Why an R1?......

[Selous]

Ok I want to start off by saying that I'm not having a go at these guys im just curious as to why.

I went to the NEC on Wednesday and bought Nick Sanders autobiography. I also got another a couple of little books and got a couple of DVDs thrown in. I watched the DVDs yesterday and thought why an R1? Why any sportsbike for that matter to go around the world, Americas etc. I know some people will say because they can but it still doesn't make any sense to me.
An adventure style bike will be more comfortable, economical, reliable, have a bigger tank range, get more kit on etc.
It does prove you can have an "adventure" on any bike but still can't understand why?
He is sponsored by Yamaha so presumably has access to the 1200 Tenere and he can't do 180mph everywhere so why?
Like I said watching DVDs like this is inspirational and I'm not having a go just why a sportsbike when it would seem pretty much everything else would seem like a better bet.

dont for get there is that swedish guy he went around the world on an R1 too he was at HU 2012 for get his name & was in abr mag last mag, he seems a little out there :whistle:
he said R1 as he always rode tham & ideal for him hmy: horses for coursers

& Saunders is now advovcating the ten i saw him on TV saying it is the bike that does it all, simlar to what he said on the R1 & he has opended up his place in wales now.

have you noticed bike RTW bods or adventure riders who want to keep on doing it end up selling there books at bike shows giving talks, turning up at bike events or film events
all that to get dosh togeather so can ride even more, only a few are Nationally & internationally known

not having a dig but sometimes you just wonder......

[APD_660Ten]

Met him at a few shows and always liked him when I chatted to him. He's certainly quirky. Have a look at his travels in the 2 long boats.

As for the r1, he's always sided with it. I think part of it might have started out as being different but once you've done something once and it works I guess he got to know the quirks and the work arounds for other trips. Important if you're doing these things to try and break records which I believe some of his trips where an attempt at.

I know he has mover to the s10 now but I believe it took some persuasion from Yamaha (and I suspect cash). Had to laugh at one of the stories about him having a book signing day at a dealer and the dealer asked him to wash his bike:lol: I think his response was something like "do you realise how much effort it has taken to make it look like that"

Talking of the R1... What about the guy in this months mag? Suppose he could have done it on a 1200 GS but he didn't want to.

There is something nice about a bike that you both trust and understand. It might not be the best in class at what you are doing on it but if you are comfortable you'll ride better for it... And more importantly you'll enjoy it more.

[picos mestizo]

An adventure style bike will be more comfortable, economical, reliable, have a bigger tank range, get more kit on etc.

Can't agree with your more reliable.
There's one thing that an R1 ouzes & it's reliability especially @ RTW speeds.
Which is the single most important thing above all the others. Everything else can be compromised on.
Pretty sure there's a dutch guy on his 8th circumnavigation on an R1.
& he states that as far as he's concerned it's the best bike for the job for him & utterly reliable.
Pretty sure he's also got good sponsorship.

http://www.sjaaklucassen.nl/
This is the feller (thumbs)

[picos mestizo]

It might not be the best in class at what you are doing on it

A very interesting statement.
Who would decide that.
The WHICH magazine :whistle:

[APD_660Ten]

Fair point. Who does decide these things....mmm a group of people paid to write a magazine. Shhhh... They might be watching :whistle:

[corbine]

Ask Bruce why hes in the middle of his rtw on a gixxer thou- crashes and all…http://www.teapotone.com/site/latest-ne ... ia-laos-2/
in fact its time i gave his thread a bump

[Richard Simpson]

Let's face it you can ride most of the way around the world on tarmac.

He wanted to do it as fast as possible...so best to have a fast bike.

Those engines will last for ever unless they get over-revved.

He rode around the world on a racing bicycle before so comfort isn't an issue.

Also, the 'sit up and beg' riding position isn't always comfortable, because nearly all your weight in on your bum.

I used to ride various Italian bikes with clip-ons, and, providing you are doing a decent speed (30 mph +), much of your body weight is supported by the airstream. It's only really round town where your weight is on your hands and your hands are working hard on brake throttle and clutch when it becomes uncomfortable.

I now prefer the 'trailbike' riding position, but that's more for visibility, particularly in the narrow lanes around where I live...it's nice to see over the hedges.

[waynecoluk]

I subscribed to ABR at the NEC and read about Lucassen when I got the mag. Another person who relies on the R1. It's strange as it's not even the best sports bike but obviously very reliable. Maybe some people just "fit" into sports bikes. I've just turned 40 and just riding to Snetterton from mine was a killer 30 miles away...I'm defo a sit up and beg sort of rider...

[V_King]

for PR, publicity, marketing. call whatever you want. yamaha marketing department is very happy having a "fastest bike" in their herd in the record books.

[davsato]

the R1 has proven to be one of the most reliable bikes ever over the years, yamaha just got it right, full stop. puts a lot of "adventure" bikes that cost 50% more to shame, if you can cope with the riding position then why not? an R1 is 190kg, a GS is what, 220kg? my old sprintST was more comfortable than my varadero.