Josh Brookes had a taste of the new YZF-R1 during the World Launch of the new Yamaha at Sydney Motorsport Park, whist he waits for his first test on the Milwaukee Yamaha MCE British Superbike Championship contender next month.

The Milwaukee Yamaha rider was part of the launch alongside the world's media, with the event also attended by Mr Yanagi, President of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.


Brookes said:

"I was impressed by the bike straight away. It has been a long time since I have ridden a street bike, so it's hard to compare, but even without that I can feel that it is so much closer to a track-bred motorcycle. It has race pedigree from the beginning. It leaves you to think about the track rather than the bike.

"Normally when you first hop on a bike you have to start to understand it and its character. Instantly you don't have to do that. It leaves your mind free and you can focus on what you are trying to achieve, that was my first impression.

"Secondly I was able to push the tyres and I could brake really late, this was really smooth and progressive and it led you to be confident to ride in race fashion. It definitely made a good first impression."

Photo: MCN

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