Going exceptionally fast doesn’t need to be an exercise in terror, and Yamaha’s R1 is proof. In a category saturated with all-powerful engines and the latest electronic wizardry, the R1 outpaces its competition with an unparalleled combination of great suspension, strong brakes, and a chassis that instills confidence in riders of varying skill levels. Its comprehensive electronics package makes the riding experience safer (and faster) through predictable and seamless intervention, while the engine, with its sultry snarl, makes abundant usable power throughout the rev range. The lower-spec R1S keeps entry price down, and the sexy, electronically suspended R1M adds a feeling of exclusivity. The standard R1 finds a happy medium, delivering class-leading performance and, more importantly, a feeling of excellence, track or street. Pick whichever you like.
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