2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Awesome machine in every respect

Faults:

Clutch lever pivot bearing or spacer has disintegrated.

General Comments:

Quite simply the best bike that money can buy in this category,. The acceleration and power delivery is supremely smooth, and has none of the aggressive feel of most other bikes I've ridden. The engine braking is excellent, and I would not advise fitting smog blank off plates, as this will reduce its effect.

The braking is as sharp as a tack, although I have never experienced the stock set up, as I have braided lines wavy discs and HH pads fitted.

The standard suspension set up was very stiff, and I found benefit by rolling back on all settings by a couple of clicks. The bike is extremely light, and feels very easy to ride. It is far less tiring than other heavier machines. Handling is a definite plus point of the R1. I need to add however that the bike should have come with a steering damper as standard fitment, as they are essential.

My particular bike has adjustable bars, rear sets, and has been lowered, which may contribute to the lower score on comfort, as I find my glutes and hamstrings sore after a long ride.

The running costs of an R1 are quite restrictive. I find that after 1600 miles my rear Bridgestone bto14 is needing changed again, and I will be fitting my third rear tyre since owning the bike in the next few days. Presumably chain sprockets and brake pads will be pretty much the same for most sports bikes.

As far as fuel being more expensive by the hour, I can honestly say that the R1 uses no more fuel than my previous GSXR 600, and I get roughly 120 miles before the fuel trip meter comes on.

At age 38 with 4 years no claims bonus and a clean license, insurance quotes have come in ranging from £700 - £210 fully comp, therefore it pays to shop around.

It is hard to see how Yamaha could improve on the 2003 version of the R1. By this stage in its development all the problems of previous incarnations have been ironed out to provide us with a truly stunning machine that does what it says on the tin.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2008

1998 Yamaha YZF-R1 from Australia

Summary:

The most fun you can have with your pants on

Faults:

This bike has been completely faultless with no problems.

Some of the rubber parts are ageing. The last service replaced the fuel bowl o-rings, fuel tap kit (o-ring aged) fork seals leaking, rebuilt rear shock (rubber bits not sealing), braided front brake lines (old lines getting squishy).

General Comments:

First gear is amazing and frightening at the same time.

Handling much improved by narrower rear tyre (-10mm).

Add a few teeth to the rear sprocket for more wheelies and smiles.

Uncomfortable on long distances (wrists, back, butt).

Best brakes in the business, still.

Jekyll and Hyde engine. I commute to work every day, and it's so smooth and civilised. On Sundays I can still ride a racebike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd December, 2007

2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 from United States of America

Summary:

Way more than most people could handle!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing!!!

General Comments:

Unbelievable dream to ride. This bike is such a head turner, especially in the "shift red" color that I got.

I bought the bike brand new in 2005, usually I would never buy a brand new anything, but when this body style came out, I had to have it. I got the bike at a really good price here in Michigan after shopping around in Ohio and Chicago.

This is by far the best looking bike out right now. It smokes everyone in its class, yes, even a Ducati. I could have bought anything and I chose this bike. I went from a 94 Katana 750 to this, I really wish I would have kept that as well. The bike was way too comfy.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2006

2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 from Australia

Summary:

Best super bike ever built

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I have owned many big bore performance bikes. This is one of the best bikes ever built - looks great and is value for money.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2006

2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Totally blown away by this corker of a machine

Faults:

Not a sausage has gone wrong!!

General Comments:

Amazing, stunning, fantastic, raw, aesthetically very pleasing, fast mega package from Yamaha. Beautiful and sharp. I love it!!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2005

2002 Yamaha YZF-R1 from United States of America

Summary:

This is far and away the best bike I have ever ridden

Faults:

Head light low beams burn out every other year. No big deal though.

Severe head shake in bumpy corners. Bought a Scott's steering damper. Now it handles like a dream!

Factory does not build it like it should. I had to add:

Flush mount turn signals

Rear fender eliminator

Blue chrome windscreen

Akrapovic exhaust!!! (Best sound I've ever heard)

Lots of carbon fiber goodies

Scotts steering damper (a must)

Metzler Sportech M-1 tires

Carbon fiber frame sliders

Corbin seat (my back side thanks me)

General Comments:

I don't like to use this word, but this bike is truly awesome.

With the steering damper, this motorcycle handles like a razor.

This is definitely not a beginner's bike. Too much power (if there is such a thing).

Also, taller riders will find the geometry slightly uncomfortable.

The stock seat was like sitting on a brick. Spend the extra cash for a custom job like my Corbin.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2005

1998 Yamaha YZF-R1 from Canada

Faults:

Changed the tires (Michelin Pilot Sport).

Added clear lights.

Yoshimura slip-on.

Fully polished.

General Comments:

Kick ass bike!

Power wheelies through the 3 first gears.

Great for stunting.

Handles like a dream!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2005