In short:Yamaha jumps the gun and launches the 2006 R1 before the competition. Over-confidence, or are the small changes enough to make a big difference? Engine capacity: 998cc Power: 175bhp Torque: 78.6lb ft Weight: 173kg Seat height: 835mm Fuel

In short:First out of the blocks for 2007 and hoping to stay there, Yamaha's new R1 looks the goods. But is it? Who better to say than Niall Mackenzie, ex-GP god turned mortal Top speed: 182mph Engine capacity: 998cc Power: 180bhp Torque: 87lb ft

Top speed: 182mph Engine capacity: 998cc Power: 179bhp Torque: 85lb ft Weight: 206kg Seat height: 835mm Fuel capacity: 18L Tank range: 160 miles Full Review: It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for the 2009 Yamaha R1. We’ve all been teased

Top speed: 175mph Engine capacity: 998cc Power: 150bhp Torque: 80lb ft Weight: 175kg Seat height: 815mm Fuel capacity: 18L Tank range: 150 miles Full Review: Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 after redesigning the Genesis engine to offset the crankshaft

In short:User friendly meets original raging bull in one super-smart package, the newest R1 is also the mostest R1 Pros:User friendly meets original raging bull in one super-smart package, the newest R1 is also the mostest R1 Cons:User friendly

later I'd cracked it - the aim with the new R1 was to create fusion, to bring rider and machine together in perfect harmony. Of course.The first way they planned to do this was by creating 'sensual' (Yamaha's word, not mine) throttle response

, injectors have been changed slightly as has the rear spring for the better. Thousands of minor tweaks - Major improvement! Overall: Moving from an impressive 2009 R1 to the 2012 50th Anniversary model, I think Yamaha have improved this model further

In short:Yamaha managed the same trick with the R6 as with the R1, caught everyone by surprise and redefined the 600 class. Pros:Yamaha managed the same trick with the R6 as with the R1, caught everyone by surprise and redefined the 600 class. Cons:Yamaha

, as with the 2007 R1, the adoption of the YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake system. Like the R1 a solenoid lifts the longer throttle-body trumpets that suit the lower revs off the top of the shorter ones that help the motor breath as it steams towards the red

was one of those, and in this case because it appeared to tick all the boxes for the sort of bike I'd be looking to buy right now with my own money if I had any.As with the original Fazer 1000, which shoe-horned an early, carb'd R1 motor into a pretty