Topic Approved.

That was an awesome read rossiter! Thanks a ton for sharing that experience with all of us here, at xBhp..Can we get some pictures as well?? Loved reading through the whole write-up. Thanks!

nice write man .. how come you didn't ride the vmax.

.:. Archi

Whoa!!! Man, I'm jealous!

A very good write up. Where are the pics??

Awesome Akhil as usual...got the actual feel of "Akho Dekha Haal"

awesome write dude. please post some pics.

Thanks for the nice write up . That must have been an amazing experience.

Some of the first questions that come to mind are:
1. How is the low end torque on the 09 R1 (2K to 7K rpm)?
2. Remaining at 454 lbs wet weight, how would you compare it with the ride feel of the 08 CBR and the 08 R1, especially when flicking corners?
3. About the smoothening of the torque ... I guess riding it is the only way to really understand the difference, but still () could you please try to throw more light on that.
4. These are costly toys and "looks do matter" (atleast to me; however shallow that sounds) so how does the 09 R1 really look, in person. The cans can always be replaced, but the front looks dissappointing in the pics. Some may have grown to like it, but I believe in love at first sight, like I did with my wife .

There seem to be some aspects that bring a negative hint to your final conclusions on the bike. Eagerly waiting for your post with more info in that regard (especially since, after waiting for the 09 R1 for 2 years, I was dissappointed enough to jump the gun and get an 08 R1).

fk you man I am all jealous...

Damn!

Man that was one awesome write up! ... enjoyed reading every bit of it! looking forward to the next post and hopefully some pics too! great experience there!

Demands first. Can we have some pictures please?

Appreciation follows. Awesome write up! It's one thing to put up a review for mates on the forum, and its totally another to do it with complete involvement and make sure that the reader is enjoying it as much as you enjoyed the bike! Whoa! Awesome.. rock on!

Thank you Rossiter for an amazing write up. Felt as if I was sitting behind you and taking a ride

Please do post up some pics to complete that ride

Thanks for the fantastic write up Akhil . It is always a pleasure to read your posts

Thanks guys. I took a long time to prepare the writeup, and I have missed some things that I wanted to write about. I'll write about it over the next couple of days in parts as and when I am able to.

About the pics that many people have asked for.. I'm sorry to disappoint, but the ride was made possible on the condition that I wouldn't take photos, and being the only non-media rider, I didn't really have enough clout to argue otherwise. However, a fellow rider has graciously allowed me to use his photos, but I will be able to post them after his publication uses it in their magazine. So patience

@Spat: A fellow 08 owner eh? I wouldn't kick myself too much if I were you man.

Regarding your questions, here are my answers:

1) Low end torque: It was quite comparable to my 08 R1. Again, the bike has to be tested on a dyno for actual comparison, but it's safe to say that there is a marginal improvement over the 08 in this regard.

2) Handling: Easily the biggest improvement in the new bike. Streets ahead in confidence and fast direction changes. That's why I said I would love to ride this in MMSC where it's all about flickability in low to mid speed corners.

3) Smooth torque: If you look at the umpteen videos on the 09 R1 that are out, it'll explain all you need to know about a crossplane crankshaft and how it helps in smoothening the torque out. It really works and while it comes on fast post 6-7k, it is very controlled and very linear.

4) Looks : The front is very polarising. Very much like the 08 Blade. I'm one of the guys who actually don't like the front end. I love the way the ram air intakes have been integrated, but the overall front isn't appealing, while retaining the unmistakable R1 front end look.

As for the cans, I can already see Akrapovic and Yoshimura salivating with the new R1. Although, they have some work to do in making their exhausts sound better than the stock cans

Amazing writeup bro
We've come to expect nothing less from rossiter..

Completely agree with you on the front end..

The 08 front looks like a milllion bucks.. Im sure you've spent a fair bit of time admiring em lamps

Pity that the weight reduction policy and the new lamps have played havoc with the 09's front end looks-wise

Sometimes I think you have chosen the wrong profession, and sometime I think you are following the right passion. Whatever the case may be, this is one hell of a pendown. I am looking forward to see the 09 R1 in someone hand's soon!