Perhaps the greatest ride of all time!
Written: Jun 24 '01
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Pros: Looks,Feel,Power,maneuverability/handling, resale, EVERYTHING! This thing rocks!
Cons: DANGER! DANGER! This bike is to fun to control yourself on.
The Bottom Line: My buddies who traded their other bikes inn, now own $17,000 R-1's because of the hits they took on their trade-ins. They really dont seem to care one bit.
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| ssteers's Full Review: 2000 Yamaha YZF-R1 |
I have been riding bikes my whole life, street bikes for about 4 years to date. I started with a 95 ZX-6, couldnt stand the lack of power, and traded it on a 95 ZX-9 two months later. The ZX-9 was a great bike to tune in my street riding on because it was comfortable and heavy and still had great torque. After I got used to pushing the heavy bike down into turns I eventually exceeded the riding capabilities of the older heavier bike. My buddies were all riding GSX-R 750's and CBR 929's, but one friend had and R-1. I traded back and forth for a couple weeks trying each bike more than once. I have to admit the R-1 felt a little wierd at first because the riding position feels a bit front heavy because the front fairing is smaller than most of the other bikes and the handlebars are pointed a little lower. After riding it for about an hour I felt like I melted into the seat. It was by far the most responsive and overall a incredibley nimble machine. I figured what the hell and went out and bought a brand new 2001 R-1 and slapped a full Aykropovic titanium system on it the same week. I still try to give the other bikes a chance every once in a while, but once you ride the R-1 all the other bikes just dont even compare. Even when somebody gets excited about a new purchase and wants me to try it out, I am usually hesitant because I dont want to give up any riding time on the R-1. After testing their bike and giving them my opinion, (which is usually nice man:( /what I am thinking is God please let me get back to the R-1:) . Now three of my friends have gone out and traded their other(CBR929,R-6 & GSXR 750) bikes in, and we ride in a pac of R-1's. Were not trying to be hardcore or anything(non of that matching leather crap) but 4-5 of these bikes means you are definately gettin it done! Yamaha put these bikes together for one purpose and one purpose only and that is to rip a razor sharp line through the street and let other realities spill out into this one. I can assure you all the stats out there that say top speed this and quarter mile that are influenced one way or another. The R-1 will do a COMFORTABLE 185mph on the gauge(digital w/pipe and will ripe a wheelie in third gear @ 105mp and ride it out until you tell it to stop, and thats with my 220lb butt on its back. As far as handling is concerned their may be another bike out there that handles ever so slightly better, but if you are good enough to take advantage of the difference then props to you-and you better turn in your helmut because you are pushing death everytime you ride. The breaks, weight distribution, suspension and tires all come together to help an experienced rider make this bike dance. It is so light and easy to dump into the turns, even the guys on other bikes comment on how well it dives from side to side and the tire is there to support some serious diving. The dunlop D207's are pretty soft and seem to grab in places you wouldn t expect them too, even in the rain(not recommended). Watch out for the price though and I have been through three sets in 3000 miles and thats w/no burnouts. The suspension is also very comfortable and effortlessly absorbs bumps dips and metal bridge seperators both during normal riding and especially during high speed travel and cornering. One of these days they will probably prove me wrong, but until them i am seriously impressed. The breaks are exceptional and if need be the bike can stop and you will not. It has no problems starting nose wheelies @ 60mph and it is a very controlled and balanced nose dive. When the rear tire comes off the ground you can really feel the even weight distribution as the bike continues to glid in a strieght line. The most enjoyable part of riding the R-1 is coming out of the turns and rolling back on the throttle and feeling the wind push your helmut back and the front tire slowly rise off the pavement. You really have to get a new sense of depth perception when riding this bike because you get to where you are going alot faster than your mind can sometimes comprehend. If their is one problem with the R-1 it is the lack of shelter the front fairing provides at high speeds. Even in a full tuck at about 160-170mph the winds beats your helmut and it takes some focus to keep your veiw steady. Before i bought mine i heard all the stories about people not being able to ride the R-1 and wrecks galore. I can see the potential for that, but for the experienced rider it is a true joy. I wouldnt trade it used for any other new bike out there. But that brings up the final good point and that is when you do finally decide to get rid of your R-1 im sure their will be a line to your door, they sell as fast as they go, even when they are used. To ride one is to never see another bike, its cheezy but its so true!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10,100
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
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Epinions.com ID:
ssteers
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Reviews written: 1
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