But aren't Yamaha India supposed to sell the 2008 R1s here, in India!?? This is absolutely shocking.

Technically they should have. But, in India where you don't have too many options, you just have to suck it up.

When the managers in Yamaha don't know what they are selling, how can you expect customers to know?

So, all those who have bought an official R1 here have got 2007's. Anyone who says his is a 2008 is either lieing or doesn't know the exact date and is just going by what was told to him at the showroom.

Many many congrats Sandycorebiker.
More appreciation for buying with your own hard earned money.
No problem on the remaining 2200. There is always something to spend that on

Enjoy the ride. Ride safe.

Isn't it just the stickers that have changed between the 07 and 08 model??

I could be wrong though!

There's a reason this generation of R1 is called 07/08. It's because both are identical, barring a paint/sticker scheme change on the 08. My R1 when I bought it was manufactured 3 months (9/07) before I got it. So it wasn't such a bad deal for me. But the guys who are buying it now are definitely getting a raw deal because Yamaha should be selling these bikes at a discount.

@Bladerunner: As for the tyre, you sure it's a PP? The tread looks like the Corsas! Maybe my eyes are deceiving me, or I haven't had enough sleep

But seriously, it put my doubt to rest. Thanks.

I'm damn sure they are Michelin's.

Hey buddy my heartiest congratulations to you for getting the beast....Ride safe.And looking forward to ride with you very soon...

man.. better wait for the 09 r1.. i.e if they launch it over here (or maybe by that time they might start selling the leftover stock of 08 r1s.)

Thanks everybody for your wishes. Its really overwhelming to see so many replies!!

Talk about it...Waiting to molest her gradually

Hope i can avoid that public response Aryan!! Would love time alone with her in some mountains

On my way dude...

Hey dude that's good in a way. Story was same with me. Hence as soon i started working i had that focus to save up. It helped me not to spurge on other things. Work on it..you will defintely reach there. You will also have many options by then..

Already found so many avenues to spend. Have start right from cover
And the confusion..Wrong no sir . BTW farfromnormal you have to yet crack you Far from Normal news here..Response to that will be defintely fun!!

I am not exactly able to recollect which forum i was going thru' sometime back. It said chassis mfg year doesn't signify whether it is 07 or 08 model. Reason is simple, Yamaha must have decided long back what changes they want to make for the next year bike. I mean though R1 09 is launched, like in case of MotoGP they must have already started working on R1 2010 model.
So argument i am trying to make is, since in early 2007 they must have decided that R1 08 would have only sticker changes, the production of chassis would continue in the factory. They don't have reason to stop that. And hence the chasis shows the date of mfg. Also Chassis, engine, frames etc when manufactured probably wouldn't get consumed immediately. There has to be some inventory somewhere. Probably they were busy selling 07 inventory then before starting manufacturing 08 model.

Second argument i want to make is i am uploading 3 Ken da's R1's snap and 1 snap of R1 2007 launch in Wikipedia. Ken has confirmed 07 model. Carefully observe 2 things, one that the side frames of 07 which are shinny/glossy and 2nd is that R1 is written in silver. Both Akhil's and my R1 has matt finsh with R1 written in golden letters(observer the last snap). Probably these are the sticker difference we are talking about.
Also last but not the least, Yamaha had also mentioned they are launching 08 version in India.

IIRC.. Ken da's 'One has the front air intakes shaped elliptical against Akhil's rounded rectangle type..
Please do correct me if im mistaken..

If true.. Does that mean Ken da's 'One is a '06 spec Yammie..?

These pics might help :

The '06 R1 :


The '08 R1 :

Brrr..... Man that opening shot gives me the goose-bumps, i'm sure you just can't keep your 32 pearlies from showing when you are on/near/thinking about your "1" , Way to go! Your story is the real "Slumdog Millionare" to me Man Thumbs all the Way UP!!

Hey El loco i wasn't born in slums dude!!
I am from middle class family!!

All the Japanese superbikes are on a 2 year development cycle, which means after every major design change to the bike, the following year the bike will remain the same save some cosmetic changes. Honda's CBR1000RR is due for a change next year, just like how Yamaha's R1 had a major change this year.

And AFAIK, Ken's R1 is the US spec R1, which explains the stickering difference.

Nope, no difference there man Ken definitely has an 07 R1

Woooeee...Write up straight out of the heart , hearty congrats dude...

My dream is still stuck onto the wall... you know what I mean...

It must be an overwhelming feeling just to have the "one" parked in your drive way... and saying to yourself, "hey!! thats mine"

Best of luck with your new ride..

BTW, your ride looks like a raptor in the cage, waiting to get loose...