Hi,

I've been riding for 20 years and am considering purchasing an 04 R1 because, well, because I found a deal on one... But I once found a deal on a 1st gen R6 and although I never had 2nd gear issues I never felt confident in the machine knowing it was prone to it... So I'm asking all of you in the know, is there anything about the 04 R1 I should be concerned with? I read about the clutch not holding up, anything else to worry about?

Also, my last open class bike was a 1997 YZF1000R (the predecessor to the R1) and although it was a bigger bike than the present day R1 is, I just wondered how the gyroscopic effects of the larger engine feels compare to let's say an R6? I know there is only about 20 lbs difference between the two wet weights but does anyone have any input on how the gyroscopic forces are these days in open class bikes? Basically, I'd rather have an R6 (I really like to turn hard and flick the thing around) and it's really just the price that is attracting me to the R1... Any seasoned riders out there know of a way of communicating how much heavier the bike FEELS due to the larger displacement gyro effect? Or have they gotten the internals light enough to negate this? Even just five years ago a 1000cc bike that only weighed 30lbs more than a 600cc bike seemed to FEEL as though it weighed about 80 lbs more... I hate that and would like to avoid buying something I end up not enjoying... Any thoughts or impressions would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

Go for the R1 dude. Theres really not that much handling difference between it and the r6. Its a little heavier than the r6 but it really handles great. Technology on the liter bikes has become a huge factor these days. As far as the clutch, i havnt really read alot about it. Id imagine if you know how to clutch it properly it wont become a problem. Id much rather deal with a few clutch plates than the anoying 2nd gear on a first gen. r6. I had 2 r6s before i got my r1 and ill never regret it.

2004 R1s are known for having many issues in my opinion. I just bought an 04 R1 and already have the engine sitting in my living room(Of course this bike was ridden hard). They made a lot of changes this year. Seems like 04 issues pop up a lot - at least to me. I would go for an 05 - depends on how good the deal is.

What kind of problems have you had?