Therefore, the R1’s firing order mimics the firing order of a V-Four with a 180ocrank, which gives it a 270o– 180o– 90o– 180oignition timing. The irregular firing order is what gives the bike its distinctive exhaust note compared to traditional inline-Fours.

The Aprilia RSV4, on the other hand, uses a 65oV-Four with a 180ocrankshaft. As such, the firing order is a regular 180o– 115o– 180o– 245o, giving it another distinctive and gloriously LOUD(!) exhaust note.

By the way, the numbers with degrees denote the crankshaft rotation angle.

NOTE: Please ride responsibly on public roads.

Video credit: SuperBike Racer

Wahid's lust for motorcycles was spurred on by his late-Dad's love for his Lambretta on which he courted, married his mother, and took baby Wahid riding on it. He has since worked in the motorcycle and automotive industry for many years, before taking up riding courses and testing many, many motorcycles since becoming a motojournalist. Wahid likes to see things differently. What can you say about a guy who sees a road safety message in AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."

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