My Yamaha R1 Encounter Road Atlanta

When I signed up with N2 for a track day, my first one with the organization, first one at Rd Atlanta I didn't expect anything but to let my Panigale stretch her legs. I didn't even expect to have a Saturday off to be able to but, what a bonus it was to be given the opportunity to ride the brand new R1 .
Of course there was a Yamaha "control rider" who sets your pace and keep you and the machine safe. I was rather surprised when he actually signaled to me "come on" and picked up our pace. I guess that's why he asked me what bike do I ride before we started, guess the 1199 got his approval lol. In short, though I was not allowed to pass him I still had a blast and now know for myself what all the rave and media excitement is all about.
She's worthy !!!! Panigale still #1 tho ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPtX3aEnVio

Nice! People keep saying good things about.

I was down in Bowling Green this weekend and one guy came down with his new R1M. Started the day with 5 miles on the clock and crashed it 25 miles later...

Oh wow, that's a bummer ...i'd be the type of guy to ride a bike like that hard tho and track it.

It's sad and I look at ppl stupid when they're amazed that I track my plain 'ol 1199 ..these bikes we made for the track !!

DUCENZO said:

Oh wow, that's a bummer ...i'd be the type of guy to ride a bike like that hard tho and track it.

It's sad and I look at ppl stupid when they're amazed that I track my plain 'ol 1199 ..these bikes we made for the track !!

Click to expand...

Yup...certainly must sting a little if you put your brand-new bike on the track and barely make it 10 laps...I haven't talked to him but from what I heard, the bike wasn't too bad...

But I totally agree...the latest crop of superbikes certainly only can really be appreciated at the track...

DO you remember the CR's name? I run I group with N2 and there are a couple control riders that run Yamaha's and are just plain stupid fast. A group of us all brought our Panigales out to VIR and now most of use turn faster track times on old 600's. I'm glad you had a great time...if you make it up to NC Bike lmk as we always have a group there.

Give us some detailed impressions compared to your panigale?
How was the power? Handling / nimbleness?

Ok
Visual ... appeal~ Nice styling, I like everything but the placement of the headlights. It also doesn't help that on one light comes on with low beam...dunno which looks more ........ now, this or the beemer.
I also really like the aggressive looking air intake, reminds me of Vale's bike .

Ergo~ riding position was great, seat comfy and I liked how the bike felt very narrow and light like the Duc, even just straddling it at a stand still it feels small.
Seat height felt lower as well, considering I do have the 5 feet tall "comfort seat" .

F&F~ Nice paint scheme/ options, Of course id change out the cheap looking levers and rear sets immediately (I've always said the same about the base S1KRR as well) For $16+K I expect just a little more. I EXPECT BREMBO CALIPERS AND MASTERS.

Tech features~ The dash was a nice though, not being biased but, its not as nice as the Pani but, probably the next best thing out there. The gear indicator and even the speed is too small, maybe not enough contrast. Or maybe there's too much going on on the dash. It does have a what I wanna call a Brake pressure application visual aid, which is worthless while you are riding/braking (who looks at the dash while braking?). I guess it might be useful if you shoot a video and study it to see how much more brake you can apply..?
This might be petty but, stock pipes are way too quiet. I couldn't hear the bike, even at high revs.

The ride~ it was exhilarating, maybe more so because I didn't expect to be riding it lol. Did I mention though that it was way too quiet ugh. The thing handles, that no one can deny and its quick along the back straight but I needed an exhaust note to add to that sensation.
The power was there but, keep in mind though we got up to speed I was not allowed to pass the Yamaha "pace" rider. so I didn't get to ring her her neck how I would normally ride.
Oh yeah, throttle response ...you thought the Pani was choppy in Race mode? This thing was a little too sensitive, makes it tough after trail braking or in a situation where you just need a little throttle to get you outta trouble.
Very nimble and good ergo while hanging off.
I must say the front end was more planted coming over some of the hills and along the bask straight there's a dip at high speed. While my Pani gets wheelie happy the R1 was more stable ;-/. Maybe I need to work on my suspension lol.
I didn't mess with the settings too much but it has a nice selection and i'd like to ride the bike more before I can comment on that.
Brakes are good but not as good as the Pani, of course I have more seat time on the Pani but, I could still tell the difference.
Confidence=fast and I was more confident on the 1199

I've ridden the Beemer quite a bit too and i'd say it handles better and I'd buy it over the beemer. Maybe we'll get this for the wife ;-)

ASM said:

But I totally agree...the latest crop of superbikes certainly only can really be appreciated at the track...

Click to expand...

My 2015 R will see the track in a month or so, for sure

The R1 is a great package. Arguably the best Liter bike off the showroom floor (especially if you are talking about "bang for the buck").

A good friend of mine is one of the fastest club racers in the Northeast (multi-time Champion) and he swapped to an R1 this year. In his first weekend on it (which was also his first time racing a Liter bike) he set his personal best at Grattan (which is his home track where he can run a near lap-record pace).

And that is without any testing/setup time. That is using some basic settings given by Giachetto.

For him to immediately get on the bike and set a personal best, on a track that he has won numerous races on (racing an SV, R6 and 750), says a lot about how good of a package it is.

good ol Grattan - been around there a few times, kinda bumpy (or is was back then)

No doubt R1 is best liter overall for 2015, they are already putting down 190+ rwhp with a pipe and flash, don't try that with previous models

Very cool write up and review man!
Out of all the sportbikes out there these days I'd certainly take the R1 out of them all if I wasn't a Ducati fiend. Liked your wording on it feeling narrow and the ergonomics of it. Come September I'll get to see the true setup of Josh Hayes bike at the NJMP last race of the MotoAmerica season and get to sit on it too. Have to make sure I get a photo of that this time!

Hey Chaotic- who is your buddy you spoke about who is the Northeast champion in club racing? I may know him if he's that good and on the top tier as you stated? Just curious that's all.

I don't do too many written reviews man, I just ride so, thank you lol.

I was told today my local dealer was uncrating a R1M, I wanted to go look at it but, I didn't want to be a groupie haha.

I've now seen it in all black and their signature blue/sil/white...what other color combos will they have?

Ducenz red white and silver

Gunny I'll be there too meetup time brotha

Chaotic said:

The R1 is a great package. Arguably the best Liter bike off the showroom floor (especially if you are talking about "bang for the buck").

A good friend of mine is one of the fastest club racers in the Northeast (multi-time Champion) and he swapped to an R1 this year. In his first weekend on it (which was also his first time racing a Liter bike) he set his personal best at Grattan (which is his home track where he can run a near lap-record pace).

And that is without any testing/setup time. That is using some basic settings given by Giachetto.

For him to immediately get on the bike and set a personal best, on a track that he has won numerous races on (racing an SV, R6 and 750), says a lot about how good of a package it is.

Click to expand...

Very cool man! I have been hearing similar reports from others with regards to how quick they are in standard form. Yamaha really stepped up this time.
Can't wait to see what they do with the R6!

DUCENZO said:

I don't do too many written reviews man, I just ride so, thank you lol.

I was told today my local dealer was uncrating a R1M, I wanted to go look at it but, I didn't want to be a groupie haha.

I've now seen it in all black and their signature blue/sil/white...what other color combos will they have?

Click to expand...

There's also a red and white one. 3 color schemes total + the exclusive colors for the R1M.

I wish the base models had the option of the bare aluminum tank like the M. I think it looks badass!

Motorcycle USA picked the R1 as the overall winner in their 2015 Shootout, Jason Pridmore turned some quick laps on it

Sadly, the 1299 was absent - I think it would have been right there with the R1