Yamaha YZF-R1 (1998-2003)

MCN overall verdict

The third and final great sports bike of the nineties. The FireBlade set the agenda, the 916 added finesse and the Yamaha YZF-R1 topped them off with extra power and madness. Even today the original Yamaha YZF-R1 is a sports tool to be reckoned with and updated Yamaha YZF-R1s are even more potent and easier to use too.

Engine

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Evoultion at it’s finest – the technology’s not hugely changed since the FZR1000 of 1989 but the Yamaha YZF-R1 has always delivered a minimum of 150bhp (130 at the wheel). Torque is never in short supply and the bike’s light weight makes the most of both. The Yamaha YZF-R1's gearbox can be a little reluctant.

Ride and Handling

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 is a track bike to demolish rivals and wring the rider’s adrenal glands dry. The original 98-99 model was the liveliest and hardest to tame. Later Yamaha YZF-R1s were easier to pilot but don’t think that means they’re soft in any way. The original Yamaha YZF-R1 was slightly hard to turn into corners and could run wide. Later versions were improved with a stiffer headstock and firmer forks. Ace brakes.

Equipment

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Extra equipment on a race rep just ads weight so the Yamaha YZF-R1’s pretty minimal. Comfort’s pretty good for a rider although Yamaha YZF-R1 pillions must be brave. Headlights are effective even if the mirrors aren’t brilliant. There’s some underseat storage too unlike later Yamaha YZF-R1s where exhausts occupy that space – although from 2002 it’s minimal.

Quality and Reliability

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No major problems and finish is much better than early/mid 90s Yamahas. Beware race/track Yamaha YZF-R1s which have been thrashed. Problems with the gearbox are very rare despite internet rumours suggesting otherwise. The black finish on the frame and swingarm of 2003/03 Yamaha YZF-R1s rubs off easily.

Value

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 was top dog sports bike until the GSX-R1000 appeared in 2001. Parallel imports and stiff competition from Honda and Suzuki mean prices stay sensible. But equally there’s no such thing as a good, clean, cheap Yamaha YZF-R1 – they’re a desirable bike and good ones always sell. Honda’s FireBlade from 2002 onwards is a comparable machine and the GSX-R arguably better.
 

Model History

1998: Original Yamaha YZF-R1 launched.
2000: Revised Yamaha YZF-R1 has 150 changes – most noticeable sleeker tail unit and titanium exhaust.
2002: More changes to Yamaha YZF-R1 for less weight, more power, fuel injection  and more environmentally friendly. Black frame and swing arm, letterbox tail light.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	175 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.8 secs
Max power	150 bhp
Max torque	80 ft-lb
Weight	175 kg
Seat height	815 mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	16 of 17

Engine size	998 cc
Engine specification	20v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 298mm discs
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17

Yamaha YZF-R1 (2004-2006)

It’s hard to fault the clinical, precise and devastatingly fast Yamaha YZF-R1. Its chassis can cope with all kinds of road surfaces and demolishes tight hairpins at any track. But it does demand skill and rivals like the CBR1000RR and GSX-R1000 are simply less work. For purists the Yamaha YZF-R1 still has something unique; a superb focus on the dark art of riding extremely fast.

Engine

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The Yamaha YZF-R1's 20-valve four-cylinder motor makes more power than 90% of all road riders can cope with, and delivers it in one long, ever increasing howl of delight. Nifty gearbox helps the fun, plus the fuel injection is excellent, too. Yamaha YZF-R1 SP version has a slipper clutch and another 3bhp if you really, really need it – it costs £14,000 however.

Ride and Handling

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The only weakness with the Yamaha YZF-R1's Deltabox chassis is that it needs a bit more effort, more precision, to get the very best from it at the track, compared to the  incredibly adroit Gixer 1000. It's as if the mass of the Yamaha YZF-R1 is carried a fraction higher than on the Suzuki.

Equipment

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 has all the sports bits you need, plus a handy clock on the dash, high rpm warning light and a token pillion. The mirrors aren't too narrow, but the seat is higher than the CBR1000RR or GSX-R1000. The Yamaha YZF-R1's OE Dunlop tyres don't suit some riders either, but they'll be shredded after your first track day anyway.

Quality and Reliability

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Lush paintwork, beautiful alloy cycle parts and very well put together. Apart from the odd clutch niggle (it has a tall first gear ) the Yamaha YZF-R1 has an excellent reputation for long life and can do seriously high miles, not that many owners care to rack them up. Nick Sanders has been around the world on a Yamaha YZF-R1, dodging cattle chicanes and all sorts, so it can handle anything you throw at it.

Value

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 was the UK's top seller in 2004, but in 2005 the GSX-R1000 arrived and things have been tougher for the Yamaha YZF-R1 since. Good deals can be had so shop around.  Special editions? The Kenny Roberts yellow and black painted model Yamaha YZF-R1s will possibly be collectable in the future. It's only worth considering the high spec SP model if you have the spare dosh and track time to enjoy it, as depreciation will be harsh.

Model History

2005: No major changes from 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1.
2006: Yamaha YZF-R1's swingarm is 20mm longer, rear spindle 16mm further forwards, plus a little bit of tweakery to the headstock and fork yokes. 3bhp gain in stock R1 model's claimed power output.

Other Versions

Yamaha YZF-R1 SP:  A limited edition semi race spec variant, with fuel injection tweaks, special Ohlins suspension, top end work to squeeze another 3bhp from the motor and matt black paint.

Specifications

Top speed	175 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.4 secs
Max power	165 bhp
Max torque	78 ft-lb
Weight	173 kg
Seat height	835 mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Tank range	130 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	998 cc
Engine specification	16v transverse four, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17 in

Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-2012)

The Yamaha FJR1300 is the first from-the-ground-up touring bike the Japanese firm has built. With shaft drive, comprehensive fairing, bespoke hard luggage, massive tank capacity etc, this motorcycle ticks plenty of boxes. From 2006 on it has an automatic gearbox option (AS model) available too, as well as a restyled fairing, adjustable handlebar and seat. All of which means the Yamaha FJR1300 definitely adds up to travelling in style.

Engine

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The Yamaha FJR1300's has loads of power and the four cylinder engine makes 99 ft/lbs of torque at 7K revs too. That means grunt and plenty of it, more than enough to help two people, plus loads of kit, overtake safely on A roads. You'll probably get about 40-45mpg from the Yamaha FJR1300's smooth-running, and generally very reliable motor too.

Ride and Handling

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For its weight and size, the Yamaha FJR1300 handles well. You won't be dicing with Sprint ST riders on the roads of Provence, but the FJR1300's huge 48mm forks and compliant monoshock can be set up for semi-sporty riding if the mood takes you - the rear preload is adjustable via a jack up lever in a matter of seconds. Loads of pillion room too.

Equipment

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Panniers were standard fitment on the Yamaha FJR1300 from 2006 onwards, and a small luggage rack, plus ABS braking is standard too. The AS auto version gets heated grips, plus it has adjustable handlebar, windscreen and seat heights as part of the 2006 makeover package. The Yamaha FJR1300 is undeniably a well equipped motorcycle and competes strongly with the cost of a fully kitted Beemer or Pan-Euro.

Quality and Reliability

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There is a little bit of a question mark over the auto gearbox version of the Yamaha FJR1300 because it will take time and lots of miles to suss. But every detail on the A and AS models shows Yamaha are determined to produce a genuine class leading touring motorcycle, so it should prove a more durable, low maintenance machine for 60,000 miles of touring fun than many an oddball European rival.

Value

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The Yamaha FJR1300 represents loads of motorcycle for the money and ready to head to Spain straight from the showroom floor, unlike some rivals which need expensive additional luggage options. The key factor about the Yamaha FJR1300A is that it looks, feels and rides like it was designed specifically to waft two people in luxury for two weeks of motorcycling leisure. It delivers on all counts.

Model History

2001: Yamaha FJR1300A launched.
2006: Reworked Yamaha FJR1300A and AS models appear; new fairing, wider range of screen adjustment, plus adjustable seat and handlebar height. Luggage now standard, not optional extra, plus AS model has heated grips as standard fitment too.

Other Versions

Yamaha FJR1300AS: Same as standard model but with semi automatic gearbox, button operated on handlebars, or via gear lever [£16,499]

Specifications

Top speed	154 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.6 secs
Max power	143.5 bhp
Max torque	99 ft-lb
Weight	264 kg
Seat height	805 mm
Fuel capacity	25 litres
Average fuel consumption	41 mpg
Tank range	210 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	14 of 17

Engine size	1298 cc
Engine specification	16v transverse four, 5 gears
Frame	Aluminium diamond
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	Single 282mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17

Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog (2002-current)

Owners love their Yamaha BT1100 Bulldogs. Everyone else hates ‘em. Depending on your point of view the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog is either a relaxing, better-braked alternative to a cruiser, rather like a Japanese version of a Moto Guzzi Breva (that won’t break down), or it’s an ill-handling, gutless chump of a thing that would sooner dump you on your backside than take a right-hander with any kind of vigour.

Engine

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The Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog's air-cooled V-twin SOHC lump comes straight from Yamaha’s old 1100 Virago. And while it’s got some decent pull with 230kg to haul about it soon runs out of ideas and go. Bizarrely it makes all its torque early and high up in the rev range. The Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog needs loud cans to give it any kind of character.

Ride and Handling

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The big problem with the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog is brisk cornering. It simply can’t do a big lean to the right – the header pipe touches down, chamfers briefly, then lifts the front wheel and you’re on your arse. And it feels bum-heavy, too, like you’ve got a washing machine for a pillion. No – ride the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog like a cruiser or slow muscle bike and it’s fine, push it hard and it’s horrid. The ex-R1 superbike brakes are predictably good, the lazy bones ex-cruiser gearbox less so. In its defence, the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog is very comfortable.

Equipment

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Shaft drive keeps the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog's back wheel free of grime-attracting lube and the clocks are comprehensive (they were redesigned in 2005) and clear. From 2005 onwards the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog gained an ignition-based immobiliser as standard.

Quality and Reliability

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The Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog's mirrors are poor, showing more of your elbows than the road.

Value

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The only thing that depreciates faster than the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog is underwear. The hit on a new bike is phenomenal – a dealer would shave 50, yes 50, per cent of the original value on a trade-in after just a year’s use. So buy a two-year-old Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog and be a very much happier bunny. However, the best thing about the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog is the attention it attracts – civilians (non-bikers) love it. What price that, eh?

Model History

2002: Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog introduced.
2005: Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog gets slight updates including better clocks and seat and an immobiliser.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	109 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	13.8 secs
Max power	64 bhp
Max torque	60 ft-lb
Weight	230 kg
Seat height	812 mm
Fuel capacity	20 litres
Average fuel consumption	45 mpg
Tank range	200 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	14 of 17

Engine size	1063 cc
Engine specification	4v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment	Preload
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Twin 298mm discs
Rear brake	267mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	170/55 x 17