When I first saw this, I thought it was a fake, a digitally-created image, but it would seem that from the PDI-type photos, that it’s real. From the side-on shots, the exhaust looks ugly, and pretty much like the original gixxer one from the 80’s, but when you see it from a more normal perspective, it doesn’t look bad!
I like the new design, though I have no idea what the hell is going on with the number-plate hanger, it just looks WRONG. No doubt it’ll look very sharp with a few ‘tidying’ modifications. No news on the specs or other changes to the bike. No doubt MCN will dream up some news for us tomorrow.
They always are, the legal requirements for plate holders, and the plates themselves vary from country to country. I bet it’d sure look good with a flush-mounted small plate stuck under there. I don’t like the mirrors either, but take those off and it would look pretty naughty! Tiny thing as well…
MMMmmm not sure i like the tail end…definatly looks like they forgot to design were the numberplate would go, then just found one and glued it on!!! other than that exhaust i think it looks good… roll on tomorow for MCN.
I’m going to be really controversial and say that I really like the exhaust. I wasn’t sure when I first saw the '05 GSXR 1000’s pipe but it has really grown on me and this is a variation on the theme (sorry, don’t remember the 80s Gixers!). I think stubby MotoGP style cans are the future and we’re going to see a whole lot more of them over the next 3 years. I’m surprised they’ve evolved so quickly as underseat pipes have only just take off on Japanese bikes and here they are on the “next big thing” already.
Agree about the mirrors - hideous! and as yet undecided about the tail unit although it’s different, that’s for sure!
Looks like original R1 to me. Not a patch on the lovely current R1 (thanks for the splendid pic of the black 1) with peek-a-boo fairing. (That’s a trade marked description, lol)
Whoever sanctioned that tail plate needs to have a word with themselves. Guess they are playing to the aftermarket guys. But don’t all new bikes seem to have grisly tail plate mounts? Mate’s RRs seem that way, all grey plastic and unnecessary.
I very much doubt the new R1 will come with Ohlins forks as standard! Not unless they’re breaking the mould and following the Aprilia path of offering an upgraded variant of their models. I suspect that’s just someone flexing their creative skills. The R6 is very nice I think though, I would happily ride one!
That R6 is actually quite nice, once its been messed about with ofcourse I’ll stick my neck on the line as well and say I quite like the can. Makes a change from the huge standard cans, or the underseat jobs which I’m not a fan of.
I expect a lot will change, The no plate is obviously an after thought and few other bits like mirrors are clearly from the parts bin at Yamaha - they look like they are off a '98 R6.
Happily consider one of them, think I’ll wait for the new Gixxers first tho
R1 on the other hand is just wrong!! That front is awful, looks like a Honda - a Honda CBR125 that is!! Ruined a stunning bike (even with underseat cans), lets just it looks better in the flesh as the computer generated images are poor.
The R1 looks good I think, a bit whacky-races, but that’s how they’re all going I think, sci-fi style looks. They’re getting smaller and smaller, this R1 looks about as small as it’s possible to go without reducing the engine dimensions. I don’t like that colour though, it doesn’t do the lines any favours, imo.
I love the all black R1, would def have one of them, good write up in the MCN today. As usual no work thismorning till i had finished my MCN and coffee…oh and fag then work.
Not sure i like the new model though…
I really like the idea of the tail end, having the number plate mounted on those two framy things (getting very technical) at least you don’t have to go out and find an undertray Just notch up your own plate hanger and indies.
As for the exhaust… I like the fact that its short but it does look butt ugly.
sorry guys, wrong pic… thought it looked just like another 2005 R1 with added bits… anyhoo, I think this might be the new 2006 version of the R1
I’ll stick my neck on the line as well and say I quite like the can. Makes a change from the huge standard cans, or the underseat jobs which I’m not a fan of.
Just notch up your own plate hanger and indies.