Used Bike Guide .............................. Everything you need to know when buying a 2002-2003 R1.
In 2002 Yamaha released their most refined R1 to date.
Releasing a new sportsbike in the 2000s was like walking a tightrope. On the one hand you had to unveil something that had enough power to put your rivals to shame or you were instantly out of the running, but on the other you had to also ensure it wasn’t too unwieldy for the roads. Remember, back in the early 2000s electronic assists such as traction control didn’t exist and so what manufacturers gave riders at their right wrist was what the rear tyre received - which wasn’t always a good thing…
Having unleashed the often somewhat wayward 1998 R1, Yamaha had used its first update to calm its chassis down, but in 2002 they faced a dilemma. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 was now on the scene and had moved the goal posts in terms of sheer brute power – should Yamaha respond in kind or continue to refine the R1 instead? In the end they opted, much like their current MotoGP project, to make their bike easy to ride at the sacrifice of headline performance figures. And when you sample the 2002 YZF-R1 5PW, you can’t help but applaud their decision as it is one of, if not the, most balanced and beautiful R1 generations to ride. So how did they do it?
Developed under the philosophy of ‘total control’, the 5PW took the basics of the R1 that predated it, but added a whole heap of refinement. While the 998cc engine owes much of its bare bones to the original 1998 model, a new suction type of fuel-injection system that mimicked the operation of carbs gave it not only a lovely throttle
response, but also when combined with modifications to the engine’s internals a welcome boost in performance.
At a claimed 152bhp (which equated to a genuine 137bhp) it wasn’t that much of a leap forward, but it was delivered with far less aggression than before, making it more accessible to riders. A theme that was repeated in its chassis.
Again, taking the bones of the previous generation, Yamaha refined the Deltabox chassis and in its third incarnation made it 30% stiffer than before while also altering the swingarm pivot point and engine’s mounting position, all moves aimed at improving its feel and balance. But don’t think they went all-out relaxed. The geometry remained decidedly sporty with the same fork off-set as the R7 and beefier 43mm Showa forks ensuring the R1 could cut it in the bends or on track. The end result was, and remains to this day, a genuinely lovely sportsbike for those wanting proper performance without the slight worry that you are on the verge of entering a hedge should you start to wind the throttle on with any real enthusiasm.
Nowadays you can’t help but enjoy riding this fabulous generation of R1 as it is such a far cry from a modern sportsbike.
Devoid of any electronic assists, you need to actually think about what your right wrist is up to because while it delivers about 70bhp less than the current R1, that’s still a fair chunk of power. But what is so impressive is the R1’s mid-range, which is silky smooth and packed full of grunt, making it a joy to ride on the UK’s roads as there is no urge to go searching for the redline to keep the pace up. This is a bike that rewards smooth riding and if you aren’t aggressive on the throttle, the chassis will respond with far greater eagerness.
We are talking a bike that is 18 years old here. However, on the road you would struggle to believe that the R1’s chassis is that dated. Balanced, agile when needs be and with brakes that have more than enough bite, all it really requires to be able to keep up with a modern litre bike is a fresh set of tyres and possibly a suspension refresh. It honestly is that good and where the generation that replaced it, the first underseat pipe R1, can feel a bit heavy and cumbersome, the 5PW is light and eager to respond without ever giving the impression it might get slap-happy like the earlier carbed bikes. It’s all about the balance – see? But happily the 5PW also looks pretty damn fine as well!
You have to hand it to Yamaha’s styling department because the 5PW is an incredibly elegant bike to look at. The LED tail light (which was a first in the motorcycle world) combines seamlessly with the sculpted tail unit and under tray to create a beautiful back end, while the fairing’s highlighted triangular main side panel and superb use of colours only adds to the R1’s style. It is, quite simply, a beautiful bike – especially in silver.
So with style, natural balance and strong performance, is there anything this generation of R1 lacks? Not really, it is an excellent example of how when you get every component of a motorcycle working together instead of fighting one another, the end result is something very special indeed. If you are after a road sportsbike to ride and thoroughly enjoy at a brisk pace, the 2002 YZF-R1 should be right at the top of your shopping list.
Verdict 8/10
As a road sportsbike, the balance and mid-range offered by this generation of R1 is hard to beat. A really lovely bike to ride that also looks pleasingly elegant.
+ MID-RANGE GRUNT, REFINED NATURE, LOOKS
– LACKS THAT R1 WILD SIDE; PRICES QUITE HIGH FOR SUCH AN OLD BIKE