THE Friday afternoon phone call to George White involved some bad news and some good news.

A last minute change of plan meant the GSX-R750 I was due to have for the weekend had already gone out on another road test and wasn't due back in until Monday morning. I was coming to terms with the fact I may have to leave the test for another week when the voice on the other end of the phone said: "We have got a new R1 you can take instead."

I didn't need a second to think about it, I was on my way!

Four years ago Yamaha introduced a revolutionary machine the original R1, its Grand-Prix bred engine and chassis technology was so far ahead of the other machines in its class that it transformed the supersports scene overnight.

Since then other manufacturers have caught up, none more than Suzuki with their outstanding GSX-R1000.

In Yamaha's bid to stay ahead of the competition, the new R1 sees some significant changes, a new lightweight Deltabox III frame, a fuel injected engine, dynamic new bodywork, enhanced suspension and a completely redesigned torque boosting exhaust powervalve system.

The first thing I noticed about the R1 was its weight. At 174kg, its only 6kg heavier than most 600 supersport machines, and with an engine producing a massive 152 bhp, I was sure this was going to be an experience to remember.

The engine pulls with an instant thrust from low revs all the way through to its 12,500 rpm limit, although on the road I didn't find any need to go much past 9,000 rpm.

The throttle response is instantaneous and the fuel injection was seamless, there wasn't once a momentary glitch in the delivery to the rear wheel. The brakes are just as impressive and will bring you to a standstill with just the lightest of touches to the lever.

I am in no doubt the R1 is not only a seriously fast motorcycle, it's also the best handling bike I've ever ridden.

It takes bends effortlessly and it's so easy to ride that it turns quickly yet accurately with no signs of doing anything other than holding the tightest of lines.

The bike gives you confidence.

It almost begs you to ride it that bit quicker, and you can do so in the knowledge that it won't let you down.

The R1 appears to be the complete sports package.

I really couldn't fault it except for the fact that it did begin to get a bit heavy on my wrists after an hour or so in the saddle.

But that is a small price to pay for the performance and handling this bike is offering.

It is easy to sum up the bike in just four words I want one now.