Yamaha Yzf-R1
YAMAHA YZF-R1
Long-Term Wrap-Up
HOT TO TROT
YAMAHA’S YZF-R1 IS ONE OF those rare models that evokes love at first sight. After all, with its seductive styling and titillating performance, what’s not to like? The bike attracts loads of attention from non-motorcyclists, too, while netting respect and admiration from those who do ride.
In fact, our long-term testbike was so good in stock trim that we were reluctant to change anything other than engine oil. We also figured keeping things as-delivered would help determine if the R1 was high maintenance.
It wasn’t. Other than wearing out soft-compound tires more quickly than a teenage debutante goes through shoes, our R1 proved to be a cheap date. Occasionally, we had to re-tighten the steering-head bearings. And, now and again, the oil-level-indicator light complained. Fortunately, the dipstick always confirmed everything was okay. Our only “repair” consisted of having the shock rebuilt at 5000 miles.
Noted Managing Editor Matthew Miles, “The Rl’s performance continues to amaze. The bike is so light and powerful that I almost feel obligated to wheelie and blitz through comers. In spite of this performance, the R1 is surprisingly comfortable, with a relatively short reach to the handlebars and plenty of room between the seat and footpegs. What a package!”
Shortly after we mounted our second set of skins, the urge to tinker won out over our fomier, “Don’t mess with success” resolve. A Ventura Bike Pack System ($299)
expanded our Rl’s use envelope. A twoup trip to a desert hideaway put the bike’s sport-touring potential to the test. “The R1 carried the load with no problem,” reported Road Test Editor Don Canet. “Stability was maintained, and the bike had cornering clearance to spare.
Quotes from the logbook
Mark HoyerR1 ness has been brought to my soul. Even stupid, bad form wheelies make me sing inside my helmet.
Jimmy Lewis-I blew Out 300 miles on a rush trip, and found the Ri way plusher than I'd imagined Plus, it got more than 40 mpg.
Paul DeanYa gotta like a bike that gradually and controllably lifts oft into a wheelie when you're passing slower traffic at about 80 or 130 mph.
I can count on one hand the number of times i have driven my car to work since purchasing my R1. And Kansas does have winters, which should tell you how much I like the bike. -Jeff Smith Hutchinson, Kansas
My wife did whine a bit about the hard, narrow passenger seat, though.” Shortly thereafter, a Yamaha solo seat cowl ($191) was installed, providing an even
racier appearance while solving the spouse dilemma-by eliminating the passenger seat altogether!
A short time later, we installed an Akropovic exhaust system ($1325). The nicely crafted stainless-steel/titanium system shaved 12 pounds and yielded 9 additional horsepower for a peak of 140 at the rear wheel. Ridability wasn’t compromised, nor was there any need to rejet the carburetors. We also found the noise level to be tolerable, despite the addition of an exhilarating bark when the throttle was held open.
We also installed a pair of PIAA Super White headlight bulbs ($80). These simulate the expensive gas bulbs found on many up-scale automobiles, and the beam was definitely “whiter” than stock. As far as we can tell, though, the bulbs were largely a cosmetic upgrade.
As for tires, we sampled Bridgestone’s Battlax BT56SSs ($327), which offered a good balance between durability and grip.
Michelin’s Pilot Race radiais ($453) didn’t last quite as long, but the Supersport-winning rubber supplied greater traction-so long as they were up to operating temperature. Dunlop’s new D207 GP Stars ($604) warmed more quickly, and offered all the stick we could use, albeit at a premium price.
After 18 months of street and race-
track use, the front brake pads and discs show little wear. Likewise, there remains plenty of life in our enthusiasm for riding this bike. Even in standard trim, the R1 is a beauty. It’s up to the individual owner, then, to decide if bolt-ons are needed to keep a little zest in the relationship.
$10,199
Perhaps the most amazing thing is that Yamaha has delivered a bike of such high quality, fit and finish. It’s every bit as good as the many Hondas I’ve owned. -Lance R Keigwin Mountain View, California
