Went out for a nice ride on the R1 yesterday. I've put about 1500 miles or so on the bike, (it's my 2004 model). I've had many of these sportbikes, but never one like this! Since I began to feel more comfortable on the bike I decided to get more heavily into the throttle to test some of the power in a higher speed regime. I waited until I was on a nice, long straight country road, no ditches and in a familiar place, no other traffic. I carefully checked the pavement for any obstructions, (rocks, sand, etc), them I turned around at the end of the long straight and pointed the bike back to the beginning of the run. No, no cars comming, I was all by myself. I rolled on the throttle hard in first, let the front wheel back down at about 6000 rpms and steadily ran the throttle up to about 11000 shreaking rpms, then smoothly, (but quickly), shifted to second. Once the clutch was fully released I went straight to WOT. HOLY SMOKES! The bike screams like a formula 1 car! I was doing about 75-80 and in second, the front wheel once again reached for the sky! Nice and smooth power up in second, very controlable. AHHHH! I stayed on the throttle and it just lifted so smoothly, I was amazed! This bike is absolutely amazing! The power seems limitless. No disrespect intended, but you guys can keep you MV's and Ducs. I'm never selling this R1!
