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Power trip
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Yamaha is finally bringing its superbikes to India. Rishad Coopertest drives some models
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Have you always dreamed of owning a superbike but never had the opportunity to buy one? Have you always wished some of the gorgeous bikes that are sold internationally would be made available in India as well? Finally, your dreams and wishes are abou
t to come true. Yamaha is coming to India and when it does, the fleet of super machines that will arrive on our shores will have bike enthusiasts drooling for a piece of the action. Though the Yamahas that are featured in this story have been replaced by newer models, they do serve the purpose of giving you a pretty good idea of what’s coming.
Given that these bikes are built by Yamaha, expect superior quality parts, excellent fit-finish and loads of top-drawer stuff. Delicious cast-alloy everywhere, exotic alloy frames, multi-cylinder engines with fuel-injection, liquid-cooling and hydraulic clutches, upside-down front forks, linked monoshock rear suspension, adjustable levers and twin front as well as rear disc brakes are only some of the features that these big bikes are armed with. Get ready for the ride of your life as we cruise on not one or two but five Yamaha superbikes.
Yamaha YZF-R1 (2005)
The first bike to come under scrutiny is the formidable Yamaha YZF-R1 featuring a compact, racy-looking instrument cluster and thoroughbred track-side handling ability that impressed me to no end. Traffic allowing, letting loose a few of the bike’s 180 straining ponies to effortlessly nudge the occasional 140kph doesn’t even have the bike working up so much as a sweat. The R1 uses an astonishingly tall gearbox that allows crossing such high speeds in even its first gear. On one occasion, I round a winding left-hand corner at a relatively-sedate 130kph in sixth to realise the other side holds a stretch suitable to finally open up the R1.
EVERYONE’S IN IT Finally, Indian riders can get their dose of superbike power. (Top) Yamaha YZF-R1, (bottom left) Yamaha FJR 1300 and Yamaha YZF-R6
The R1 transforms from deceptively docile to ‘all-fangs-bared’ mode. Chomping hard at the bit, it literally tears through the air, engine revs from its liquid-cooled, short-stroke and parallel four-motor frantically howling from 7000rpm upwards, while pulling like a locomotive into the upper throes of its powerband. In no time at all, the rev needle zips past 12,000rpm and it’s time to slam in a quick-gearshift. It’s difficult to focus away from the road now, and the R1 feels like it is barrelling through a funnel with no let up in sight as its wall of power propels us faster. The one time I could steal a glance, the speedo is crossing 250kph and I summon all reserves of courage to keep the throttle wrung just a few more fractions, before easing off and gingerly dabbing the brakes with a finger and light foot as the corner looms larger and too close for comfort.
Clearly, the R1 isn’t a bike designed to roll-down traffic-laden streets. In the looks department too, this bike seems racy and powerful even only standing still. The completely faired-in styling looks gorgeous. However, on the downside, pillions might be rather uncomfortable seated high on the rear of this bike, and searing heat from the engine works its way to a rider’s legs at slow speeds to often prove very uncomfortable. This is definitely a bike purpose built for speed and set to arrive in India within a few months.
YZF-R6 (2006)
The 599cc YZF-R6 is built in a similar mould as the R1, with identical wrists-at-seat-level ergonomics, and adrenalin-pumping performance purpose built to champion the bike’s ‘race replica’ role. Like many 600cc bikes, riders will have to bury the rev needle to truly get a feel of all its potential. Riding gurus will notice the bike actually lacks decent power at low rpm. For a bike that makes a massive 131.15bhp peaking at 14,500rpm, it can even feel slightly lethargic below 6000rpm.
However, pass 8000rpm and the world starts to blur, this getting worse higher in the wide power band. The rev-counter on the 2006 model test bike I rode was calibrated all the way to an eye-popping 20,000rpm. Acceleration is more than impressive when the bike is in its powerband, and I was surprised to effortlessly achieve a quick rush to 220kph and back. Both the R6 and R1 offer smooth clutches and positive-feeling six-speed, one-down and five-up gearboxes that shift via sporty toe shift levers.
FJR 1300 (2005)
The FJR 1300 is the bike to choose for enjoyable long rides. It pampers riders and pillions alike and also has features that ensure rides remain comfy and stress-free always. The FJR uses excellent twin headlights, and an adjustable electric screen that provides bonus wind protection over and above a large fairing. Powered by a five-speed, liquid-cooled, in-line four 1298cc powerplant, the FJR transfers drive via a shaft. Making 143.5bhp at 8000rpm, the FJR carries around ample lugging power to whoosh down highways, gladly decimating distances without any drama.
Owing to the fact that this machine is bulky and brawny, short riders might not enjoy the high, yet well-padded saddle. However, this is one super bike that tall men and pillions will thoroughly enjoy. The 2007 FJR offers adjustable handlebars and even an ABS braking system.
In addition to the above mentioned bikes, we were also treated to Yamaha’s XJR 1300 (2005) and TDM 900 (2005). Watch this space in our next issue where we will outline those potent Yamahas for you.
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