Our intention was always to run with a stock engine for as long as possible whilst still developing the chassis but during 2023 we realised this was going to be too much of an ask for the K8 and L2 GSXR’s. After making a list of available 1000cc engines we chose the Yamaha R1 – 200 BHP stock and the only engine you can buy brand new!
Should be simple enough…bought a scrap one to check for size and fit, although the engine itself is very short the airbox is very deep so the idea of keeping the original exhaust and sump needed re-thinking.
New exhaust, relatively simple, mainly small bits of stainless steel tubing pieces of wire, a tape measure and a lot of patience.
As it seems no-one makes a dry-sump system for the Yamaha 2016 R1 we chose to design a new wet sump and run with an Accusump as a back-up. Making this work reliably with a high revving bike engine combined with high G forces was the next issue.
We need Data…
Having run with a standard OEM Ecu we know that we needed more information to try and understand what was going on with temperatures and pressures etc. As if to highlight the problem, we lost of another engine at Silverstone in 2024 seemly no reason…so we need data lots of it!