Year 2002 Yamaha R1 Reader Feedback

[NickdaBrick]

It doesn't sound like they did much to it -- but remember, there's only one letter's difference between "hero" and "zero," and "winner" and "weiner." A few tweaks here and there might make all the difference in the world on the road or track. I say, bring on the next open class shootout!



(Of course, the next bike I buy will probably be a low-mileage used Road Star.)

[NCRC51]

The silver would have looked better w/o the black panel, but I still really like the overall look.

[Borg-Biker]

Hmmm... I can understand if you liked the old one, why you are disappointed. I wasn't turned on in the least by the R1/R6 styling to begin with. I know, I know: "fresh styling". But I had no problem with the styling of bikes before the R1.

Personally, I liked the looks of the YZF1000 better.I wish it was a stable mate of the R1. I especially liked the red/white/black combo it had. The Yamaha blue is really nice, but I never did like mixing it with white. This new R1 looks much better to me, but not as nice as the competition(CBR929, ZX9R). The GSXR1000 looks nice in black/silver, but I am BORED with blue/white schemes. To me, the BEST looking supersport bike was the 1999 ZX9R in blue. No "wish I was a racer" graphics, no pretension to being something I'm not, and NO WHITE!(gee, you think he's tired of seeing blue and white?).

I am a street rider. I like hitting corners, and I LOVE power. But I don't need to advertise with flashy graphics. I'd rather have a bike that will still look sharp 10 years from now, instead of people saying " Bikes sure have come a long way.What were they thinking?"

[Cyberj10]

Say what you will, itÂ’s my opinion and I stand by it. Even though I am new to this sport and would not purchase a bike purely on aesthetics, who are we kidding. Bike styling goes a long way in the thought process of the bike we choose to buy and who doesnÂ’t want to be sitting on a tight ass looking bike as some fine-looking woman walks by (I know I do). As I said though in my original post this is just a comment on styling as I am awaiting the riding review before I pass final judgement. My current ride is a 1997 FZR 600 and I hate the front end (dual round head lights, ugh, thank God they donÂ’t make em like this anymore) but I still purchased it because it offered the best performance, reliability and styling for what I could afford at the time (bought it used). ItÂ’s a great bike and has been a wonderful machine for me to learn on but when IÂ’m ready to step up to a new bike in the next year and half you better believe that IÂ’m going to get something that has the performance I want as well as look exactly the way I want, no compromise. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and if you like the new R1 styling fine, for me, while it's not absolutely hideous, (except for the red and white) I was expecting more. Peace.



Anymore comments on my unimportant, irrelevant opinion?

[bluedot]

Just curious .. I know MO chose the R1 .. but didn't see anyone else.



Here or UK.

[dndrum]

From what I've read in several magazines the GSXR is almost too much as far as power is concerned. Perhaps HP isn't the answer to everything, refined handling may be. Just a thought.

[Abe_Froman]

Your opinions have been rendered entirely inconsequential since you say that you like Kawasakis, internationally known as the "ugly ducklings" of the sportbike community. Other than the ZX-7, Kawasaki has never made a good-looking sportbike. The 6,9,and 12 make me want to vomit.

[topspd]

It seems that it's more evolutionary than revolutionary unfortunately.. I do like the black frame though, and silver/black is a nice colour scheme and is a welcome change from the ubiquitous blue/white.. The shift light should be useful.. I really had hoped for 5+ more horsepower or significantly reduced weight.. at least they should have TiN'ed the forks.



All in all, I see no compelling reason to trade up from my modded 2000 R1 - maybe they'll do something for 2004..

[Abe_Froman]

Man, am I glad I bought mine in 2000. I was flip-flopping between the GSXR750 and the R1 at the time, but the look of the red/wht/blk R1 was so hard that I just had to get the R1. After 6500 miles and a ride on a 750, I'm even more happy with my purchase.



What is with the x-wing fighter stuff on the tail? I thought squared-off bodywork went out in the early nineties. It is ruined. That said, the smooth painted undertray, with the (by the looks of things) easily-removeable fender are great ideas. It should look quite good from behind after that fender is removed. The color schemes are no improvement, though. Why didn't they put the black frame on my bike, and make these silver? The black fork looks pure Ninja 250, as well. Lame. Gold is in. Furthermore, that black and silver scheme should be burned. Absolutely horrible.



All in all, the traditional schemes look kind of schizo and thrown together. Please bring back smooth bodywork and simple colors. And leave the little pretty things like blue caliper pistons and gold forks. I was really looking forward to the new bike, even wondering if I might put a down payment on one. Yamaha has decided that question for me. No way. I don't care how good it rides. My 2000 is no slouch, and when you put them side by side, it's like putting Portia De Rossi next to Courtney Love. No contest.

[Azrifel]

Check the specsheet at the US Yamaha site. Most of the engine has been altered, new gearbox, one piece cranckshaft/cylinder block....... Different type of fuel injection compared to other makes. Calipers have been worked on etc etc etc

And don't forget to check that tail-light!