Difference between 02 R1 and newer R1's?

Question

i was looking at a 02 R1 to buy and was wondering what the big differences between 02's and the newer ones.

Answer 1

They are still the same bike as far as what they were made to do--haul a**.  Every other year all sportbike manufactures redesign their bikes, an 02 would be three models behind.  I have not really followed the evolution of r1s but they will follow the trend all sportbike makers have.  Every generation they will make a slightly more powerful motor and reduce some weight if possible.  I would guess the 02 does not have radial mounted brakes which is not a bad thing just that the radial mounted one are slightly better and offer better feel.  I would also expect the suspension of the 02 to not be quite as good but very few people are good enough to push any liter bike to it full potential, so no big deal.  The newer ones will rev a little bit higher before the rev limiter kicks in.  The 02 will be a little bigger and offer a roomier riding position which is a good thing.  Do you see the trend here, they are basically the same bikes just that the newer ones get a little better every generation.  Another way to think about this is an 02 Ford Mustang vrs a new one--both good but the new one is better, the difference are mostly in appearance but the good are only slightly better.