Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

So as the title suggest: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?

I'm off to look at a few this weekend and was wondering if there is anything model specific to look out for?

Cheers,

Tim

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

Anyone on here got any info?

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

aint got a r1 but would recomend a blade,any way go for a one owner never seen rain low milage fsh one that hasn't done track days or used as a wheely machine and you wont go far wrong,and then its down to condition

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

R1 is the 'Ring weapon of choice, just ask the locals ;)

Going for something lowish mileage, just wondering if there are any weak points.

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

The front end feel on all R1's is shocking. If you need confidence in that forget them. My 03 R1 was by far and away the worst handling bike i have ever had. Even after having the front set up for me and ktec new internals etc the feeling of it wanting to wash out was always there.

A friend has a 04 one and said the same about his version.

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

Strangely this is the opposite to what my esteemed colleagues have said, interesting...

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

Neio speaks da troof.

R1 front ends are notoriously vague, the only one I ever rode that felt planted was a 2003 5PW model (letterbox rear light) that had Ohlins R+T forks fitted and an Ohlins shock. I'd say a Blade or GSXR K5 onwards would be a far better bike.

The R1 suffers from weak steering heads, they can oval the top bearing housing and I've seen three now with this problem. Also, gearboxes and clutches are weak, they all drink oil and top ends get noisy by 20K miles. CCTs give problems as do gearshift detent springs on up to 2002 models (easy fix if none of the bits fall into the gearbox). Body panels are very flimsy and crack easily. Exup valves stick and it's an expensive job if it's been left like that. There is a diagnostic function on the tacho needle that tells you when the valve is stuck - read an owners manual before you go to view so you know what's what. I've replaced four alternators on various model R1s in the past two years and that always takes the reg/rec with it.

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

Thanks for that.

Re: Yamaha '04-'06 R1 - Anything to look out for?
 

A-holes in cars? :)