Then there's the suspension. On paper the small revisions inside the fork and the shock do not speak to the changes that we felt on the track. And even though last year's bike was praised in the suspension department, this one is clearly better. The fork, in our first impression at a beat, National-caliber-rough Glen Helen track was stellar. It was plush, never deflected, always hunted down traction and resisted bottoming in the gnarliest curbs and cupped jump landings. You could point it anywhere and hit anything. The rear followed suit, almost matching the near perfection of the fork, never causing an issue. If there was any concern, the bike used more of the stroke, especially in the rear, than we were used to. It didn't wallow, as a bike setup like this tends to do, but it just rode a little low in the rear for all weights of riders. This strangely did not compromise the turning one bit. Sure the bike was sensitive to ride height, either through spring preload or high-speed compression, which is a sign of a well set-up bike. Both adjustments were effective tools in getting the exact turning and stability feel a rider preferred.
Yamaha has a great brake feel, front and rear, and the motor drew little mention of compression braking. The five-speed transmission is spaced right and shifting is decent; though our bike still feels like it could break in a little more, an oil change will definitely help here. The clutch on our bike seemed to require constant attention to the adjustment as well, like it was getting used and abused. As a whole it held up just fine; we could have easily been stupid and cooked it by not keeping just a little free play at the lever, though. Yamaha opened up the seating position and rider's compartment by just a few millimeters, nothing that is going to satisfy the plus-sized riders out there but it was comfortable for anyone within average range. It did feel more comfortable quicker for a few riders accustomed to other brands.
Do we like it? Obviously we do and more than we thought. This is the second Yamaha that was quick out of the 2008 gate and quick to impress us. Now it is mothball time until the shootout or can we really park it for that long?
What's Hot
Better power, shorter muffler and reasonably quiet.
Stock suspension fits and works great for a wide range of riders.
Yamaha fit and finish is top of the line.
What's Not
Cool black anodizing wears quickly.
Just enough changes, refinements and improvements to make it necessary to upgrade from your 2007.
Specifications
MSRP: $7099; white, $7199
Actual weight (ready to ride, no gas): 231 lb
Seat height: 36.7 in.
Footpeg height: 16.0 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 20.7 in.