Best year of R1 and why? : Yamaha R1 Forum

QuarterHorse · 03-31-2008, 10:25 AM

I hope to be in the market sooner than later this year to get an R1 to add to my stable, and was curious on your thoughts/opinions on what year is the best and why?

I hope this doesn't start a flame war or anything, I just genuinely want to know.

Thanks all,
Dustin

XStuNTeR6X · 03-31-2008, 10:29 AM

2008 R1. the best because well... i have one. lol jk but i mean i guess newer is better? idk every year or model change they always add new stuff or fix stuff to make it better. so every year it gets better and better. now to anyone without an 07 08 im not saying your shit sucks at all not even close im just saying as far as technology is concerned newer is better.

Bogie · 03-31-2008, 10:30 AM

The 07 Bro!!

Best Handling, Best Power and Best Looks!!

Here's an Example: http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223132

QuarterHorse · 03-31-2008, 10:31 AM

Haha I agree with that, I had just seen a post on here stating the 04-06 was and I lost where. Just curoius.

Thanks all!

*EDIT* Bogie I actually saw that post.

mhans11 · 03-31-2008, 10:35 AM

04-06 Because I own it, and it's the sweetest looking machine ever built!!!!

Mad German · 03-31-2008, 10:39 AM

2001 - The last of the Great Carb'd Beasts. Low and Mid range like a MO-FO! Bulletproof engine, smooth as silk carbs, more power than I know what to do with. I love mine.

5272R1 · 03-31-2008, 10:41 AM

get the OG 98 R1
it started the whole r1 evolution a decade ago

stan1 · 03-31-2008, 11:07 AM

Plus one.... )07 all the way.

Stan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogie

The 07 Bro!!

Best Handling, Best Power and Best Looks!!

Here's an Example: http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223132

CosmoK · 03-31-2008, 11:46 AM

In all honesty, every year is great. I've had a '99, '02, '05 and '06. I have ridden an '07 with a corrected ECU and it was impressive, but not much different IMO from the '06. The earlier models have much better bottom end torque and are great street bikes. Styling wise the '04-'06 are the best looking bikes. You can also get them for great prices. Either way, you can't lose.

02R1FUN · 03-31-2008, 11:57 AM

depends on who you talk to and what they own. Every year gets "better" in someone's opinion, that may differ from yours on what is "better". But everytime the bike gets better there is a chance of something new going wrong with or to work out the bugs. I havent heard too many bad things about the 08-except maybe your ass still roasts.

stuntsteel · 03-31-2008, 12:05 PM

i had an 01... didn't like messing with the jetted carbs all the time.

my 05 is awesome. love the handling, power, and everything about it.
only thing i disliked is the extra heat from the cat. but now that is replaced with a boz bros exhaust and no problems now.

from what i hear about the 07-08 is the handling is a little better but the electronics have some problems. ecu's have to be replaced.

Wheat · 03-31-2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmoK

I have ridden an '07 with a corrected ECU and it was impressive, but not much different IMO from the '06.

You didnt "Ride" it then.

bmacknyc1k · 03-31-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheat

You didnt "Ride" it then.

I agree Wheat, if you cant tell the difference in power from 06-07, you haven't really rode the 07/08......there is a noticeable power difference everywhere in the powerband.....my 06 gixxer was more powerful than the 04-06 R1s...and the 07 R1 is faster stock than my 06 gixxer 1k was with custom map/yosh japan slip on, etc......

the 07-08 R1 and k7/8 Gixxer 1000 are neck and neck in the power department, and i actually think the R1 may have a little more on top, plus its better everyuwhere else(brakes/suspension/looks, etc.)

Bogie · 03-31-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmacknyc1k

I agree Wheat, if you cant tell the difference in power from 06-07, you haven't really rode the 07/08......there is a noticeable power difference everywhere in the powerband.....my 06 gixxer was more powerful than the 04-06 R1s...and the 07 R1 is faster stock than my 06 gixxer 1k was with custom map/yosh japan slip on, etc......

the 07-08 R1 and k7/8 Gixxer 1000 are neck and neck in the power department, and i actually think the R1 may have a little more on top, plus its better everyuwhere else(brakes/suspension/looks, etc.)

QuarterHorse · 03-31-2008, 12:39 PM

Thanks for all the replies fellas.

***Skeeter*** · 03-31-2008, 03:07 PM

Just about everyone who answered the question replied with the year bike they own. I think you need to ask yourself "What do I want out of the bike?" '98-'01 was a ground breaking monster in the class. '02 got fuel injection. '04 and up got the underseat exhaust with taller gearing and more HP. Anything '03 and under has massive low and mid range power out of the box without mods. If you want more on top less on the bottom {stock bike} go with '04 and up.

QuarterHorse · 03-31-2008, 03:34 PM

Really the big points are injected over carburated and the low end vs. top end? No frame, shock, brake issues to be had with any of the bikes? No one run had a weak point?

ROD FIORE · 03-31-2008, 03:50 PM

just get a old one and a new one like i did

QuarterHorse · 03-31-2008, 04:03 PM

If money grew on trees and I had a few, you know I would.

Klo1320 · 03-31-2008, 04:11 PM

it depends on what you want the bike for. just cruising on the streets, the 02-03 might be the best bet out the box. To me the 04 and up, are the better looking bikes. My 04 has me going wow, so I can only imagine what the 07-08 can do. If i could afford it, I would love to have an 08 raven.