In 1998, Yamaha introduced the YZF-R1 superbike (pictured above), and it immediately took the top spot in the superbike category. It was a significant leap forward in terms of both power and light weight. Most of Yamaha’s changes to this model have been evolutionary since that time. Perhaps a revolution is overdue.
Everyone expects an entirely new R1 for the 2015 model year, with a public debut in Cologne this Fall. Largely unchanged since the first “cross-plane crank” version appeared in 2009 (the bike Ben Spies took to the WSB title), the current R1 is long in the tooth.
Expect the new R1 to feature at least as many computer controlled features as the current BMW and Aprilia superbikes, namely, adjustable ignition with traction control, ABS and even active suspension. Yamaha can also be expected to go after the top dog in terms of horsepower, BMW’s S1000RR. Stay tuned.
I thought for a moment the 98 R1 pictured was the new 2015 and thought, wow, very nice! Bummer.
When the 1998 R1 came out, it was hard to get one. They were a limited edition and they were selling at a premium above MSRP. I happened to ask a Yamaha Marine dealer who was going to the dealer convention if he could order me one, which he had a right to but would not ordinarily have done. I got one cheap.
I still wish I’d kept it. It was a better, more fun ride than any subsequent superbike I bought.
The 1998 R1 pictured above still strikes me as the best looking sportbike ever. The styling of the new R1’s ff 09-on is over the top, overdone. the old bike is perfect
Q: Will Yamaha’s 2015 R1 Be as Radical (for its time) as the Original?
A: dunno…? Yamaha R1-M (internal code OWO3), CP4 MKII, bore diameter 80mm +, 13.1 static C/R, dual clutch transmission (possibly even seamless and cassette type so you can easily pull it out for a look and learn the secrets, this again to jab at Honda’s failure to trickle down), full Ti valve train (both sides this time), ti rods, 15500 RPM, gear driven cams, first ever near net forged cases, 1000 units per updated rules.
price…? let’s just say “free lunch seekers” need not apply, but should report immediately to their nearest grade school cafeteria.
ps: rerun to classic side exit exhaust routing like you see above. the kit you know as “under tail” is no more.
Finally! I own an 09; while the undertail pipes look nice the downsides are: extra weight, aftermarket slip-ons cost twice the price as a side exit 4 into one, installing said slip-ons is way more of a pain and then there is the heat. I hope the new bike has your predicted exhaust. I hope the new bike looks more like the M1 than not.
Mk1 gearbox was the Achilles heel of that 98 R1…buy smart and if you get a good one treat it well and be careful with it …they were notorious for oil consumption as well….
But one hell of a bike.. a little nervous under power… still pretty stable and had a great rate of turn….many features were way ahead of there time….
To me the 04 was the styling masterpiece…..but the 5 valve engine was bust…far too peaky for a liter bike…
The problem for Yamaha now is after creating the 09 cross planer…they’ve got themselves in a engineering cul-de-sac…..it will never post class leading numbers to appease sharp eyed consumers with that engine design…yet that crank layout is standard procedure for a MotoGP inline four….sort of a necessary evil for applying power and not overtaxing the back tire(or rider)
If you’ve ever ridden the 09-14 R1 the engine is the best part of the bike…particularly the glorious music…..
If they could turn it up 20 hp or more…take 40 lbs out of the bike….make it more narrow and more compact….load it up with great electronics…give it great styling…who knows
Of course they could give us something completely different……seamless gearbox etc
Maybe finally concede that a V4 is desirable (at least in MotoGP)….as a more compact centralized mass….albeit with a choice of 360 or 180 cranks..all good
Tori: are you aware the North American R1 ( and CBR 1000) have their power restricted due to stringent noise restrictions?; In europe they both make 15 hp more. If BMW can meet noise restrictions one must ask why can’t Honda and Yamaha without resorting to a hugely overcompensating strategy: ” to ensure we meet the noise standard, let’s be safe and ensure we are way below the target; kill the full throttle timing or limit how much the throttle opens with full throttle”. That strategy is lazy but easy and cheap. I do hope the new bike is narrower and lighter like you suggest…getting rid of the undertail pipes will save a few precious pounds.
I really hope that they keep the lazy option so they can put their time and effort into developing an awesome bike for the unrestricted world rather than destroying it for the few people that live somewhere unreasonable.
Re: “they’ve got themselves in a engineering cul-de-sac…..it will never post class leading numbers to appease sharp eyed consumers with that engine design”
That hasn’t stopped the engine design from winning MotoGP, WSBK and AMA championships. ie. it’s not the crank orientation as vince points out. Plus, if you hear an aftermarket exhaust on an R1, you cease to care what it’s max hp figure (more than anyone can use on the street..) is anyway.
Tori, the ’98 R1 was a masterpiece.
The ’09-’14 cross plane though isn’t in my eyes, the engine is nice-until you ride an RSV4, thats not even including the sublime handling,amazing chassis or the very well developed electronics package, the RSV4 has to be the Worlds most under appreciated Superbike at the moment, either way I’m looking forward to seeing what Yamaha (and Honda) bring out next Year they’re surely both capable of building amazing bikes again.
The R7, that was the real beauty, and the legal Superbike
But the engine was a dud only 105HP in homologated trim and also a oiling problem they would turn brgs……most owners pulled the original engine and used it as a coffee table base…..and swapped in a R1 lump
Agreed the bike was beautiful
I still scratch my head how Honda can so consistently make Homologated bikes(RC30-45-51) so much more realistic and usable for road use
re: “most owners pulled the original engine and used it as a coffee table base…..and swapped in a R1 lump”
well no, not most, not unless they were total HACKS…? those bikes were bought primarily by teams/racers, and rules didn’t allow for that (ie. not homologated). the most famous example of course was Haga’s #41 which he used to challenge everybody from Foggy to Chili to Edwards to Bayliss.
R7/1’s were only for those rare blokes at the extreme ends of competition like the Valentine (V&M) Big Dave rode at the NW200 and the TT, or the FX bike Buckmaster had in AMA. most are WTFO dropping down through Bray Hill…? not so much.
an acquaintance has 2 750’s (OWO2). one stock and one race kitted. even has a Vance Hines OWO1. some of you may even know (or heard) of this bloke…? and no he’s not Geo Barber.
re: “I still scratch my head how Honda can so consistently make Homologated bikes(RC30-45-51)”
I scratch my head how Honda hasn’t done anything like this in 14 years.
The point I was trying to make was for a homolgation road bike or as a race bike it was not as successful the SP1/2 that it was designed to compete against correct Norm?
WSN or AMA
I will stand behind my comment that any R7 that made it back to the real world as a road bike would likely have a R1 lump in the frame or with the original engine albeit in a collection somewhere never used
I do agree with 14 years and Honda though
Re: “I scratch my head how Honda hasn’t done anything like this in 14 years.”
The open class sport bikes of the last 14 years are better than the homologated bikes that were made prior.Come to think of it, the road bikes they sold against at the time were better too.
Everyone is so hung up on the ‘why does it matter how fast it is’ and the ‘who cares if it’s updated performance-wise when we’re not all Marc Marquez’ stuff. None of this matters. Do any of you remember how you felt when you first got into the performance aspect of bikes and thought that [insert dream bike here] was just so awesome and you wanted one soooo badly? Why? because it’s FUN to dream about/own bikes that you lust after.
Nobody buys a sportbike for practical purposes (except for contingency hunter racers…a vanishing breed). Nobody buys a sportbike because it’s the only bike that can possibly hope to keep up with their amazing talents as a street rider. We buy them because they’re cool, and because it’s fun to have a bike that has such high performance, because it’s entertaining to ride one on a twisty road even if you’re not Joey Dunlop, and most of all, because if they are your cup of tea, you love the feeling you get when you open your garage door on Sunday morning, roll your bike into the driveway, and look at it.
It’s ok to want a bike just because you like it. There is no requirement of justification, or practicality, or minimum riding talent. Bikes are cool. Bikes are fun. We love ’em. That’s enough.
Ok, so all of that said…
The current R1 is a turd in everything short of factory superbike trim. The 98 R1 was awesome, but my personal fave is the 2004 in the deep red color. IMO this is one of the top 10 most sexy bikes ever. I hope the 2015 R1 returns to that type of styling, and loses about 60 pounds while under the knife.
re: “Bikes are cool. Bikes are fun. We love ‘em.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTm-TlvHrcQ
HELL YES…!!! (drunk old Mr. Herlihy from Big Daddy voice)
I’m surprised and embarrassed to admit I did not know how beautiful was this particular red/white Yamaha YZF1000. I read the title of the article, looked at the image, thought the image portrayed the ’15 model, and thought it was the most beautiful open class race replica, exceeding any known current offering including the Italians.
That’s a future classic. Looks-wise it rivals Ducati’s glorious and spectacular 919.
What model years was this exact design sold in this color scheme?
re: “What model years was this exact design sold in this color scheme?”
this is a ’98 MKI world colors. anyone’s you see with that stacked kanji/graffiti style YZF letters down the side, you know it’s a MKI/MOD0.
re: “That’s a future classic.”
it’s CURRENT classic. 🙂
re: “Ducati’s glorious and spectacular 919.”
typo alert, 916. yes…?
Aprilia Rules!
And here’s a second though for those of us who appreciate the classic and enduring beauty of bikes such as this R1, as well as some Ducati’s, classic triumphs, and others as well…leave them alone!! If you must, for those who tire and become bored with, well, just about everything in their lives quickly, issue new models every year, but leave the timeless and elegant bikes that have helped to define excellence in motorcycle design in tack, and in your line up as well. Yes update the electronics or whatever if you can’t help yourselves, or if it becomes an issue with potential buyers, but stay as close to the original perfect design as possible. You can’t improve on perfection.
Good thing Michelangelo didn’t live long enough to do any ‘updates’ on The David, or Leonardo Da Vinci to the Mona Lisa. They have stood the test of time as all great design and execution does, and are still both relevant and appreciated masterpieces to this day.
re: “for those of us who appreciate the classic and enduring beauty of bikes such as this R1, as well as some Ducati’s, classic triumphs, and others as well…leave them alone!!”
the UPS man accidently dropped off a 50 yard bolt of faux gorilla fur and a WHOLE case of rubber cement. never been much a welder (that was pop’s deal), but i have some of his old gear in the back. what could possibly go wrong…?
That was definitely the bike I dreamed about. But my wife and two daughters somehow had in mind other activities for me. Beautiful bike.
That red and white R1 above is beautiful. Big bikes with all kinds of ‘safety net’ electronics are impressive, so sure, bring us a newly revised one. But how about a new 750 as well, say with the engine out of the FZ-09 with 20 more hp, or a V-4 with that same kind of power. Suzuki’s 750 is a great bike, but has been around mostly unchanged for a long time and doesn’t generate the kind of excitement that sells well anymore, and Honda’s new VFR, though a very well thought out, balanced, and quality piece, is just off the mark for the mostly sport riding crowd. ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ doesn’t drive sales like it used to. Sure it’s a plus, but the BMW 1000rr sells mostly because it’s the current alpha sport bike in terms of numbers, and great press. I hope manufacturers keep making these kind of bikes to sell to those who want, or think they need them, but the larger part of the market is moving more toward the middle, or toward smaller bikes. I’m hoping the time might be coming when a new and exciting 750 with real sport bike performance will find its way back into dealerships.
re: “I hope manufacturers keep making these kind of bikes to sell to those who want, or think they need them”
+1
re: “but the larger part of the market is moving more toward…”
(wait for it)
…smart phones and tablets for their entertainment.
THIS, so they can spend almost 5 nites a week absorbed in primetime programming that NOW strangely seems to be little more than rehashed versions of the “Gong Show” from the late 70’s…? (WTF)
yeah, we’ve seen this movie.
That red and white ’98 R1 is among a handful of the best-looking bikes ever built. The crazy thing is that even with such a gorgeous template from which to draw inspiration, Yamaha hasn’t managed its aesthetic equal in the intervening sixteen years. For that matter, neither have any of the other members of Japan, Inc. Only Mv Agusta and, perhaps, Ducati have produced anything as beautiful as that original R1.
I couldn’t believe it when my best friend brought home one a blue one. I was incredulous. “The blue one?! I mean, sure, it still looks good, but come on! That red one is in all their advertisements! That’s the one to have! That thing is freaking gorgeous!”
He has a huge guy. Three hundred pounds of diabetic hell-on-wheels speed. In his red and white leathers (mostly red, which was another reason he should have gotten the original red and white ’98, instead of the blue one) he looked like Santa Claus humping a tiny blue reindeer. He positively dwarfed that poor bike. He was still plenty fast, though, despite his size.
That is, until he suffered what I believe was a diabetic seizure one day on Hwy 193, near Georgetown, causing him to run wide and do a massive stoppie right into the grill of an oncoming river-rafting bus full of terrified onlookers.
My best friend, gone in a red, white and Yamaha blue flash. R.I.P., Noel Harris.
RIP Noel, I was working at PCP at that time and remember him fondly. He loved that R1 the most!
I still remember where I was the first time I saw an R1. I was still in my 30’s and lusted for such bikes. It seemed like something placed here from outer space. I never obtained one but thanks for the memories.
Where was my head in 1998. I should have bought R1.
The 98 model sure was beautiful. I don’t think there’s much of a market for these monster bikes, as insuring them takes a Kings ransom. Yamaha must have plans to race the new R1, if it’s going after HP numbers. Electronic controls are invading all spectrums of biking, from cruise control, Bluetooth and satellite navigation on Geezer Glides to traction control, wheelie control and power control on bullet bikes. Geez, I long for the old days when we had to tough it out with basically nothing, just ride, camp, sleep and repeat over and over….
I cant see the point in more farkels and horsepower – but then again I am neither a rich man in need to toys or a squid. A v-3 that was ultra slim and had a unique sound and look (NOT the insect look please) would be more interesting.
So is the current R1 such a dud that it needs to be updated? Transformer/Aliens styling is about all it’s missing to remain competitive today – oh, that and a few more useless adjustable farkles.
Q: “So is the current R1 such a dud that it needs to be updated?”
A: yes. that is if they want to leave themselves the option of “pulling chocks and chains” on grandprix with the retirement of VR46, and going all in for EVO WSBK (see entry for Kawasaki).
barring an 11th hour rescind of the fuel restriction (admittedly a REAL possibility with Dorna), the M1’s days are numbered.
Compared to the latest offerings from Kawasaki, Aprilia and BMW, yes, it is a dud.
Really? All of the liter bikes are more capable than the riders that mount them. It would then just come down to styling and comfort. That, and the fact that any good rider can pick up a used ’98 R1 for a quarter of the price of a new ZX10-R and be the fastest guy/gal out on the track.
What’s the relevance of a skilled rider being faster than an unskilled one? That good rider would only be the fastest guy on the track on that ’98 R1 until another “good” rider comes to the track with that new ZX10-R and blows him away. Or worse, an “almost good” rider comes to the track with a ZX10-R and blows him away. 80% utilization of a new ZX10-R is just as fast as 99% of 16-yo R1.
Plain and simple, any good rider is going to be faster on the faster bike. That is the whole point. These bikes are produced as prestige advertisements for their makers and for the customers willing to pay for the latest and greatest (whether or not they can fully utilize them.) With these goals in mind and the current benchmarks set by BMW, the R1 is in need of an update badly to remain relevant.
Unless you race, is speed a meaningful measure? Most riders don’t, and generally have no idea how slow they really are compared to racers. IIRC many is the time “Mr Trackday god” becomes Mr Race Backmarker!!!
It’s all relative, Scotty. I’ll probably never be as fast as ANY of the Level III guys at my local track day much less a professional racer. When I was young, I knew I would never receive an invite to Wimbledon, but I still gave every match my all. So to answer your question, for those that enjoy competition – in a real race or just against the clock – or even just the challenge of mastering a beastly machine, yes, it matters.
re: “These bikes are produced as prestige advertisements for their makers and for the customers willing to pay for the latest and greatest (whether or not they can fully utilize them.)”
i can’t afford a Ferrari, but I’ve snapped selfies from the seat of one. i can officially report I’m 10x more handsome when viewed behind the wheel of a 458. don’t laugh, it’s true. 🙂
Sure, there are riders out there that can handle the performance of a 180hp bike. But let’s let’s at least admit that it’s overkill for the street. I rode a 2002 R1 and there’s MORE than enough power for the street. I has no complaints about the handling either. Bikes have gotten faster and better handling, but for most riders, an early R1 would be a perfectly good ride….even without all the electronic wizardry that many riders are convinced they can’t live without.
I agree it is overkill for the street. You won’t (or shouldn’t) use a fraction of the potential of those bikes out on public roads. But the same argument could be made for just about any bike over 300cc. Or a Ferrari or even a Honda Accord.
Superbikes are made to be track weapons. The small percentage of riders who do track days or actually race them will want the best they can afford. Other customers want to live the fantasy, and 180hp makes for a better fantasy than 130hp. We don’t complain that a KTM 350 EXC-F’s has too much off-road performance because that is what it is made for. Like the KTM, these bikes can legally ride on public roads, but they are built for a different purpose. Don’t care about the intended usage, fantasy or what others think? Then by all means, save the coin and buy whatever floats your boat.
re: “let’s at least admit that it’s overkill for the street.”
dunno, every time i see the guy around the corner out and about in his C7 convertible, he sure does look like he’s enjoying himself…? that, or he’s one hell of an actor.
You’re right, it’s all about marketing and bragging rights. Guess what sells bikes like these? You can’t even use a 600 supersport to its full potential on the street, never mind a litre bike. Doesn’t matter, as long as I know that you know that I’ve got the bike that won all the shootouts in the magazines and websites.
re: “any good rider can pick up a used ’98 R1 for a quarter of the price of a new ZX10-R”
yeah, but some tosser’s more than likely had a go at the brushed aluminium haven’t they…?
This isn’t “Rocket-Scientry” (a word used unapologetically by a boss of mine several years ago).
Time marches on, manufacturers intent on selling a product in a free market system must advance/refine/improve their products or face the dustbin of failed companies (see Indian Motorcycles in the 1950’s.
So the answer to Todd’s question (as Norm & Jeremy have stated) is YES.
you can always be that guy who buys the last year of a model that is long in the tooth… Just get a great deal on it and ride it in protest.
Hey, you’re on to me!
Of course the fz7 and 9 should outsell the R1. The Cavalier outsold the Corvette didn’t it?
Wonder if Yamaha’s FZ-09s and -07s will outsell a new, yet-more-powerful literbike.
Has anyone’s Literbike ever outsold the value priced units?
I had a 2001 and 2004 R1- great bikes, albiet twitchy in stock form. I absolutely love the sound of the “Big-Bang” engine, but I dont think there will be too much increase in horsepower over this years model, it’ll be more about asthetics and electronics I’d say.
re: “I dont think there will be too much increase in horsepower over this years model”
oh there will be, it just won’t be “Bey Oom Vey” level numbers. a bridge too far that.
dateline Switzerland… the “World War Of Horsepower” is over (it’s over Johnny). this time out, it’s GERMANY who’s won…!?!?! and there was a 1000 years peace in the land.
Not seeing a whole lot of this class bike being sold at the Hon-Kaw-Suz-Yam dealer that I work for.
What exactly is the problem – the price of the bikes, getting financing, insurance cost or all of the above?
Bingo
(oracle voice)
That’s a gorgeous bike, it makes many of today’s race-reps look like over-styled toys.
Agreed, the original R1 is one of the most attractive bikes of the era.
+1
I have a hard time getting excited about more electronics.
I can understand turning up the wick in terms of horsepower to remain “competitive” in the marketplace and bragging rights at the local saloon, but, how silly. All the liter and over sport bikes have more than enough power..and then some. It’s crazy I tell you, crazy!
I’ll have mine in blue please.
Seriously, I’m of the age that this kind of bike is starting to become less interesting because of what it would do to my body plus I enjoy a less severe riding position and comfort while I ride. But these bikes are clearly not aimed at me. I enjoy technology and innovation but bumping up the power really doesn’t matter to me. A new and different engine configuration would be more interesting than simply more power. Something to differentiate it from the pack. Cross-plane cranks mean little as out on the street it matters less, thus being mostly a marketing gimmick.
It will be interesting in what they come up with.
re: “bumping up the power really doesn’t matter to me”
correct, it’s only of interest to Chuck Graves.
re: “A new and different engine configuration would be more interesting than simply more power. Something to differentiate it from the pack.”
good, we’re talking about the right kit then ’cause that’s EXACTLY what the tag-team of Furusawa/Yamaha went “hammer and tongs” to give us. like so much WWE “Mr. Fuji/Mr. Saito” on two wheels, 5 years and 13 championships later here we are.
re: “Cross-plane cranks mean little as out on the street it matters less”
only to those who are A, short on “moto-IQ”…? B, ailing from the effects of a devaluing mentality…? or C, simultaneously caught in the grips of both A and B (read all the above). note, not that this is you.
in future year 2009, Yama-boffins went and gave the undeserving, unclean, unworthy motorcycle masses (that’s YOU/ME/WE/US) the innovation of a completely new engine configuration that heretofore NEVER existed.
mind, this they went and did for BIKE WORLD. not even car side and their TRILLIONS of dollars in turnover (with a T) can lay claim to such feats of engineering, or should I say gifts of altruism…?
for those keeping score at home, the last time a SEA CHANGE of this magnitude occurred was a whopping 45 YEARS AGO. the date, 1969. the bike, Honda CB750 Four (aka the K0). the event, the readily available I4. Honda’s still smarting.
(Hans voice) listen to me now and believe me later (Franz voice), the reason you currently see BIG RED taking no prisoners in grandprix, can be traced back a decade to the year 2004 when BIG BLUE took a FIRE HOSE (overnight this) to their beloved V5 “shock and awe campaign”.
Yamaha R1 CP4, the only non-Honda construct to one day be afforded space in the Collection Hall high atop Mount Motegi.
Good to see you’re alive and well Norm! 🙂
the old grey mare ain’t what she used to be, but I will see you my friend in Indianapolis.
HUSTLE UP…!!!
The original Honda CBR900RR was in my mind a bigger sea change than the original R1. The original CBR900RR was the first time that a manufacturer made their open class sport bike the same weight as their middleweight. from Wikipedia: “At 453 lb (205 kg) with a full fuel tank, the CBR900RR was just 4 lb (2 kg) heavier than Honda’s own CBR600F2, and 76 lb (34 kg) lighter than the next-lightest open-class machine at the time, the Yamaha FZR1000.”
In 98 I bought a new CBR900rr and about two weeks later the R1 came out and made my bike obsolete.
There are people who would kill for an original CBR900rr today. Obsolete in what way? If you still had fun riding it I think that qualified it as being viable.
Obsolete for the purpose of bragging rights, which is a big part of the reason one buys an open-class sportbike for street riding.
Yeah, I get that, but one will chase that goal that has no end. As someone posted elsewhere, the VFR does not excite the X-treme sport bike crowd but never the less was very, very popular. That’s it did more things right that most other bikes in the class which provided a more overall pleasing ride to a broader base of riders. Those qualities are long lasting. When a bike does most everything well then they become keepers. I still own my ’84 Interceptor and even though long surpassed in performance I find it a great ride even today.
The 1998 YZF-R1 was a beautiful bike. What a refreshing bike to view after seeing what Victory/Indian has to offer.
Nothing against the Beemer, it’s a great bike, but it would be nice to see it get some competition.
Competition? Using one hand, I added up all the WSB titles it won.. and still have 5 fingers. That bike (The Bim) was a total lie and paper tiger with a spec sheet.
No. The BMW absolutely delivers on every promise. WSBK racing is irrelevant to what is sold to consumers.
“That bike (The Bim) was a total lie and paper tiger with a spec sheet.”
You obviously have never ridden one of these “paper tigers”.
re: “You obviously have never ridden one of these “paper tigers”…”
…nor heard of FIM Superstock 1000, the sub race to WSBK. they’ve won it 3X with 2 different riders since the bike’s been on sale.
that’s prolly more impressive if not equal to a WSB title considering the class limitations…? of course, awareness of all this is predicated on having been paying attention.
re: “Using one hand, I added up all the WSB titles it won.. and still have 5 fingers.”
for the love of all that is holy, someone get this man a calculator…!!!
“””That bike (The Bim) was a total lie and paper tiger with a spec sheet.”””
I haven’t riden the BMW S1000 RR… But every trusted mag/blog reviewer says its a holy terror (my wrod’s)to pilot.
Last year the HP4 won Best Superbike in CW’s Ten Best MCs
This year the necked version won the best Standard
Yes I HAVE ridden one. Sure its got power (dont all liter bikes?) but the fit and finish is disgusting compared even to the HP2 (boxer) that it sat next too at the MC show. Hurray! it won a superstock race that mainly consisted of… BMW S1000Rs.. NO WAY???
And didnt BMW almost beat Harley in recalls last year? Yes Billy, they did. And didnt the S1000 even have a few of its own? Including the F**kin side stand falling off? really? the side stand?
Magazines print based on advertising input from companies… every manufacturer is guilty of “overpaying” on occasion.
The 3 S1000’s that were bought (same year) in my little town, were for sale the next year. So weird.. worlds best liter bike my ass.
re: “Including the F**kin side stand falling off? really? the side stand?”
that beats subframes falling off of Hayabusa’s me thinks…?
re: “The 3 S1000′s that were bought (same year) in my little town, were for sale the next year.”
yeah, people’s “ambitions outweighing their wallets” is a very common occurrence in bike world. particularly the open class.
$100/hour labour rate… separating men from boys since 1982.
re: “Hurray! it won a superstock race”
titles, that’s 3 titles. you’re not paying attention. (Daniel Plainview voice)
re: “mainly consisted of… BMW S1000Rs…”
…Ducati 1198R’s, Panigale’s, Zed’s.
hey I get it, you don’t care for the asymmetrical looks of the S1R. yeah, me neither, but even BMW deserves fair treatment.
One thing I can predict is some journalist will refer to it as the bike from “the tuning fork company.”
Man that never gets old!
I think it’s great. Of course, I am a musician…. But I like that the only company identifier on my bike (other than “Yamaha” stamped on the crank cover) is the tuning fork logo here and there (I removed silly “FZ6 Ninja Script Stickers”.
I’ll bet it has a silky smooth transmission.