The Yamaha YZF-R1 as Secondhand Motorcycle

A one or two year old Yamaha YZF-R1 as secondhand motorcycle, it's not hard to imagine why the Yamaha R1 could be your first choice if you look for a used motorcycle, as it's a stunning machine. Although still thoroughly modern, the familiar lines give it a classier image than any of the other 1,000cc motorcycles available on the used motorcycle market.

Most foreigners in Thailand would also prefer the roomier feel of the Yamaha YZF-R1's ergonomics. The lure of much-hyped MotoGP technology and links to the World Championship Winning Yamaha MotoGP team might be too much for some to resist as well.

Sadly, the Yamaha R1 is not our most favorite 1,000cc motorcycle. That's not to say that the Yamaha YZF-R1 is bad. It's awesome ridden in isolation, and more than capable of convincing you this is the best set of wheels you can buy in Thailand. But technically we can find faults, especially if we've compare the Yamaha R1 to a Honda CBR1000RR 'Fireblade'.

The engine comes in for the most criticism. The Yamaha engine needs a fuller midrange to increase flexibility, peak power's also down and as for the fueling; it's about as predictable as a bouncing ping-pong ball. The result is that you never feel as plugged into the Yamaha R1 as you do on some of the other 1000cc motorcycles on the market, this in turn reduces confidence and ultimately, enjoyment and speed.

We know the Yamaha R1 can be helped though, as some riders have done. By dumping the standard cans and Y-piece in favor of items from aftermarket exhaust manufacturers. Also adding a Power Commander III and let it be installed by somebody who knows what they're doing will surely help.