The Yamaha R1 is a force of nature. Few bikes available on the modern market can raise eyebrows, and, just like any phenomenon, it tends to raise questions as well. Assembled here are some of the common FAQ’s regarding the Race-rocket of a motorcycle that is the Yamaha R1.
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Is the Yamaha R1 Comfortable?
The Yamaha R1 is not comfortable due to the high pegs, low handlebars and seating position. The bent over riding position of sports bikes is designed for speed and not comfort.
Its aggressive stance, nimble seat, and race-centric ergonomics make it uncomfortable as a daily driver, as its intensive purpose is to move as an aerodynamical superbike.
The R1 is a racing bike, plain and simple. It’s made for sporty rips on the track at high RPMs. Yamaha didn’t intend this bike to start and stop repeatedly.
The throttle on the R1 is aggressive.
It accelerates instantly, launching an unsuspecting rider’s head back as it takes off.
And that’s not to mention the R1’s ergonomics. Its riding stance is as aggressive as they come.
The R1’s foot controls are far behind you and pretty high-up off the ground, comparatively, as Yamaha built the bike for cornering without peg-scrapping.
Compared to other racetrack-ready bikes, though, the R1 is considered to be one of the more comfortable.
Generally speaking, this is a niche motorcycle built for a specific function- the race track.
Why is the R1 so Expensive?
The price of the R1 is the result of a MotoGP inspired motor and suspension, a slew of unique electronic features, and all the research and development that goes into designing an industry-leading superbike.
Yamaha has upgraded the R1 with numerous innovations, many CPU related.
These enhancements include the updated Anti-Lock Braking System Yamaha, Brake Control, or BC, and an Engine Break Management system(EBM).
The EBM has three different settings, with setting 1 providing the most amount of engine-braking and setting 3 providing the least.
This technology impresses moto-racers and seasoned riders worldwide, but it adds up.
The R1 also features a Chip Controlled ride-by-wire throttle system with adjustable throttle and ride settings.
Its bag of tricks also includes various fast-calculating sensors and control units that pick up on and adjust things like lean-angle, traction, lift control, and launch control.
The R1 also boasts a Quick Shift System that lets you rip up and down the gears in full throttle, without shifting.
Is the Yamaha R1 Hard to Ride?
Operating an R1 is difficult even for seasoned riders. The powerful 1000cc engine produces an overwhelming spectrum of torque and power that results in racing speeds. Coupled with its lightweight, aerodynamic frame, Yamaha designed the R1 for advanced riders.
The latest generation of Yamaha R1 boasts a 998cc motor, an engine size thats medium for a cruiser but massive for a stripped-down sports bike on an aluminum frame.
The bike weighs just over 400 pounds, and its engine probably accounts for half of that.
Basically, you’ll have a rocket ship between your legs.
What Does the R in R1 Stand For?
The R in Yamaha R1 stands for “Racing.” Although the R1 is street legal, the bike’s frame, engine, riding position, and handling were all designed to be race-track ready.
Over the years, in advertisements and on message boards, motorcycle enthusiasts have made numerous jokes and suggestions about what the R in R1 means.
Still, most of the Sportsbike’s of this caliber use an R in their name to signify that, while you can enjoy the bike on city-streets legally, Yamaha designed this bike for ripping up a racetrack.
The technology used in the Yamaha R1 blurs the one between factory racebike and MotoGP ready superbike. The R in its name proudly signifies that this moto-monster is race-ready.
Is Yamaha R1 Bigger than R6?
The Yamaha R1 is bigger than the Yamaha R6. Both bikes are named for their engine sizes; The R1 is a larger frame equipped with a 1000 cc motor, whereas the R6 is smaller and has a 600 cc motor contained within it.
The R6 is still a racer, mind you. It’s only a more practical one.
The powered-down R6 has a mean and lean 600 cc motor, meaning it can be more fun in town as you’ll be able to cycle up and down the gears much more rapidly when off the track.
The 998cc in the R1 is substantially bigger, giving it a clear advantage in horsepower and torque.
The R6 has many great features and specs, both bikes are very well made, but the R1 is packed as it’s built with the track-pro in mind who wants to tweak anything and everything he can to beat his track time over and over again.
The R6 and the R1 are both great bikes, but they are in entirely different classes.
You may also be interested in our articles: Yamaha R6 facts and How long does a Yamaha R6 last
Is Yamaha R1 Reliable?
The Yamaha R1 is one of the most reliable sports bikes built to date. It’s well crafted and heavily researched, MotoGP inspired engine, suspension, and frame design makes it a world-class superbike. Providing owners stay on top of maintenance this bike can last a very long time. Factory defects are very rare.
Yamaha R1 owners will tell you that reliability is not an issue with this bike, and that you’ll end up spending more money on tires than on the bike itself.
It’s not uncommon to see R1’s with over 100,000 miles worth of mileage and I actually knew a guy who had over 300,000 miles on his ’99 R1; it just goes to show that if you take care of these bikes they really can last forever.
If you’re looking to buy a second hand R1 always have a thorough inspection for damage as these bikes are often taken on track.
On a test ride things to look for are missing cogs or the bike hopping out of gear.
How Fast can a Yamaha R1 go?
The Yamaha R1 boasts a top speed of 183 mph. The R1’s CP4 powerplant produces around 200 horsepower, and the bike only weighs 449 pounds wet. This ratio results in high speeds with minimal effort from the R1’s engine.
This 998cc powerhouse generates 200 horsepower, 83 foot-pounds of torque at 11,500 Rotations Per Minute(RPMs).
All of the factors walk the R1 right into the realm of a 183 mph top speed.
Is the Yamaha R1M Street Legal?
Not only is the R1M just as street legal as the standard R1, but it’s also upgraded suspension and specifications make it even more suitable for handling the elements of street riding.
That said, there are loads of aftermarket exhaust pipe and air cleaner upgrades available for R1s that enhance performance, and not all of them are street legal.
It’s essential to consult the laws in the city, state or province, and country in which you reside as which upgrades are legal vary from region to region.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Yamaha R1 Last
Is the Yamaha R1 Automatic?
The Yamaha R1 has a manual 6-speed transmission. A manual transmission gives a trained and acclimated rider more control over acceleration, acceleration, braking, and top speeds.
A manual transmission gives the rider the ability to downshift immediately and then crank up the throttle to build the RPMs in a lower gear as soon as you enter it, and then carry those RPMs back into overdrive when you kick it back into top gear.
The other great advantage you have on a manual motorcycle is the ability to use the clutch to engine brake.
Engine braking is the seizing effect that down-shifting and then letting out the clutch without re-engaging your throttle has on the bike’s motor.
Cutting off its energy supply transfers the energy from the tires to the RPMs in the engine, and this causes the bike to slow down abruptly.
This type of gear manipulation isn’t possible on an automatic, but it lets the bike stop without risking locking up the wheels with your front and rear brakes at high speeds.
Is the Yamaha R1 a Good Starter Bike?
The Yamaha R1 is not a good choice for a starter bike; its costly MotoGP-inspired suspension package, lightweight aluminum frame, and high-powered superbike racing motor make this an intimidating motorcycle to operate even for the most seasoned riders.
The Yamaha R1 is an impressive machine, but at the end of the day, even the most seasoned rider won’t get their money’s worth unless they’re on a closed race track.
The R1 has some fantastic features, and these features are reflected in the price tag.
Costing between $17,000 and $26,000, the Yamaha R1 is a rip-roaring monster, but it’s not a good starter bike.
What Year was the Fastest R1 Made?
The Yamaha R1 is improved upon every year, so as of now, 2020 is the fastest. Its improvements over the 2019 include engine modifications and body, electronic, and suspension upgrades.
While Yamaha improves the R1 every year, opinions vary on which year had the most desirable combination of mechanics and electronics.
But the top speed and performance package in 2020 outshines anything that’s come before it.
Is a GSXR 1000 Faster than R1?
GSXR is marginally faster, as the 2020 Suzuki GSXR’s top speed was reported as 186mph, whereas the R1’s was reported as 183mph.
The Suzuki GXSR and the Yamaha are in the same class, and their specs are neck in neck year after year.
Seasoned riders generally make their minds up on which they prefer based on their personal preferences regarding each make and model’s subtle nuances.
The GXSR is cheaper, but most riders and engineers agree that the Yamaha is better made and, some say, more reliable, so it comes out pretty even in the end.
Related: Are Aprilia RSV4 Reliable?
Resources
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/supersport/models/yzf-r1
