Comparison - 2004 R1 vs 2007 R6
Discussion
As we're comparing lots of bikes lately I thought I'd chip in with my tuppence worth.
I had my R1 serviced a few weeks back and was given a latest model R6 to play around on for the day. My first reaction on hopping aboard was 'those pegs are high'. They certainly felt higher than the R1.
On moving off, my next reaction was what has happened to the torque? To quote the salesman at the Yam dealership, I've been spoiled by power'. Despite this, until recently I still had a 2001 R6 to ride occassionally and I'm certain the current R6 is lacking against it.
On the move, the suspension felt marginally tauter than the R1, but not harsh - very good, I thought. Turn in was very good; it certainly is a good handling bike - a real track weapon, I'll wager.
Over a few crests, the bars got a bit flappy - a damper would be a decent investment for road riding.
I soon got back into the habit of revving the nuts off it; the rev warning light seems to come on very early. With the constant revs it felt like a real hooligan bike.
The worst bit of the bike was the noisy aftermarket can that had been fitted to the bike. On most bikes, the exhaust sits behind you but on the R6 it is just below you. Instead of the noise being behind you, it is with you. It was so bad it made my ears ring even with earplugs.
On collecting my bike, it felt more supple and infinitely more torquey. The couple of extra pounds it carries seem to smooth out the ride a bit and make the bike feel more planted. This might be tyres as I've been very impressed with the 2CTs.
So I'd have to say the latest R6 is too focused for me. I couldn't wait to get back on my own bike. The easy torque makes riding a more relaxed affair.
I guess to surmise, I'm saying
'Chilli, buy an R1'
I had my R1 serviced a few weeks back and was given a latest model R6 to play around on for the day. My first reaction on hopping aboard was 'those pegs are high'. They certainly felt higher than the R1.
On moving off, my next reaction was what has happened to the torque? To quote the salesman at the Yam dealership, I've been spoiled by power'. Despite this, until recently I still had a 2001 R6 to ride occassionally and I'm certain the current R6 is lacking against it.
On the move, the suspension felt marginally tauter than the R1, but not harsh - very good, I thought. Turn in was very good; it certainly is a good handling bike - a real track weapon, I'll wager.
Over a few crests, the bars got a bit flappy - a damper would be a decent investment for road riding.
I soon got back into the habit of revving the nuts off it; the rev warning light seems to come on very early. With the constant revs it felt like a real hooligan bike.
The worst bit of the bike was the noisy aftermarket can that had been fitted to the bike. On most bikes, the exhaust sits behind you but on the R6 it is just below you. Instead of the noise being behind you, it is with you. It was so bad it made my ears ring even with earplugs.
On collecting my bike, it felt more supple and infinitely more torquey. The couple of extra pounds it carries seem to smooth out the ride a bit and make the bike feel more planted. This might be tyres as I've been very impressed with the 2CTs.
So I'd have to say the latest R6 is too focused for me. I couldn't wait to get back on my own bike. The easy torque makes riding a more relaxed affair.
I guess to surmise, I'm saying
'Chilli, buy an R1' 
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