Went out with Stu today and was the first time on the R1M.
Firstly - this bike may possibly be the best handling bike that I?ve ever ridden. Unreal actually.
Wasn?t impressed with the power compared to the Beemer really but I had it in power mode 2. Changed to power mode 1 and it was unreal.
I found it very, very similar to my 1299S but that?s not a bad thing. It?s more aggressive than the BMW I?d say as well.
The finish on the Yamaha is amazing and really impressed with it. Considering it?s 2 years old and 4K miles which is double what the beemer is, there?s less marks on the paint.
One concern I had with the Yamaha was the brakes. I?d heard loads of rumours that this was the bikes weak point. I?m not an aggressive braker but I can honestly say the standard brakes performed faultlessly.
Just don?t ask me to choose between them both cause I?ve no idea which is better than the other.
Beemer has more creature comforts and the dash and controls are the best I?ve seen on any bike. The heated grips, Bluetooth and sat-nav are nice touches on a road bike.
I?m not a fan of Michelin tyres and I?ve really grown to love the Metzeler K3s on the beemer but that being said I had no issues with the Michelin Power 5 CTs that?s on the R1.
In reality they?re awesome bikes and if you had to choose between them it would be really difficult.
The carbon bodywork and overall finish of the R1 might sway some but then the cost/value of the Beemer can?t be beaten I don?t think but you do sacrifice a bit of quality for it. Reliability issues on the Gen 4 might also play their part in some people?s decision.
Be interesting to see what one I go to first in the garage next time I?m going out.
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