2.6 Seconds to 60: Reviewing Yamaha’s Rocket, the YZF-R1M

Driving a car is a sensual experience. That’s the main reason we enthusiasts love it. Driving a car quickly geometrically magnifies that sensation. Riding a motorcycle further increases the environmental intimacy between man and machine. And riding a bike quickly leans the sensual needle all the way into the red zone.

And here I am, sitting on a Yamaha R1M, one of the very insanely fastest, world-beating sportbikes that Toyota Corolla money can buy. I’m decked out in Alpinestars gear that makes me look and feel like a MotoGP knee-and-elbow-and-shoulder-dragger, about to make a lifelong bucket list dream come true—thanks to Zack and Ari and the gang at Throttle Out.

Life is not just good right now. It’s fabulous. As I look through the visor of my full-face helmet, down the main straight at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, my whole body tingles inside the leathers. My conscious mind is pulling back hard on the reins of my subconscious urge to be on pace with the hardcore bike duo.

Easy, Randy, I know you want it bad, but this isn’t your natural track domain. There are only two wheels under you, buddy. Two tippy, slippy wheels.

Although I live and love automobiles, the very first motorized vehicle I owned was a Tecumseh lawnmower-powered steel frame-and-forked minibike (thanks, Dad). But even as a wide-eyed teen, I never desired or pursued racing a motorcycle. Therein lies the clue to the real difference between bikes and cars: Risk. Pain. Mortal peril.






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