Weather finally permitted a '17 R1 vs '17 RSV4 RR demo today and thought I would share my thoughts as I know I have searched for similar posts over the last few weeks. I am buying one of these bikes in the next day or two.
About me: current '13 Gixxer 750 rider, only been riding for 3 years, looking to upgrade as I want safety features like anti-wheelie and ABS, 44 yo 185lbs 6'2". Here are the bikes in order ridden over a ~5 mile street route that includes stoplights, highway, and curvy back-roads. I AM NOT A PRO, my observations are those of a newbie who is not skilled enough to push these bikes to their limits.
RSV4: This bike felt very approachable and similar to my 750 in terms of seating, pegs, and reach to the bars. Very comfortable seat. The engine and clutch/shifting are so buttery smooth I felt like I had to double-check everything in the TFT display to validate that the shift actually occurred. The V4 felt very foreign to me, as the power was just everywhere. I was expecting a lot of heat and vibration but it just wasn't there - just gobs of effortless power. The bike feels heavy when you put it off the stand but once you're moving it feels smaller than it really is. Everything is just so effortless and slick, I don't want to say "undramatic" as that sounds like a slam but honestly it's also meant as a compliment.
R1: This bike felt very high, I think the seat height is within an inch of the Aprilia but it honestly feels much higher and much wider of a berth than the Aprilia. The seat is incredibly hard. The pegs, however, seemed to be lower than those on the RSV4 and once moving I honestly felt like this bike fit my 6'2" body a little better. The suspension felt less compliant on the street but tolerable. The switchgear seemed positive, direct, firm, and just must more intuitive to me than the RSV4's. The brake lever felt exceptionally firm and honestly was the worst thing about my experience on the bike - it has virtually zero give and requires a vice grip. Shifts were exceptionally direct and I never questioned a shift. Mode A was not as bad as people report but the off-throttle engine braking is so sudden it can definitely upset the bike in the hands of a newbie like me. Mode B made the bike feel very throttle-numb and I felt myself being less bashful with my wrist to get the bike to act like the liter bike it is.
Dealer is quoting me prices that put the Aprilia about $1200 more - a negative for the Aprilia. But a major negative for the Yamaha is the fact that I feel I'd have to flash tune it (and throw away my warranty) in order to fix the Mode A throttle.
If I were a more skilled rider and could take these things to a track I am sure I could form a more educated opinion. But to my mind the Yamaha provides a more visceral and mechanical (but less comfortable) experience whereas the RSV4 feels much more relaxed and "streetable". As a car guy who has spent time in both of these cars, the R1 is the GT-R and the RSV4 is the 911 Turbo.
Conclusion: 5 miles is not enough to get to know a bike. Both bikes are exceptional and good purchases. I cannot make up my mind.
About me: current '13 Gixxer 750 rider, only been riding for 3 years, looking to upgrade as I want safety features like anti-wheelie and ABS, 44 yo 185lbs 6'2". Here are the bikes in order ridden over a ~5 mile street route that includes stoplights, highway, and curvy back-roads. I AM NOT A PRO, my observations are those of a newbie who is not skilled enough to push these bikes to their limits.
RSV4: This bike felt very approachable and similar to my 750 in terms of seating, pegs, and reach to the bars. Very comfortable seat. The engine and clutch/shifting are so buttery smooth I felt like I had to double-check everything in the TFT display to validate that the shift actually occurred. The V4 felt very foreign to me, as the power was just everywhere. I was expecting a lot of heat and vibration but it just wasn't there - just gobs of effortless power. The bike feels heavy when you put it off the stand but once you're moving it feels smaller than it really is. Everything is just so effortless and slick, I don't want to say "undramatic" as that sounds like a slam but honestly it's also meant as a compliment.
R1: This bike felt very high, I think the seat height is within an inch of the Aprilia but it honestly feels much higher and much wider of a berth than the Aprilia. The seat is incredibly hard. The pegs, however, seemed to be lower than those on the RSV4 and once moving I honestly felt like this bike fit my 6'2" body a little better. The suspension felt less compliant on the street but tolerable. The switchgear seemed positive, direct, firm, and just must more intuitive to me than the RSV4's. The brake lever felt exceptionally firm and honestly was the worst thing about my experience on the bike - it has virtually zero give and requires a vice grip. Shifts were exceptionally direct and I never questioned a shift. Mode A was not as bad as people report but the off-throttle engine braking is so sudden it can definitely upset the bike in the hands of a newbie like me. Mode B made the bike feel very throttle-numb and I felt myself being less bashful with my wrist to get the bike to act like the liter bike it is.
Dealer is quoting me prices that put the Aprilia about $1200 more - a negative for the Aprilia. But a major negative for the Yamaha is the fact that I feel I'd have to flash tune it (and throw away my warranty) in order to fix the Mode A throttle.
If I were a more skilled rider and could take these things to a track I am sure I could form a more educated opinion. But to my mind the Yamaha provides a more visceral and mechanical (but less comfortable) experience whereas the RSV4 feels much more relaxed and "streetable". As a car guy who has spent time in both of these cars, the R1 is the GT-R and the RSV4 is the 911 Turbo.
Conclusion: 5 miles is not enough to get to know a bike. Both bikes are exceptional and good purchases. I cannot make up my mind.
