The Yamaha YZF-R1 is all set to be discontinued | Litre-class bikes are becoming more and more expensive & are slowly being replaced by middleweight supersports

Here’s a quick trip down the memory lane to see how the R1 has evolved over the years

It all started with the YZF-R1 back in 1998 | Futuristic styling, shorter wheelbase than its rivals, and an incredible power-to-weight ratio (150PS & 177kg dry)

2nd Gen: 2000 R1 - As many as 250 new parts, making its handling even better | And what a looker it was too!

3rd Gen: 2002 R1 - 1st mass-production motorcycle to feature free-piston fuel injection | New deltabox frame brought along more rigidity

4th Gen: 2004 R1 - Underseat exhaust pipes & a higher bore with a shorter stroke | Max power now stood at 172PS!

A variation of this design also made its way to the 1st gen Yamaha YZF R15

5th Gen: 2007 R1 - A new 4-valve design & a higher 12.7:1 compression ratio, the R1 gained an all-new aluminium Deltabox frame | Max power now stood at 180PS

The 2007 model was incredibly special for us, as it was the first litre-class superbike to be officially sold in India

The 6th Gen: 2009 R1 with a crossplane crankshaft was super memorable as well | A technology that trickled down from the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike

It ensured a V4 engine-like power delivery from an inline-four engine | It was the most aggressive of the inline-fours

Most of the OG fanboys find this one the hottest!

7th Gen: 2012 R1 finally got traction control | Imagine a litre-class bike getting TC – seen even on a 390 Duke – 14 years after inception! | How the times have changed!

8th Gen: 2015 R1 - All-new (and heavily polarising) design language, with the gaping air intake up front | Boasted a sub-200kg kerb weight and a sophisticated electronics package

Goodbye R1! Your legendary crossplane crankshaft and iconic looks will be missed

Over as many as 8 generations, the R1 has changed substantially!