2007 Yamaha R6 — Wolf In Foxy Clothes

2007 Yamaha YZF-R6
We all know the Italians have a knack for matching a motor to a style that oozes sensuality and class-the net result is an intoxicating, addictive mix. But living with such a creation day-to-day is not easy for the average working man-owning a piece of rolling red art can be a labor of love, and also a pain in the wallet. With these thoughts in mind William Song set out to combine the practicality and reliability of a high-tech Japanese 600 with the lines and looks of something a little (alright-a lot) more exotic.

When Song first purchased his 2007 Yamaha R6 he started out with the usual modifications as most new bike owners do: "The first thing I did was knock out a fender eliminator with sheet metal from Home Depot."

While scrolling through the pages of Super Streetbike he came across an article on custom bikes built in Japan-one of which was an '06 Yamaha R6 LE with a single-sided swingarm. "That's why I got ahold of Gregg's Customs. I saw that story and thought the bike looked pretty good. I don't have a big shop or a big wallet so it took two years, but I finally got what I wanted-something special that could easily handle the track.

All of the modifications on the bike are top-notch race stuff-the Marchesini wheels, for instance, were a natural choice since they're built for racing. Companies like that put millions of dollars into developing their parts so they're good enough for me. I certainly didn't want anything to negatively affect handling or performance."

While scouring the Internet for just the right parts, Song came across a limited edition MV Agusta and instantly fell in love with the style and use of red accents, especially the seat. "I've always been a fan of Italian bikes. When I started I didn't really have a game plan to make it look like an Italian bike. Then I saw a picture of the MV Agusta F4 Tamburini with its dark red seat, and I was really digging it."

We think Song's final design looks like something Massimo Tamburini, creator of the original Ducati 916 (and the original, limited edition 750 F4 MV Agusta back in 1999) might have made if he'd worked for Yamaha.

Song updated the bodywork of his bike to reflect the slightly cleaner style of the 2008 R6. "I changed the bodywork because from the side it's sleeker and most of the fairing bolts are hidden. Also, the 2008 bodywork isn't too radically different and wouldn't look out of place with the 2007 tank and tail. I made some new brackets and drilled and tapped some new holes and got it to work, but it took a little bit of creativity. Besides, people want to see new bikes modified!"

Having a great looking bike is one thing, but if it doesn't perform properly then it just becomes another no-go trailer queen. The single-sided swingarm was made to stock length to accommodate a six-inch wheel, avoiding the fat tire craze. "The way the bike rides is awesome. My friends are scared to ride it because it falls in the corners so fast and is so light. Plus the six-inch wheel also gives it a little more of an aggressive look."

While flashy paint and chrome combined with a steam roller sized tire is the easy way to get the oohs and ahhhs, it takes a trained eye to recognize how much detail went into Song's R6. "As far as general public, it's hit or miss. The older guys who ride Italian bikes love it. They're the ones who can appreciate the race parts. The younger crowd is 50/50-they walk by and take a look and maybe notice some things and give their two cents.

Once I saw a girl walk by and tell her boyfriend the bike looked cute. The ones that do notice all the work want to talk; they want to know how the bike handles and how it rides."

Like any custom bike build, the upgrades and modifications never end and Song has a few more tricks up his sleeve before he decides to lay this one to rest. "I want to do an Ohlins Superbike gas pressurized front fork and drop in a back-up AMA race team motor."