Who in their right mind needs this? Well it's not about need it's about want. The nice man at the Yamaha Dealership tossed me the keys and said, "Go and enjoy yourself!" So I did...
The Yamaha YZF R1 is a 1000cc Superbike of epic proportions, you need to experience 0-60mph in around three seconds to realise what it feels like - I can't describe it adequately. Not can I explain how keeping the throttle on and watching the needle sail past 100 in 5 seconds feels.
Suffice to say I enjoyed this afternoon. In truth the performance tests were completed on quiet empty roads, the rest of the ride I spent swinging through city centre streets marvelling at the sure-footed handling. Make no mistake this is a track capable bike with headlights yet it is demure, nimble and respectable if you want it to be. It won't let you down in polite company but one flick of the wrist unleashes a wild animal.
Watch for more pictures - I have placed an order...
14 February 2006
Blue Test Rocket
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19 comments:
Congratulations PV. I look forward to the pictures. You deserve it.
I see you,
JJ
Sirreene - I'm past the significance of V Day so I chose waspish yellow and black. In view of my seriously advanced years I am generally a safe rider - I take some risks but don't we all? You keep reading and I'll keep writing :)
JJ - my treat to me! I'll be posting pictures of the beast in early March. This year's new licence plates are issued on 1st March so I'm waiting until then to take delivery - so it starts off as an '06 bike.
Yeeeeee haw! That's so cute...that loving dreamy effect you put on the photo. :-)
Jen - did you like the bit about 'demure and respectable?' I prefer the 'wild animal' but either way it's a dream.
...the perfect antidote to quiet mornings on the computer. Maybe I should get one?
Patry - you might like it... The rush of adrenaline brings razor sharp alertness - an afternoon ride is for me more a state of mind than a method of transport.
What an extraoridinary move forward in life and on the ground. Congratulations! What a fun way to start off a new life venture. Also, I really enjoyed the photos of London. I've been to England twice, but only once to London. My husband is English and his mother and brother live in Stoke-on-Trent. Later this year we'd like to visit and go back to London. Your photos brought back good memories. Will look forward to seeing more. I am now posting from my new blog site (Ventura Prose) and my user name is boulies. Finn got me started with Ventura Poems. He created the blog and linked it to his. I took a giant step(for a computer idiot) and made my own blog.
Boulies - I already have a black beast hulking in the garage but I am eager for more horsepower so I climbed to the very top of the Yamaha tree and plucked the juiciest fruit they sell. I am justifying it on the basis that I wanted a new toy after 30 years of work. Rather lame but ultimately I only need to justify it to myself... Stoke is a good train ride from London so you should get to see some countryside as well as the sights of the capital. Good luck with Ventura Prose, you are nearly a webmaster now!
sounds like fun. scary but fun. the next time that i am on the M3 and a flash of yellow and black speeds past i will toot my horn and flash my lights.
warp factor twelve here he comes!
CJ - it is perfectly possible to frighten oneself rigid with these things. This is the fair weather toy the Mondeo is the workhorse. I am on the edge of The New Forest so I get to scratch on the M27 first then the M3!
Very nice machine my friend. Great choice. It seems like something you can lean into and morph to become one. That's flying!
I've never driven a motorcycle but when I was in my early 20's, I was a regular passenger on a friend's bike. That was the most awesome feeling. He and I would take a route called "Sunset Cliffs Blvd.", along an ocean front in San Diego, California. That was an incredible experience. I haven't been on a bike since, but the memories sustain me down to this day.
Have fun...of course I don't need to tell you that.
:)
Congrats to you, PV.
Neetee - I'll put up pictures of the new one in early March (Black and Yellow!) Riding really is like becoming one with the machine, it's more a state of mind than a journey - fantastic experience.
The Pacific Coast run sounds great. The technology has advanced out of all recognition since the bikes I rode in my twenties. I went back to 2 wheels last year after a 20 year break. I couldn't afford 2 wheels AND 4 but now fortunately I can so yes, I'll have fun! ;)
Morgan - got to have some toys even at my age!
This may sound like I'm taking the piss, but I'm not, but I saw that photo and though -Tron!
Ruk - no not a cyber-motorcycle! I assure you this is the genuine article - the real deal.
my boyfriend wants to buy a motorcycle but i dunno...it's not very safe, is it? i've read about/saw far too many motorbike-related accidents. be careful there PV.
Mussolini - this is Yamaha's most powerful production bike and is a real handful even though I passed my test 27 years ago. In most countries legalities should restrict the size of bike a learner can ride. That limits speed but doesn't alter the fact that a human body without a metal shell is highly vulnerable. Even if he passes his bike test do warn him against the allure of something big and fast, they can be suicide machines. The internet has plenty of shocking video clips designed to remind viewers of the reality of reckless speed. Now I've gone and frightened myself!
Respect is the issue as with most things and riding fast under the right circumstances is a thrill hard to better...
I love that shade of blue and you are absolutely right perfect....It IS about want, but somewhere in that want is the NEED to feel free, alone, one with the road....I hope you bought it :)
DG - back to want and need again and those blurred edges :) The NEED for healthy solitude is strong in some people.
This was the R1 the shop loaned to me. I took some photos in my garden while I had it. Although the blue one is smart I have ordered the yellow and black edition - it looks gorgeous! Ill post some pictures after 1st March when I pick it up.
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