The FI model is much nicer to deal with. Putting it away for the winter, starting it cold, consistency in running, etc.

I bought the 02 over an 01 specificially for it because I wanted the addition of fuel injection. It also gives you much more control over the mods you can put on it for engine management.

 

The '02's dont really have more power due to having FI but they do have a better throttle response. Retuning for performance mods is easier as well since you dont have to pull the carbs everytime you want change your tuning a little bit.

Ive never had a problem with my '01 so far as cold starts and storage go. Just throw in some fuel stabilizer for the winter and your good.

 

There's nothing wrong with the carbed models.



With regards cold starting, Yamaha were still fitting the R1 carbed engine to snowmobiles, long after they switched to FI on their streetbikes, so cold starting is not an issue.

My 1999 has 60,000kms on it and its never had a full carb rebuild, just a balance after fitting an aftermarket pipe.

 

nothing at all wrong with carbed bikes just a lil more hassle free. you have better consistancy and better over all throttle response but as far as power goes no not really any difference other than the carbed R1's were torque monsters as is the 02 anyways