On a chilly February morning MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo got off his Yamaha M1 to try for one day the all new 2009 YZF-R1; the new-generation YZF-R1 inspired by MotoGP.

Lorenzo tested the bike on standard setting so no fine tuning was done from the production machine and after only a few laps he immediately understood this YZF-R1 is like no other in-line-four cylinder supersport bike : “I don’t ride this type of motorcycle very often. But compared to the road bikes that I remember and that I tried three or four years ago, this R1 has improved a lot on every level”.

As a matter of fact the all-new version of the YZF-R1 is more closely linked than ever to his YZR-M1. The cornering and agility of this new R1 is great, which is of course one of the best qualities of the M1. “Its engine has a lot of torque and it's very easy to handle. I liked how easy it accelerates out of corners” explained Lorenzo.

The new engine feels and sounds smoother than ever, and emits an unforgettable growl from the exhaust which sounds just like the M1 at full throttle. “I love the sound although it could be a bit misleading. When you hear it, you may think it’s not going to go fast but when you open the throttle it delivers a lot of power!” said Lorezo with a smile.

But he was even more impressed with the feeling of grip: “What surprises me is that the front tyre doesn’t lift from the ground like previous motorbikes did. With the new R1 you can accellerate with confidence without feeling the front tyre lifting off and so without needing to close the throttle”.

And Lorenzo won’t be closing the throttle anytime soon as the second race of the season is due to take place in Motegi this weekend.