Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZF-R1 1000 2002 The art and the way

the YZF 1000 R1, a major evolution of theYamaha hypersport bike launched in '98, is undoubtedly one of the finest achievements in the history of the tuning fork manufacturer. For 2002, the YZF gets a new Deltabox III frame, whose geometry and rigidity are almost identical to those of the R7. A new EXUP valve, fuel injection, a new airbox, a new fork with reduced travel, new aluminum brake calipers (previously steel), and a slightly revised riding position... Aggressive, taut, sharp and exciting, the R1's silhouette will grab you by the guts. Its black frame, its openwork fairing, its beautiful aluminum parts, this magnificent front end with its inverted fork and arrogant brakewhat a delightful feast for the eyes - a real bitch who seems to be inviting you in for a striptease. To entice you even further, she seems ready to pounce, to chase the first passing stopwatch before it has time to beep.
A turn of the key and the magnificent dashboard comes to life as the rev-counter needle sweeps back and forth across the 13-digit scale. Even before you set off, the R1 inspires a racing atmosphere. You're not aboard a gentle sports bike; you're at the controls of a racing machine. This impression is confirmed and reinforced as soon as your hands reach the half-guidelines. Holy ..., it's low! The riding position is completely tilted forward, with legs tucked in and back, and wrists that taste like they've been riding for 5 km. Ever done push-ups? Put yourself in position and stay static at the top; it's the same. Add to this a fuel tank that spreads your legs wide, and you immediately realize that the R1 is uncompromising. Is the beauty to be earned? Let's find out.
It's amazing how a bike can distill so many contradictions into just a few kilometers of gentle cruising. You're carried away by the suppleness of the 4-cylinder, 20-valve engine, although it's a little rough at very low revs. Torquey from 3,000 rpm, it gradually draws us into the dance as we discover the bike's non-exclusive firmness. Firm, like the saddle, which isn't stingy with foam and doesn't destroy your rear end; firm, like the suspension, which nonetheless demonstrates elegant comfort, processing the information transmitted by the road and softening its roughness. Mind you, this has nothing to do with road-holding damping. But the R1 doesn't give you the severe racket blows you'd expect from an Italian. Nevertheless, broken in 2 and after a series of bumps on the road, the rider starts to suffer after ¼ hour of use. But a short trip to the roads of the Ain quickly turned into an almost carnal passion.

Speed stabilized - 5000 rpm. The engine starts to rumble and seems to be talking to you through its rasp and vibration: "What the hell are you doing? Crank up the watts and get a move on!". Well, OK. Exit a slow bend, drop a gear and turn the handle. Now's the time for the boiler to lift the veil. Without a moment's hesitation, the bike takes off as if propelled by a slingshot. You can really feel the torque "carrying the bike", like a jet plane being lifted off the ground. Then, at around 6-7,000 rpm, it's the power that takes over, transforming the external environment into Space Mountain. Fairly linear in its revs, the mill lacks a little character but not power. It pushes hard, very hard, the front end ceases to negotiate with the road and the digital speed figures scroll like crazy. At high revs, the 4-cylinder takes off furiously, never falters and becomes downright furious after 10,000 rpm. A tap of the (programmable) shiflight warns you that it's time to give a little neck of the boot. The gears shift almost by themselves and the gearbox locks up without a care in the world. It's only on the first few gears at low speeds that the selection can prove slightly capricious.
With the potato in the cylinders, it's easy to melt a lead. Caution is the order of the day when you start teasing it in earnest. Agile (and it's much better with a 180 at the rear instead of the original 190), the R1 nevertheless demands that you place it on the corner. It descends gradually (but not instinctively), then settles into a very secure track. Watch out, you'll be there in no time... A slightly disastrous entry into the bend, a poorly-managed brake grab and the steering locks up as the bike rises. Shit, be careful! A few more passes and we have to face the facts: the Yamaha isn't that easy. Fortunately, the revelation comes a few days later, on the Lèdenon circuit.

At the first session, the bike wound up well, but it wasn't quite up to scratch. The machine doesn't give itself away completely and my trajectories aren't that great. Strange, for a circuit beast. The day goes by, I wonder, and suddenly, in the triple left, the revelation. Powerful entry, stern stare, iron fist and authoritative driving. The R1 nestles into the bend, holds the line and exits smoothly. I screw on the handle, the rear tire rips off a few chunks of asphalt and the nose takes off. After that, the machine and I hit the big time with the greatest of ease. Here's the thing: you've got to go for it without hesitation. To give its best, the R1 requires authoritative, muscular, fast and energetic driving. From then on, it's a feast of precision and sportiness. It now places itself on the corner and becomes a real tool, razor-sharp and pure pleasure in its sporting evolutions. The rider's position, untenable on a Sunday drive, takes on a whole new meaning. Whether you're out on the town or on the track, you'll feel right at home, totally in the race spirit and as indicative as the bike itself. Re-adapted to the road, the muscular ride is just as effective, with the bike's only fault being its lively front end, which just begs to be steered. A steering damper is a must, and even with one, the front end feels as incisive as it is ebullient.
The brakes, so renowned, are also very strong.

A little marvel, with a remarkable feel coupled with impressive power that's perfectly dosable. Whether it's the throttle or the brake lever, the connection between the right hand and the machine is sensational. Driven like a drum, the R1 is a concentrate of adrenalin and endorphins.

time to get back. Night falls and the road is long. The R1 will make you pay for its exclusivity. The bubble is pretty and the design is bleeding like hell, but the protection is pathetic. If you're in such a hurry to go very fast, you won't last long at speeds in excess of 240km/h. It's already been a long time since the cervical vertebrae have been under maximum strain, but the problem is that the front of the full-face helmet is starting to dig into the jaw. No need to insist.
A refuelling break after 170 km and it starts to float a little. Cleverly, I had the presence of mind to pack a pair of rain pants. But with a mini U and a box of condoms, that's all you can fit in the boot. As I'm leaving, a hitchhiker would like to ride with me. I don't see why not. She climbs into the saddle, finds herself with her kneecaps level with her chin... and calls me a bastard after 15 km because she finds the seat so uncomfortable.

Demanding, exclusive, generous and stunningly beautiful, the Yamaha R1 is one of the sport's most beautiful mistresses. Some bikes appeal to you; others call out to you; a few, rare ones, inhabit your dreams and sometimes give you the shivers before you've even started. The slightest ride quickly turns into a qualifying session, and in the evening, after a good ride, you go home shattered, but happy.

M.B - manufacturer's photos