While Neale enjoyed the new R1 at Laguna Seca I had a brief flirtation with Yamaha’s new sporting figurehead at the perhaps even more daunting 4.45km of snaking blacktop that is Phillip Island.

It was all but a fleeting and too brief affair with this sexy little blue number but it was enough to offer a small critique of her performance.

First impressions were excellent. There is plenty of room to move, the controls felt natural and with the engagement of first gear there was virtually no driveline lash. Exiting pitlane the selection of the next cogs were equally effortless with perhaps the shortest throw of any sportsbike shifter and the smoothest engagement I can remember. I really think this gearbox is the benchmark for not just sportsbikes but for all motorcycles, especially when teamed with the slipper clutch.

The engine pulls very smoothly throughout the rev range. During my time at the track I didn’t get to experiment with the lower end of the rev ranges so did not notice the 4500 rpm bump that Neale remarked on. In contrast to his experience however I could feel that extra surge in engine aggression as the throttle tubes shrunk to their shortest length for that final charge towards the 13750rpm (indicated) redline. Time on the street would really be needed to fully evaluate the engine’s true real world character but at this stage of the game I am comfortable to gauge the top end performance of the R1 as most probably the strongest on offer from any litre bike. The new intake technologies have certainly beefed up the middle but I still think the GSX-R1000 and perhaps also the Fireblade feel stronger through the mid-range. The moonshot gearing on the R1 could be a factor in that seat of the pants measure but I certainly don't think your average R1 pilot is ever going to complain about not enough horsepower anywhere in the rev range.  The R1 engine certainly feels the smoothest sportsbike engine yet made with very little mechanical noise heard or harmonics felt through the controls. Again, only real world time on the street will tell the full story but early indications are that the R1 will certainly make a wonderful streetbike.

That thinking follows through to the light and easy to use controls and a riding position that is far from cramped.

The brakes are progressively powerful through what feels like quite a large range of lever travel. There is no initial savage bite and it feels as though a firmer squeeze is needed on the lever than on some of its competitors to bring the full braking force to bear. For most riders I am sure that will make for a safer street ride under emergency circumstances and would also be most welcome when road conditions are far from perfect.

The bike turned easily on its Dunlop Qualifiers and was easy to keep on line. I did experience a little front end patter that I am sure could have easily been dialled out with some time to experiment with the settings. I think the front end cure would have come from a few adjustments to the rear suspension. So often such minor front end oscillation stem from the rear shock rather than the forks and I am confident that was the case here and a cure would only have been a few clicks away.

An 18 litre fuel tank, smooth engine and gearbox, plenty of room to move and controls that feel natural from first acquaintance certainly point to the fact that the 2007 R1 is the most polished sportsbike package ever to be shipped from Iwata. In Australia the R1 has thoroughly cemented its place at the top of the sportsbike sales charts and the arrival of the new machine in late January will no doubt serve to strengthen that stranglehold.

Bikebiz are expecting first stocks of the new machine next week and invite test ride bookings at their Sydney stores. Contact them on 02 88 300 555.