The note gives it away. The YZF-R1 fires its four cylinders at uneven intervals--typically 270, 180, 90, and 180 crank degrees--because its crossplane crankshaft is built to calm inertia-driven torque swings, not to produce an even beat. That loping bark is combustion timing made audible.That is the clever trade. Reciprocating inertia is the real opponent: each piston accelerates, halts at dead ce...More