Keeping the traditional design, YZF-R1 2007 is a convergence of advanced technologies that Yamaha has strictly researched and tested for years. First, the Japanese motor company returned with the technology of four valves per cylinder. The intake valve diameter increases from 23.5 mm to 31 mm (the largest of the super motors). The exhaust valves remain a diameter of 25 mm as the YZF-R1 2006. These valves are made of durable lightweight titanium material.

The heart of the YZF-R1 is the inline 4-cylinder engine with overall displacement of up to 998 cc. YZF-R1 has a compression ratio of 12.7:1,  so its power  can reach 180PS (132kW) at 12,500 rpm. This power enables R1 to reach a maximum speed of 350km / h.

YZF-R1 applied Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC - T) that Yamaha had integrated into its sibling YZF-R6. This technology allows the fuel mixture injected into the cylinder to be optimized at each opening level of the throttle. For YZF-R1, this system can allow to change parameters 1000 times per second.

YZF-R1 has been added a new feature to deliver superiorities over other sportbikes which is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I). At low rpm, YCC-I will control the intake valves so that the engine generates peak torque. At high rpm, YCC-I will control the intake valves so that the power is at maximum. This is a crucial improvement to the performance of Yamaha YZF-R1. When rpm is low, it needs a high torque to speed up. When rpm is high, the engine must generate great power to achieve the fastest speed.

The style of 2007-2008 YZF-R1 is not much different from the older versions. The cast components are more sturdy and regular. Air cavity beneath the headlights are not round but angular and quite modern. Yamaha Logo on the fuel tank is completely located in the side but is not inclined as the previous model. If measured in detail, a new YZF-R1 is 25.4 mm shorter but 5 mm higher.

A new advancement which brings great benefit to riders is the disc brakes with 6 piston technology. This technology enables the Yamaha engineers can reduce the disc size from 340mm to 330mm. This helps the riders to brake and control the bike more easily.