Yamaha YZF-R1 reviews

This is my first bike ever. I've been riding almost daily for six months and approaching 6K miles in the seat. The performance, fit and finish, quality and reliability are impressive. The '05 design is almost timeless IMHO. She's a pretty bike in blue and I get compliments from passersby. I actually like it better than the third generation for the street but this second generation is no joke when it's time to go supersonic. I've smoked other middle weights and bigger super sports with more experienced riders in the turns and straights because she is all business on demand but friendly enough to navigate my local streets, downtown Seattle and the freeway comfortably - for hours. I feel safe and confident on this bike as it somehow naturally inspires and instills that confidence to lean just a bit more and push the envelope but at your own pace. The '05 is a forgiving communicative bike that has helped me learn quickly and made me a better rider with each ride. It's hard to park her for the night. And it will be harder to park for the winter. A+ Show less

Right out of the box the R1 is nothing special. All that you're paying for is the sweet exhaust note. But once you start to upgrade her, she really starts to shine. Everything is just really smooth thanks to the cross-plane crankshaft. It's the best bike I've ever owned. Show less

This bike is awesome!!! The local dealership is a great place to deal with. I have bought seven bikes from them. I live in Florida and still will only buy from them. I have owned every bike on the market. Yamaha is the best Japanese bike when you put the right parts on. Show less

I have 50K miles on my Yamaha and it's still running like a top. I have: Sync'd the carbs twice myself, once at a shop, changed the plugs once and air filter twice. I've changed the oil (Yamalube semi-synth) every 2500-3K, the 4-chain/sprocket sets (520) and the brake pads once. This needs to be done again now. It looks brand new! I think the '01 R6 is an anomaly in motorcycle manufacturing....seriously. Hardly any service and still going strong. I don't think I will ever sell this bike. See you soon for a 675....maybe. Show less

1/5 of the way there to 100k miles. So far, it has been great. The bike still handles like a charm. I tried the Bridgestone BT016 and they handle great. I got a little over 12K miles out of them so far. It's up for an oil change and I expect to get new tires pretty soon. The bike, well, like always, never a dull moment. It always bring a smile to my commute home and to work and everywhere else. It's still a lot more bike than I have skill for it but I expect after a few track day instruction classes I will catch it a bit. People look at me like I am crazy for smiling when I get off the bike. Some have asked. I simply state...it is a nice.... ride....had police officers urge to go faster but I smell a joke on me...haha....not falling for it... I think they wish they could simply ride and not be stuck behind a cage like the rest of the commuters...if you want a smile to work and a stress reduction ride with a smile after a stresful or hard day of work...get a Yamaha R6... the new colors are great....have fun and be safe... Show less

This bike can take pin point turns with ease - 9.98 stock quarter mile. I own the charcoal/silver R1 and it looks awesome, but you will have to change the huge ugly fender and turn signals. There is supposed to be a governor at 189mph, but I have personally taken mine to 191 before I felt like I was floating above the ground, and decided to slow down. I race anyone on the road and have yet to meet my match. Show less

I just bought my R6s two weeks ago. I had a Katana 600 a year and a half ago and I am just getting back into riding. Even though both are 600cc there is really not much of a comparison. The R6 has a much more responsive throttle that can take you by surprise about how fast it picks up speed; thought I was doing 35mph and I saw that the speedometer read 62. After you break the bike in, which I have not completely done yet, you can do all your riding without passing 2nd gear- it has endless power. The brakes are extremely responsive and the transmission is smooth. My only real complaint is that the idle speed is a little too low (which one other person here said). You need to stay in the friction zone a little longer than you might think. The power and speed always puts a smile on my face and leaves me screaming inside my helmet about how "awesome this ride is!" It is not a great bike for a brand new beginner though. Learn on a less powerful 600 or lower cc. Show less

I hve ridden dirt bikes and four wheelers most of my life and just went straight to an R1 because I knew I would later want the extra 400cc. I love it! It's scary fast. I would never get rid of it unless I bought another. Show less

I am a previous Honda RR 600 owner and have stepped up to a Yamaha R1. OMG! First of all, the seat is way more comfortable than the honda. The power is crazy. The bike just seems to want to go faster and harder. I love it and I am pretty confident in its abilities. You will be very satisfied with this bike as I am. I also am the owner of the exact bike in the picture. Enjoy and keep the wheel side down. Show less

This is my third bike I've owned and it's perfect blend of power, steering and style make it a sweet and fun bike to ride. Whether you're on a highway or hugging the corners on a back road somewhere, it's got plenty of power and throttle response to get up and move and move quickly. Show less