Akrapovic Bolt-on / Slip-on line Open Exhaust - Yamaha YZF-R1

Advantages: Quick, Fast, exciting to ride and stylish.. as well as Japanese and reliable!
Disadvantages: Twitchy front end on earlier models, needs stearing damper.

...I own a 1999 Yamaha YZF-R1 (1000cc) in V&M custom race colours (Red/Yellow flames and sponsors). I bought the bike just short of two years ago for approx £4,000 from a dealer. The bike had only done 4,500 dry miles (genuine as a good friend knows the previous owner) and the bike was/is in mint condition. It had been pampered, the previous owner is pretty well off and used this custom painted R1 as a show off machine more than anything, so straight away I knew I was on to a good deal as a lot of R1's have been thrashed and trashed since they are such a nutters tool! This model of R1 is not fuel injected but carbs, however my father does have the 06 fuel injected model and after a week or so standing in the garage and even after cold weather both bikes start first time, no hassle be it carbs or fuel injection! The insurance can... Read review

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Advantages: excellent torque and performance and excellent chassis
Disadvantages: riding position can be a strain after a fir bit of miles on a trip

...I have owned my 636 since it first came out. I have found the sharp response of the chassis when cornering to be close to perfect. I have ridden an R6 and also ridden with R6's on rideouts and I would say the 636 (2003 model to present) has the edge on corners. I would say the R6 wins on comfort (easier forgiving seat) and also riding position. I did feel the strain after around 70 - 100 miles on the bike on some trips. That however is due to the race nature of the bike. The riding position is one of which was designed more for a racetrack. I have many good rideouts on my 6r and find that when I let a rideout 'friend' take the bike for a spin; they always come back with a smiling face and praise the bike then-on. I have attached a 'slip-on' Akrapovic aftermarket exhaust on it now and the sound is one which will make you speechless... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderfully refined sportsbike, Looks ace, great comfort for a sportsbike
Disadvantages: Desirability, likelihood of theft, high insurance group

...), it struck me just how the R1 must appear to the occupants of the cars being left behind in its wake. Apart from probably being scared silly by the raucous exhaust note which came out of nowhere, the speed with which the R1 accelerates must look almost obscene and totally reckless to the sedate pace of the average family in their Ford Mundane 2.0. This bike could give bikers a bad name. By the end of the weekend and just under 1000 miles later, I think I had reached a nice relaxed place with the R1. It loves fast flowing A-roads where it will corner at high speed with complete composure. Once I got used to the steering which was very light, the bike changed direction with ease. All in all I found the R1 extremely easy to live with and I would definitely recommend you test ride one if you're in the market for an open class sportsbike. It will do... Read review

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