Grin inducing top tool (Yamaha YZF-R1)

Member Name: FastBiker

Product:	Yamaha YZF-R1
Date:	07/07/00 (2224 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Top toy, acce;eration, handling, complete package.

Disadvantages: Tyres and bye bye licence.

A personal opinion based on 2,600 miles on a Y2K model R1 in 6 weeks.

Bad points out of the way first then:

1. The mirrors on the previous model were useless. The mirrors on the new model are also useless. But then the only reason you need them is to keep an eye out for plod behind you 'cos nothing is gonna pass you on one of these unless you want them to ;-)

2. Tyres - the R1 eats them. 2000 miles if you are very lucky. If you're getting more than 2000 miles, get yourself something tamer. You're not using the full potential of the R1.

3. Licence - forget it! You will lose it. It's going to happen. Be prepared.

4. It's so good that everyone's going to have one soon. If exclusivity is your thing, this isn't for you.

Right then, now for what's good about it:

1. Acceleration is phenomenal. Crack the throttle back to the stop and all you'll see is sky. The R1 loves to lift it's head. Take it slightly easier and keep your weight forward and you race off faster than the fastest thing you can imagine. Well, that's what it feels like. It just seems to keep pulling, faster and faster. The digital speedo gives up counting up in single miles per hour and starts jumping up in increments of ten. Not that you should be looking down at the speedo 'cos you are on top of objects in front of you very quickly. OK, so there are faster accelerating bikes around, but read on - it's the total package that puts the R1 above everything else.

2. Stopping. With this kinda performance, you need great brakes. The R1 will almost gouge a great track out of the tarmac when you pull hard on the brakes.

3. Speed. Tops out at a claimed 178 mph. I believe the claim. I haven't tested the claim (yet) but it sure feels like it's got an awful lot more to go when you're doing 160.

4. Handling is superb. The new model turns in a lot faster than the previ
ous model did. Although it's not quiet as flickable as my previous bike (GSX R750), it's not that far off and it's a lot more stable at speed than the Suzook. Once you've commited to your line, the R1 just sticks to it. No worries whatsoever. It can twitch the back end a little when exiting bends, corners, roundabouts, etc. But what do you expect with all that power on the back wheel? If you don't get ham-fisted it's cool. And if you do screw it up, the R1 will change direction mid-corner without too many problems. Some of the roads up here in Scotland can be a little rough and I've had one or two shakes of the head on bumpy bends, but no real problems. Does it need a damper? Nah!

5. Looks great. You can judge that for yourself, but I think it's the dogs. And if you haven't seen one in the flesh (and why not?), check one out. It looks even better than in the pics.

6. Fuel consumption isn't really a consideration is it? If you need to know about this, get yourself a nice little deisel car instead. It's got a fuel tank, you put petrol in it and it runs out sooner than you would like. Live with it.

7. Comfort. After the GSX R750, it's great! The big, wide seat (to fit my big, wide ass) is comfortable enough. It's easy to pootle around town on and on the first day's ride I did 500 miles (to get to the oil and filter change) at running in speeds with no problems. I wouldn't like to be a pillion on one though. No grab handles, tiny seat and perched up high in the wind blast.

Overall, it's a top toy. If you like riding hard on the twisties I can't think of anything better. If you want out and out top speed, get a Lardybusa. If you want to tour for thousands of miles in total comfort, get a Gold Wing. If you want an ear-to-ear grin that never fades, get yourself an R1.

Oh, and I got a European import for £7,500 & it cost me £150 to UK Spec it <grin>

Summary: