Yamaha Staff YZF-R1 Dream Bikes

Yamaha's Flagship Superbike Delivers Kando

Mathew Ferry’s YZF-R1 love affair dates back more than a decade, with the purchase of a 2012 model featuring the classic under-seat exhaust. Tuned up with a racing exhaust, PVM wheels and plenty of extras, it was quite a weapon. While other Yamahas have come and gone from Matthew’s garage - including a TMAX scooter and an XSR900 from the Sport Heritage range, both with a full range of Genuine Accessories - the attraction to Yamaha’s flagship R1 superbike has never diminished.

“No matter what I owned, I always found myself eyeing off the YZF-R1 every time a new model was released,” Matthew revealed. “My 2024 R1M already sports a range of Yamaha Genuine Accessories, with more to come; the goal is to create an updated version of my much-admired 2012 beast.”

Andrew Pignone 
YMA Legal Risk and Compliance
2022 YZF-R1 60th WGP

Andrew has been riding for 15 years. His third YZF-R1, a World Grand Prix 60th Anniversary bike, is a keeper. “I have no plans to sell this bike,” Andrew explained. “As my forever bike, I wanted something unique that portrayed Yamaha’s successful racing history and came equipped with the latest technology and lashings of power.”

When asked what is the best thing about owning a YZF-R1, Andrew replied, “Having to hold on tight whenever you twist the throttle.”
He also said the feeling of freedom and owning a truly inspirational machine are high on the list. “Every time I ride it, I’m reminded of the joy of riding, why I love my job and the company I work for.”

Christos may have opted for a Yamaha MT-10SP Hyper Naked for a few years, but now he has returned to the flagship R1, choosing an Icon Blue 2024 model.
According to Christos, the R1 superbike just feels right and always makes him stop and admire it before walking away. “The MT-10 is a great all-rounder and a dynamite package,” he said. “And to be honest, it does make more sense for the type of riding I do, however, the YZF-R1 is the bike you sacrifice comfort and practicality for because It’s the ultimate Yamaha road bike.”

The sheer ridiculousness of the R1 made him want one back in his life. “It may surprise people to know that the R1 is a great commuter,” he said. “Of course, you need to watch the throttle, and it may not be as agile as some of the upright bikes, but of all the bikes I have owned, the R1 is the best for splitting traffic.”

Patrick Mostert-Dowd 
Franchising & Dealership Co-ordinator
2024 YZF-R1 Midnight Black  

Patrick was counting down the days until he could get his hands on his first Yamaha. After months of drooling over the bikes displayed in the parking lot, he finally took delivery of his new Midnight Black YZF-R1. “Since I first started riding, I’ve been drawn to sports bikes, so the R1 was an obvious choice for me,” Patrick explained. “The aggressive styling and sound from the crossplane crankshaft four-cylinder engine were certainly the major selling points.”

Including the almost obligatory ride to Phillip Island for the MotoGP, Patrick said he will be getting out on his new R1 as much as possible on the weekends and taking regular rides to the office. 

Despite loving his time on the new bike, Patrick plans to sample as many Yamaha products as possible. “I’m already thinking about what’s next,” he said. “I’m still tossing up between an R1M and the new XSR900 GP, which is due to arrive soon.”