By now most have probably seen that awesome new 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 commercial that airs on SpeedTV. You know the one that cuts the sound back and forth from it bike ripping around a racetrack to mute. It’s awesome and it is exactly how the new R1 sounds in real life.
 
In fact, in our 2009 Superbike Smackdown Street motorcycle comparison all of us we’re completely enamored by the righteous melody produced from the R1’s unique engine engine firing order. Indeed if I was in the market for a brand-new sportbike it be an R1 based on just how it sounds—it’s that rad.
 
But having just bolted on a set of FMF’s Apex carbon fiber pipes all I can say is WOW! From the moment you fire the engine until the key is turned off it’s almost like you’re obligated to rip around at maximum speed just so you can hear the roar of the engine. Who needs a high-end car stereo when you can just listen to FMF speakers bellowing at full song?

Plus the looks you get from people on the street are priceless. Even old guys in piped-out Ferraris heads will turn as you blast past them. The last time I heard a motorcycle sound this cool was when we had a Ducati Desmosedici with a set of $8000 Termignoni’s.
 
Even better is that with the pipes installed our R1 still runs perfectly without any signs of the engine running too lean or rich and it feels like it’s got a more steam throughout the 13,500 rev range. If you’re a 2009 R1 owner you need a set of these FMF pipes.