2009 Yamaha R1 Review: Big Bang for the Road

A few months ago, I track tested Dunlop’s Sportmax Q2 tires on a fleet of flagship literbikes including the Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, and a bike I was riding for the first time, the crossplane crankshaft-equipped 2009 Yamaha R1.

Flash forward a few weeks, and I found myself picking up a Yamaha R1 back home. On city streets, canyon roads, and superslabs, I put the R1 through its paces. I even managed to alternate between the 2009 model and my buddy Greg’s non-crossplane 2008 R1 (which allowed me the distinct pleasure of giving him a hard time for his antiquated bike.)

What did I think of Yamaha’s latest big bad literbike after riding it through these varied conditions? I touch on the highs and lows in my 2009 Yamaha R1 review.

Related:

• 2009 Yamaha R1 Photo Gallery

Photos © Brian J. Nelson, Basem Wasef; click for Yamaha R1 Review

2009 Yamaha R1 Review: Big Bang for the Road originally appeared on About.com Motorcycles on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 23:48:59.

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