All Duels – Duel YZF-R1 – CBR1000RR C-ABS: Sensations or safety, two schools clash! – Hunting for details

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Duel YZF-R1 / CBR1000RR C-ABS: Sensations or safety, two schools clash !

All Duels - Duel YZF-R1 - CBR1000RR C-ABS: Sensations or safety, two schools clash! - Hunting for details

In a category where performance matters, Site subjected the Yamaha R1 to the famous Cross Plane rigging and the CBR1000RR equipped with the efficient road-proof electronic ABS.. Verdict of this (hyper) sporting duel !

The hunt for details

To make up for its poor city performance, the 2009 YZF-R1 takes a toll on the chest at the time of the traditional "coffee-cigarette" marking the end of the motorway purge: taking advantage of the autumn sun to highlight its sober black color and its golden rims, the Yamaha plays the card of seduction, one of its strong points since its release in 1998.

Class, sensual and a bit feline, the 2009 model has a certain charm and can boast of a neat finish. Some may regret that the pure and slender line of yesteryear has become slightly thickened over the vintages: the double exhaust outlet and its prominent protections (on which the unpleasant passenger’s ankles stumble unpleasantly!) Are in particular more and more shorter and wider.

Less flashy, the CBR1000RR ultimately takes more time to get used to – or even succumb to – its lines. Blame it on a strangely flattened front end and a back shell lacking in charisma.

However, in its HRC color – the racing department of the first manufacturer – the Fireblade emphasizes its incredible finesse – the difference is obvious when passing from one machine to another -, its irreproachable surface treatments – the Honda emblem on the finely glittered tank is just gorgeous – and its finish superior to its rival.

From mirrors accommodating the night lights to the integration of the electrical harness through the quality of the welds, the CBR1000RR does justice to the reputation of the Japanese manufacturer..

The Yamaha does not demerit and also offers a more complete dashboard (read the "Instrumentation" part of the technical sheets). Combining, among other things, a well-placed and visible shift light – unlike that of the CBR -, a gear indicator engaged – absent on the Honda – and consumption computers, the console of the R1 sets the bar very high and only the ugly "Select" and "Reset" stickers spoil a whole as clear as it is aesthetic.

Definitely more sophisticated, the Yamaha releases a high beam and low beam switching mechanism with solenoid coil: in codes, a visor covers part of the headlight, while in full headlight it retracts to deploy the entire headlight beam. New on a production motorcycle, this device gives the 2009 R1 a look that is both original and aggressive..

Catch Me If You Can !

Deserted, rural and as flat as Jane Birkin, the Trojan countryside will play the justices of the peace in this exceptional duel: straight in the plain or winding in the woods, the roads of the Aube have enabled our two starlets to make the powder !

The first to pave the way, the Yamaha is a delight for the senses with its torquey and endearing engine that would almost make the Honda’s "4-legged" look like a sad 750! But as mentioned above, the Fireblade clings without failing and to its handlebars, the pilot is more relaxed and less experienced than on the R1.

More incisive than before, the latter unveils new suspensions – the fork tubes enjoy separate adjustments for more efficiency and simplicity – and better refocused masses: the new frame Deltabox allows the motor to be positioned lower and further forward, de facto improving agility. Nevertheless, the Yam ‘still requires a certain engagement in curves, where the Honda appears neutral and intuitive..

To get the most out of it, the use of the pelvis, thighs and arms is constantly required: the R1 does not drive, it drives! However, the exercise is undoubtedly fun – even exhilarating on dry and well-maintained roads – but it turns out to be tiring after a whole day of driving on an unknown course and full of surprises: the mud, the dead leaves and vicious bumps quickly took charge of moderating the ardor of the Yam ‘pilot…

More recalcitrant than the CBR in the event of correction of trajectory, the R1 suffers from an agreement of suspensions too firm within the framework of a road use. What’s more, its steering damper struggles when exiting bumpy curves, while the Honda element shines for its efficiency in all circumstances..

However, on an asphalt as smooth as Madonna’s face after yet another facelift, the Yamaha passes the CBR. Its traction and especially its traction are a tone above: the impression of managing exactly the power requested with the throttle is astonishing and as the 998 cc is stingy neither in sensations nor in torque, the curve exits offer a feast for the senses !

Less demonstrative, almost cold, the Honda is however far from being worth it: its shorter wheelbase (1,410 mm against 1,415 mm for the R1) and its double beam aluminum frame even give it an agility that cannot be achieved. boast the Yamaha !

43mm cartridge fork and shock absorber Unit Pro Link offer an astonishing "sport-comfort" compromise for a Hypersport and only the best feeling delivered by the front of the R1 allows it to take the ascendancy in very fast curves … and very well coated !

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