Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 2002 test

Intro: ALWAYS \" THE ONE \"

After four years of good and loyal service, the R1 it was owed a cure of rejuvenation. It has finally happened. It adopts from now own injection, gains in vivacity and aggression, that's why it has its reputation as a hyper sporting exclusive.

Esthetique: MORE AGGRESSIVE

Even if its lines are from now own tenser, we recognize at first glimpse it's a R1. Its balance towards the front axle and it inherits a frame painted black that has been reserved until now for the R7. Under the windjammer, which offers no protection, we find the dashboard well complete. The general ergonomics stay unchanged with the liquid crystal speedometer and the enormous analogue rev. counter. A new warning light that indicates when the revs. Enter the red zone. A gadget that can be useful on the track.
The driving position has been modified- the foot pedals are adjustable. The comfort offered by the new YZF 1000 R1 make long trips very difficult.

Motorization: INJECTION

The motor of the Yamaha R1 was moved, more exactly raised. The exhaust and the air box were revised. All of this to make the machine more docile. The arrival of the injection did not affect the performance of the 4 cylinder, 20 valve: 998CC of capacity, 152 horsepower at 10 500 rpm in the free version (106hp French version), with an impressive torque of 10.7 mkg at 8500 rpm.

On the road: TOTAL FEELING

In the corners, the R1 shows a facility that it had lacked previously. The front axle, which had a tendency to be to nervous on the older model, it has become more stable, thanks notably to the reduction of the fork clearance, and the lifting of the frame which passes at 103mm. Anyway, we have less sentiment to be dominated by the machine. The R1 has become more tolerant, even if its potential demands a certain amount of prudence. The gearbox is precise, rapid, and all the other performance terms. To temper this phenomenon, the engineers at Yamaha have reviewed the braking system. No real changes, but a few well thought out retouches. It conserves the front double discs of 298mm, but the stirrups are equipped with 4 aluminium pistons. The power is the same but the feed in has been improved.
On the small roads, the Yamaha R1 unveils the full measure of its progress. The motor resumes at 1500 rpm and at 3000 rpm, the torque is well present. The power arrives progressively and the connection driver-machine is frankly surprising. At "Total Control" claimed by the Honda 900 CBR, Yamaha responded with the "Total Feeling", a perfect harmony between man and machine.