2013 Yamaha R1 Review -

The 2013 Yamaha R1’s been updated with the addition of traction control, smoother fueling and a new rear shock, all in the name of making the 180bhp superbike more exploitable.

Research specs, pricing, insurance and compare the 2013 Yamaha R1 to other superbikes here.

What’s New:

To us, the 2013 Yamaha R1, for the last nine years, has been one thing above all other superbikes — an ultimate cornering machine. The introduction of the crossplane crankshaft in 2009 complimented that prowess by enhancing a rider’s feel of what the rear wheel was doing, meaning you could get on the power that much earlier in complete confidence.

That’s a characteristic which should combine well with this new 7-mode, switchable traction control system. Because the R1 already has ride-by-wire in the form of Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle, traction control was a relatively easy addition. This new system monitors front and rear wheel speed, RPM, throttle position and gear selection. It monitors lean angle by reading changes in the rolling circumference of the tires. When rear wheel slide reaches a certain degree — determined by lean angle and which level you’ve selected — YCC-T adjusts the injection and ignition to bring it back in line.

Other changes are minor. There’s no extra ponies, but more importantly, they’ve managed to smooth out the previously rough fueling. A mode can no longer be referred to as, “nutcracker mode,” it’s been smoothed out to replicate the feeling of Standard mode while still offering 30 percent quicker throttle response during the first 50 percent of throttle opening. The rear shock now has a spring that’s stiffer at the beginning of its stroke and softer at its end. The rate was changed from 98.1n/mm to 93.2n/mm and spring preload has been increased. All that results in better bump absorption and improved rear traction. That can be felt on bump roads too, the ride is now much plusher.

2013 Yamaha R1 Review - Photos and Specs

What’s Good:

Traction Control made learning the new bike around Chuckwalla easy. At its highest, safest level of intervention, I noticed the TC light flashing on the dash on most corner exits. You can’t otherwise feel the system kick in, you just seamlessly accelerate out of the corner, drama free. This is an advanced system with subtle control, it keeps you in line without dramatically and harshly cutting power.

Settings 3 and 4 allow you to slide the rear out of corners like a pro, just in complete safety. Ever ridden an R1? Imagine riding in aggressive A throttle mode, then, as the rear wheel begins to spin, switching to mile B mode. That’s what it feels like when TC saves a slide. the power delivery soften enough that you can ride out the slide without letting off the gas one bit.

2013 Yamaha R1 Review - Photos and Specs

The Verdict:

The big question here is, “is it worth spending up to the 2013 R1 over a used model with a budget for modifications?” We have to say, after riding it hard on street and track, go for the new model. Its smoother power delivery and all the other subtle changes really do make it a better overall package. Plus, you gain this huge safety net in the form of traction control. The 2013 R1 gives you the confidence to push the now-higher limits.

RideApart Rating: 7/10

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