As I struggled to keep up with a VFR800 racer in the mountains of Nan, I decided to give it a go with Yamaha's newest R1. So I asked and was granted a full day with a brand new one, thanks again to Tum at Yamaha Square in CNX !! Today was the day, got up early, brought the FJR for a tyre change to Yamaha and off I went on the 118 to near Wiang Pa Pao, then on the 1150 to Phrao and the 1346 to somewhere north of Chiang Dao and then back over the mountains on the 107 via Chiang Dao to get some yummies at X-Centre and finally back to Yamaha.
First impression of the R1: was thinking that my arse was higher than my head. On my way to Doi Saket had some awful slides just leaving the junction with spinning backwheel up to 3rd gear. What an unbelievable amount of power. Although the brakes are not what I expected them to be. In Phrao I had to stop as my excess body weight gave me real pain in the palms of my hand as you are perfectly forced to grip the R1's handlebars all time and all weight of the upper torso and head are there. Cornering is awful and you are tempted to open the throttle fully which you shouldn't do as you might perform a quick pirouette on the spot. What amazed me was the wide power band this bike has, recently rode the FZ1, which is in comparison a lame duck at lower revs. I know HP are also totally different....... :lol:
What came to my mind was that if I really decide to change my FJR to a new R1, this will most definetely shorten my own lifespan immediately.
Consumption is nothing less than the heavier FJR, but what would you expect from a street-racer......
I wouldn't like to sit on the R1 while touring Thailand. For this I should be 20 years younger, at least 25 kgs lighter and have more exercise every morning or evening. As a 'weekend-blast-to-Phayao' bike I would love to own her.
Here's a foto on a spot on the 1150 shortly before Phrao:
I was riding back home once I changed bikes and must say I'll keep the FJR, it's such a comfortable bike and although weighing much more than the R1 it still will be able to keep up with it, at least when the R1 is not ridden by a Valentino Rossi like biker. The main noticeable technical advantage on the FJR are the front brakes which are much more to the point, I had a little worried feeling on the R1 while using them harder Another plus for the tourer is the softer suspension. On the R1 my back lifted off the seat not only once, she's perfect on even and not slippery tarmac whereas the FJR can go anywhere without the above lift-off. I mean while riding CNX to Lampang and on to Phrae, it would be a difficult choice as both bikes are real fun. As said before, going down south the choice is obvious the FJR. I also find the tank of the R1 not fit for longer tours...not to talk about storage room; would have to remove the backseat and fit a small case on the R1's back.
This bike stays where it is, in my home :lol: :
These are my personal impressions and in case anyone still doubts my choice for the FJR (Peter/Marco you read ??
), now it's proved. If I would be very rich, of course a R1 would be mine..... :wink:
Different riders, different opinions, different choices, mine is the old Tourer..........cheers, Franz
First impression of the R1: was thinking that my arse was higher than my head. On my way to Doi Saket had some awful slides just leaving the junction with spinning backwheel up to 3rd gear. What an unbelievable amount of power. Although the brakes are not what I expected them to be. In Phrao I had to stop as my excess body weight gave me real pain in the palms of my hand as you are perfectly forced to grip the R1's handlebars all time and all weight of the upper torso and head are there. Cornering is awful and you are tempted to open the throttle fully which you shouldn't do as you might perform a quick pirouette on the spot. What amazed me was the wide power band this bike has, recently rode the FZ1, which is in comparison a lame duck at lower revs. I know HP are also totally different....... :lol:
What came to my mind was that if I really decide to change my FJR to a new R1, this will most definetely shorten my own lifespan immediately.
Consumption is nothing less than the heavier FJR, but what would you expect from a street-racer......
I wouldn't like to sit on the R1 while touring Thailand. For this I should be 20 years younger, at least 25 kgs lighter and have more exercise every morning or evening. As a 'weekend-blast-to-Phayao' bike I would love to own her.
Here's a foto on a spot on the 1150 shortly before Phrao:
I was riding back home once I changed bikes and must say I'll keep the FJR, it's such a comfortable bike and although weighing much more than the R1 it still will be able to keep up with it, at least when the R1 is not ridden by a Valentino Rossi like biker. The main noticeable technical advantage on the FJR are the front brakes which are much more to the point, I had a little worried feeling on the R1 while using them harder Another plus for the tourer is the softer suspension. On the R1 my back lifted off the seat not only once, she's perfect on even and not slippery tarmac whereas the FJR can go anywhere without the above lift-off. I mean while riding CNX to Lampang and on to Phrae, it would be a difficult choice as both bikes are real fun. As said before, going down south the choice is obvious the FJR. I also find the tank of the R1 not fit for longer tours...not to talk about storage room; would have to remove the backseat and fit a small case on the R1's back.
This bike stays where it is, in my home :lol: :
These are my personal impressions and in case anyone still doubts my choice for the FJR (Peter/Marco you read ??
Different riders, different opinions, different choices, mine is the old Tourer..........cheers, Franz