Project Yamaha 3-Way - Part 3/4

Project One - The Stunt Bike

Baseline: 1999 Yamaha R6 / Budget: $3,000

In the second installment of our project bike build, the 1999 Yamaha R6 finally started to take shape and resemble a stuntbike. We installed the bodywork using a Lockhart Phillips bolt kit and fairing screws, added a Lockhart Phillips Speedscreen, relocated the manual choke assembly, mounted a GPR stabilizer and protected it all with a Racing 905 cage.

The focus of our third installment was to make the bike look great as well as perform. By changing the gearing of the bike with larger sprockets, the usable power of the motor is brought down to slower speeds. We added a Vortex Racing 60-tooth rear sprocket and dropped one tooth off the front sprocket as well. We then converted to a smaller and lighter 520 chain using an RK O-Ring unit.

Factory batteries are designed for a bike that spends the majority of its time in the upright position, but stuntbikes typically either have the front or rear suspended and also experience more crashes-increasing the potential for a broken battery to create a small biohazard. Odyssey Batteries makes a dry cell battery that can be mounted in any direction and helps reduce this risk.

To ensure that our exhaust doesn't scrape during vertical wheelies, we cut off 6 inches of pipe and riveted the end cap back on.

Vortex Racing mirror block-offs helped clean up the look of the windscreen after the mirrors were removed.

We wanted to create a good-looking stuntbike without going broke, and after spending just $68.49 for paint and supplies, we painted the lower body and tailsection yellow and then clearcoated both for a gloss shine. Jayme Rizzi from Sticky J Graphics created a vinyl sticker design using a combination of flames and checkers that most sticker shops should be able to duplicate. For under $600 in paint, stickers and labor, the bike looks professional and stands out. In the final write-up, we'll give the bike a test at the secret stunt spot.

The Builder's Box

Adrian Celiceo, Racing 905
www.racing905.com
(619) 210-4777

Sticky-J Graphics Facts:Vinyl graphics are one of the easiest ways to make a great-looking stuntbike. Sticky J Graphics from Chula Vista, California, designed our scheme using readily available patterns that most sticker shops should have. Prices vary per design. Cost: $500 (619) 852-6332	Racing 905 Shorty Exhaust Modification Facts: Removing 6 inches of exhaust allows the bike to reach vertical without hitting the can. This modification can be done at home with a saw, drill and a rivet gun. Cost: $45 www.racing905.com	Odyssey Batteries Facts: Odyssey is a deep cycle battery and provide tons of cranking power. It can also be mounted in any direction. Cost: $197.99 www.odysseyfactory.com
Vortex Racing Mirror Block-Offs Facts: Mirror block-offs offer an easy way to clean up the front of the bike when the mirrors are removed. Cost: $58.95 www.vortexracing.com	RK Chain Facts: A small increase in power is gained by converting from a stock chain to smaller 520. Cost: $110.50 www.rxcelamerica.com