2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 Track Comparo Photo Gallery

2009 Superbike Smackdown Track. (From left): Chuck Sorensen, Adam Waheed, Steve Atlas, Michael Earnest, Ken Hutchison.

Class of '09 (from left): Ducati 1198, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Yamaha YZF-R1.

Kinelogix Yamaha Data Chart.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R1.

Yamaha's Mike Ulrich helps rider Chuck Sorensen get the Yamaha set up. The R1 proved to be the mystery of the test.

When it came to the R1's handling, we had mixed views.

The Yamaha's turn-in was quick and fairly easy.

The Yamaha's biggest issue was an under-sprung and overly-soft front end that would blow through the stroke and bottom out when pushed hard.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 Smackdown Track Test

Straight-line speed of the new R1 wasn't up to par with the rest of the Inline-Fours.

Trust us when we say it looks better in person than in photos.

Getting ready for its big Superpole run. Handling woes held the Yamaha toward the back of the pack.

'For me the Yamaha R1 is the best looking,' said Waheed. 'And the sound is just awesome!'

You have to give it to them though; the sound emitted from those twin tail-pipes is amazing!

Hutchy tests the Yamaha's max-lean abilities.