MRW Issue 1

Simply put, the new R1M is
the pinnacle of R1 offered to
the market and a step above
the base model. It’s one of
those machines we all dream
about and for very good reason,
as it’s a dreamy package.
This bike is smooth, silky,
and powerful in every way
possible. It makes quick and
easy work of any and all corners,
loves being pushed to
the limit and does so with a
symphony of pure delight
belting out of the extra-fitted
Austin Racing exhausted system
fitted to this bike. I will
never get tired of hearing
and thrashing a big bang R1 –
it’s something that will stand
the test of time.
When I tested the new R1
base model a few months
back I was worried it was not
going to be much different to
the previous model, which is
not a bad thing, because that
bike was sensational. How
could Yamaha possibly make
their already outstanding
machine any better I asked
myself? That question was
quickly answered after only a
few laps on the new machine.
To the naked eye, not much
has changed, but the changes
made can be felt out on track
and when used properly will
result in faster lap times and
an overall better ride.
That was the base model,
this is the R1M, and the
overall riding experience on
this machine is just 20-30%
better. While the power figures
from the CP4 motor are
the same, the way the Ohlins
electronically controlled
suspension helps use it all
means the bike, and the rider,
feel faster around every corner
and down every straight.
“To the naked eye, not much has
changed, but the changes made
can be felt out on track and when
used properly will result in faster
lap times and an overall better ride.”
The R1M is a proper
dream bike - you crave
its beauty, its power,
its pure awesomeness.
The sensation of
riding this bike will
forever be embedded
in my dreams.