Feedback needed on '12 vs '08 R1.

[StraightSuccess]

Originally Posted by z064life

:secret

Not many bikes are left stock, so comparing stock for stock isn't going to do you much

My plan isn't to leave it stock. I'm gonna mod it to perfection. I'll also have to build a relationship with the bike as I've never ridden a 1000. Over time, and with track practice, I'll be there. I'm a quick learner, and a natural born rider.

The bike I'm looking at is 99% stock. The only mods it has is a fender eliminator kit, and some fresh Michelin PPs. Very, very, very low mileage as well.

EDIT: Also, anything I'm on will fly attributable to me only being 145lbs., give or take. School keeps me skinny.

[Jacobien]

Ooh, in that case get the 08. My 07 also had very low mileage, that was fixed very quickly

Only problems on the 07-08 is the ECU - some have problems starting and keeping idle when hot. This can be fixed with a throttle body sync. Then there is the 2nd gear 5,500RPM issue - when you throttle in that area nothing happens. A replacement or flashed ECU will fix that.

Other than that, very pleased overall...

[cheong1106]

Ok I cant get the vid onto youtube but its on my timeline and its public.

Soon Cheong Rex Tan

Have fun.

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[AKDMA]

Originally Posted by SakiBomb

^Preeeeetty sure the 07/08 suspension is better than 09+...

Based on what? I doubt it. My 2011 suspension is bone stock, just adjusted (well, until tomorrow) and it did very well at the track and riding on the street the way I am in my avatar.

[z064life]

Originally Posted by StraightSuccess

My plan isn't to leave it stock. I'm gonna mod it to perfection. I'll also have to build a relationship with the bike as I've never ridden a 1000. Over time, and with track practice, I'll be there. I'm a quick learner, and a natural born rider.

The bike I'm looking at is 99% stock. The only mods it has is a fender eliminator kit, and some fresh Michelin PPs. Very, very, very low mileage as well.

EDIT: Also, anything I'm on will fly attributable to me only being 145lbs., give or take. School keeps me skinny.

See you at the track so we can see just how fast you are.....

[z064life]

Originally Posted by AKDMA

Based on what? I doubt it. My 2011 suspension is bone stock, just adjusted (well, until tomorrow) and it did very well at the track and riding on the street the way I am in my avatar.

I've read the parts in the 09+ suspension were a step back from the 07-08. That said, the stock suspension will allow anyone but the very top riders to ride at their limit.

[iceman4357]

Originally Posted by Jacobien

Ooh, in that case get the 08. My 07 also had very low mileage, that was fixed very quickly

Only problems on the 07-08 is the ECU - some have problems starting and keeping idle when hot. This can be fixed with a throttle body sync. Then there is the 2nd gear 5,500RPM issue - when you throttle in that area nothing happens. A replacement or flashed ECU will fix that.

Other than that, very pleased overall...

This only affected 07 bikes to my knowledge. When the dealer replaced my ECU with an 08 model the 2nd gear 5500 stutter went away.

Let me chime in a little since I have ridden both street and track.

Stock advantages:
-07/08 does have a better suspension. If you get an 07/08 lower the bike on the forks 5mm. It makes the bike tip in and feel much more stable through turns.
-Brakes feel the same to me
-07/08 has a bigger top end
-09 has much better mid range. Makes exiting corners MUCH easier. On my 07 I have to hit a downshift to get into the 10k rpm usable power range. (07/08 can be fixed with a -1,+2 sprocket).
-09 seat position feels more comfortable(personal opinion from a 6'2" 200lb guy)
-09+ A,B,C mode allows you to adjust the bike to your riding style.
-12 will have TC, which can be a good or bad thing. While I am not good enough, I have read reviews of TC being too much. Some guys like to slide the back end around.


Thats about all I can think of currently. Good luck with your decision.

[AKDMA]

What about the 2007 suspension is better? I find it odd that Yamaha engineers would take a step backwards. Just lower quality cartridges, or? The forks seem pretty good and the shock seems really good for a stocker. TTX and springs for the forks going in this week for me.

[Meister37]

Originally Posted by AKDMA

Based on what? I doubt it. My 2011 suspension is bone stock, just adjusted (well, until tomorrow) and it did very well at the track and riding on the street the way I am in my avatar.

The suspension is different, but they really didn't do anyone a favor with the light springs and the cartridges.

Originally Posted by AKDMA

What about the 2007 suspension is better? I find it odd that Yamaha engineers would take a step backwards. Just lower quality cartridges, or? The forks seem pretty good and the shock seems really good for a stocker. TTX and springs for the forks going in this week for me.

Better springs, better cartridges, more adjustable. Shocks are nearly identical. The 09's aren't horrible, they are par for the course for most stock bikes. Yamaha really outdid itself with the 07-08 forks. Maybe due to the reaction of the 06 SE's acceptance as such a great front end, but the 07-08 was one of the best stock front ends ever installed on any non SE motorcycle.

If you had an 08, you'd know I'm not lying. I can ride my stock 08 in advanced class at a track day and it's not pushing the limit too bad.

[StraightSuccess]

I'm definitely looking forward to meeting some of you at Lightning and Thunderbolt next year.

[SakiBomb]

Originally Posted by Meister37

The suspension is different, but they really didn't do anyone a favor with the light springs and the cartridges.

Better springs, better cartridges, more adjustable. Shocks are nearly identical. The 09's aren't horrible, they are par for the course for most stock bikes. Yamaha really outdid itself with the 07-08 forks. Maybe due to the reaction of the 06 SE's acceptance as such a great front end, but the 07-08 was one of the best stock front ends ever installed on any non SE motorcycle.

^What I've read/heard as well, but then again I haz no experience on either

[Yam M1R]

Okay I had to do some research on '09 suspension. cycle world, sportrider,motorcyclist USA all complaint about the '09 suspension. The 10,111&

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[Yam M1R]

Sorry about that . 10,11&12 alot better then the '09

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[Oz_R1]

Originally Posted by z064life

I've read the parts in the 09+ suspension were a step back from the 07-08. That said, the stock suspension will allow anyone but the very top riders to ride at their limit.

No its just different, the chassis setup and flex is completely different on the 09+ compared to the previous models, like Meister said the springs are well soft, but if you sort it properly, drop the front and raise the rear she does turn well

[AKDMA]

Actually on the crossplane, the key seems to be raising both ends considerably. Graves runs Ohlins+shims, probably a link too. Forks are extended.

[Meister37]

Originally Posted by AKDMA

Actually on the crossplane, the key seems to be raising both ends considerably. Graves runs Ohlins+shims, probably a link too. Forks are extended.

Aftermarket forks, adjustable link system, adjustable triples, adjustable swingarm pivot. They really aren't comparable to a stock bike.

[AKDMA]

Maybe, but I own one and this has been working for me so far. Additionally Ohlins USA, conveniently located in my town says the same thing. Lastly, so does Charles Graves, who I've been asking about suspension geometry. Ohlins has fork cap extensions to go with the cartridge kits in our forks to allow for enough ride height up front. The rear they do at stock length+4mm and whatever link settings are being used. Oh and they aren't aftermarket forks, there are series restrictions. Tubes are stock, they run the same stuff we can buy.

[drjak]

Originally Posted by z064life

See you at the track so we can see just how fast you are.....

How long have you been riding at the track again?

[z064life]

Originally Posted by drjak

How long have you been riding at the track again?

1.5 years (.5 years healing up from back surgery or it would have been 2)..why?

[iceman4357]

Originally Posted by AKDMA

Maybe, but I own one and this has been working for me so far. Additionally Ohlins USA, conveniently located in my town says the same thing. Lastly, so does Charles Graves, who I've been asking about suspension geometry. Ohlins has fork cap extensions to go with the cartridge kits in our forks to allow for enough ride height up front. The rear they do at stock length+4mm and whatever link settings are being used. Oh and they aren't aftermarket forks, there are series restrictions. Tubes are stock, they run the same stuff we can buy.

All of what you said is true. Shimming the rear and the Ohlins caps that raise the front 4-5mm helps the bike out a lot, but the OP was asking about stock 07/08 model vs 09+. I think we all agree that any bike setup with a full Ohlins (pick your brand) will be far superior to any stock suspension bike.