R1 - the ultimate toy (Yamaha YZF-R1)

Member Name: esspee

Product:	Yamaha YZF-R1
Date:	12/12/00 (5897 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Handling, power, grin-factor, everyone knows the R1 is the best

Disadvantages: Cramped riding position, too scary for some

Having ridden my R1 now throughout the year and covered 6500 miles i cannot believe just how awesome this bike is. Ok this kind of thrill comes at a price because these things are not cheap, but is there a better way of spending a sunny weekend ? I graduated from a GSXR600 and only bought the R1 because both the VTRSP1 and new GSXR750 were not available when i had the cash to spend,my local dealer offered me a deal i simply couldnt refuse and i havent looked back since. I can understand why so many bikers have tried the R1 and traded it in for something a little more "tame", at first its sheer power is a little scary - even for someone who has ridden for many years, but the secret of the R1 is not in getting used to the power - it's all about making the bike do what you want it to do. I took my time on this bike to learn everything i needed to know before unleashing it's full potential - and now i have the confidence to ride it like Foggy!!! (well almost). As the condition of UK roads deline and the power of bikes increases its not often easy to find somewhere to give the R1 the space and time it deservers, but take it to a track-day and you'll certainly see what this machine can do. The most surprising thing about the bike is its agility, and the speed at which it can tackle even the most twisty roads.Ive also had the pleasure of riding my partners' Aprilia RSV Mille and although the italian dream machine will give the R1 a run for its money on a long sweeping ride, come to a roundabout or a sequence of hairpins and that yamaha will soon be showing the opposition its exhaust pipes. Unfortunately for some, the R1 doesnt take any prisoners and requires total 100% concentration at all times, cats eyes, small potholes, drains or any other diversion from the flat black stuff will have it's front wheel skittling off in all sorts of directions-mainly upwards. The standard Metzeler tyres are ok but a little hard so they take a little while to
get up to temperature (take warning!!) so i swtched them for the Dunlop D207RR - the softest compound road tyre available, and the difference is unbelievable (although they are only lasting 2000 miles). The riding position is suited to someone smaller then myself (6ft) and for a while i found long journeys uncomfortable. The biggest pain is the position of the brake & cluth levers- my wrists take most of the burden. I was able to adjust the levers slightly but it looks like the designers had already run out of room such is the compact design of this bike, it has helped slightly but i still find myself resting each arm as and when i can during a long trip. No machanical gremlins so far, reasonable service costs - although it did require some re-carburation(this is normal on Superbikes), and simple tasks such as chain adjustment/oil checking & removing the rear wheel can be performed by anyone. The bike is a pleasure to ride, whether it's blasting up the motorway or commuting into London a couple of times a week, if you want some knee sliding wheelie popping action then this is the perfect tool ! Ive considered my new bike for 2001...i think i'll trade it in for a new R1 !!!

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