Since its introduction in 1998, the R1 has been a universal favorite. Smooth lines and an aggressive face have made the R1 a popular starting point for customizers and track junkies alike. This was precisely the reason Krystos Efantis of MSP Motorsports Performance picked one up. The challenge of rewriting the rule book on what’s been done thousands of times before was too hard to resist: “There are tons of built ‘07-‘08 R1s, so I wanted to do one completely different since it’s really popular. I wanted to make something that was an appealing eye catcher but still 100 percent reliable and rideable.”
Before ever considering a pro class entry into the SSB Yamaha Custom Showdown, the MSP team went to work on what would later wind up winning unanimously at each of the three events. Arguably, the most attention grabbing component of this build is the paint—loathe or love it, you can’t miss it. One part nostalgia and the other eco friendly (see sidebar), the new red to blue PPG Harlequin water-based paint captured Krystos’ attention immediately: “I’ve never really seen a bike that had a full flip-flop Harlequin paint job on it that was completely clean. Our body shop was the first body shop on the east coast to go all green (fully enviro-based like shops in California) so I wanted to feature a paint that was one hundred percent waterborne but still custom. PPG had just released the Harlequin in that color. We’re really into that kind of shit.”
The radical shade shifting choice did not come cheap—a single ounce goes for $98. Now multiply that price by 90 ounces and you have a bike sprayed from wheel to fork lower in waterborne Harlequin.
The color-changing Harlequin...
The color-changing Harlequin paint was laid over carbon fiber for a unique finish.
The beats flow from two-inch...
The beats flow from two-inch speakers that were flawlessly molded in.
Voters from coast to coast...
Voters from coast to coast were mesmerized by the front and rear air ride that works off a remote control.
Long before the first piece of plastic was painted there were countless hours spent smoothing the frame, swingarm and subframe which kept a portion of the team busy while the rest mapped out what to do with the front end. Staying true to originality meant manipulating OEM bodylines to the edge of what was noticeably different but not so far that it abandoned the popular look. Deliberation on how far to go directed MSP towards a few choice tweaks that didn’t come easy:
“The hardest thing in this whole project was the custom fiberglass work. Molding the speakers under the windscreen cleanly without losing gauge visibility and removing the factory headlight lenses to make it an open but fully sealed enclosure took time.”
An obvious couch in the corners, a Cycle Sounds audio system and iPod dock built into an air tube added a little something to the ride that helped cope with the performance shortcomings. Wires hidden and tunes ready, front and rear AirFX air suspension controlled by the push of a button further integrated gadgetry into the dash. Not every component would be high-tech though.
MSP claims to have chosen...
MSP claims to have chosen a jackshaft setup for its reliability. That seems like a contradiction of terms to us, but hey, we aren't the builders.
Wrapping up the back end, a 300 tire with a ten-over stretch housed one bit of old world equipment some would not expect. A jackshaft system sat in the place of the more current single chain outside drive setup for one important reason. As a planned daily rider, reliability was a key feature and according to Krystos, running dual chains minimized the risk of system failure:
“There are a lot of jackshaft swingarm setups out there that aren’t reliable so I went with Trac Dynamics. Trac’s technology keeps the front chain tight and doesn’t loosen up to where the jackshaft can literally rip off the bike—sprockets and all—like some other systems.”
At the time of the jackshaft decision, only a few companies marketed an extended single chain option for this particular model. Staying with the tried and true system turned out a smart move, as Krystos reports that there have been no problems while commuting to and from the shop.
The extensive build steps MSP took climaxed with a national contest crown. The wild R1 beat out race replicas, vintage show pieces and a string of stretched standouts fair and square, as voted on by the spectators. With the title came some cash and a 2011 R1 that MSP began working on immediately for the International Motorcycle Show circuit. MSP proved winning public support isn’t always about performance, but instead what people see when parked in place. That’s the art of putting on a good show.
Enviro-Paint
Motorcycle and automotive finishes are not created equal. Traditional urethane-based paints—while popular—emit Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions that put a big frown on Mother Nature’s face. Recently, a greener option hit the market. Unlike urethane, waterborne or water-based paints produce less VOCs and thus are easier on the environment. The MSP R1 took this clean color route. According to builder Krystos Efantis it produced better results: “The main advantage is the new technology within waterborne paints. When I sprayed the waterborne Harlequin color there was a lot more flop—a lot more color out of it. The color changing was a lot more drastic than if I had used a regular urethane. And a water-based paint lasts about triple the lifetime as a regular urethane paint.”
East vs. West
With stops at Myrtle Beach, Laguna Seca and Indianapolis, each of the three events offered a look into regional trends. As the contest winner and participant in each venue, Krystos Efantis formed an opinion about the coastal differences:
“The west coast was more performance. It was just a whole other style so I was pretty impressed that people liked our bike out there. A lot of the west coast bikes were different than what you’d see back east: a sportbike with wire wheels or lowrider paint jobs. Being at Laguna Seca, a lot of bikes were track bikes which was really cool to see too because there was a little bit of everything, from a badass track bike to something show that’s ridden everyday.”
2008 Yamaha R1
Front End: Galfer Wave rotor and brake line, MSP single disc conversion, Xtreme Machine wheel, Metzler ME880 120 tire, AirFX air ride
Rear End: Galfer Wave rotor and brake line, Roaring Toyz caliper and hanger kit, Xtreme Machine wheel, Metzler ME880 300 tire, AirFX air ride, Trac Dynamics 10-over arm and 300mm kit
Motor: K&N air filter, Graves smog block off plates, EXUP servo eliminator and full exhaust, Power Commander and ignition module
Accessories: Graves engine covers, AirFX remote control, Cycle Sounds speaker kit, GYTR gel seat with custom stitching, carbon exhaust cover, brake reservoir caps and covers, HID kit, Vortex rearsets, gas cap and clip ons
Paint: Creative Colours Auto Body & Custom Paint
Bodywork: MSP Motorsports Performance
Builder: Krystos Efantis, MSP Motorsports Performance