When you stop and consider that this bike makes a stock R1 feel soft, spongy and loose you start to realize its purpose-going fast.
Around the track as well as on the road the bike seems awkward at a moderate pace, but when the speed is increased it all makes sense.
What appears to be a harsh suspension handles unsettling dips and inconsistencies in the road as if they simply aren't even there, while the stock bike wallows and twists over the same sections of road and track. It's really rather remarkable how significantly superior the race settings are over what, for most of us, consider the stock R1 to be-a stiff and race-focused bike.
Superbike For The Street
What separates a true racebike from a heavily modded sportbike? Lots of cash and connections apply to both, but it's insider info and some special gadgetry that take this R1 to the extreme and beyond what most tuning shops are capable of building.
Bodywork
Sharkskinz hybrid street/race bodywork finishes the "superbike for the street" theme.
Rear shock
The custom Ohlins rear shock with a titanium spring matches with the steering damper and forks from the same firm.
Wheels/tires
Marchesini 16.5-inch wheels with cut slicks are another anomaly on the street and serve well when it comes time to brag.
Motor
from the balanced and polished crank up to the race kit cams, the motor has serious poke and will crush anything this side of a turbo tune.
Dash
It doesn't look intimidating at all. In fact, it's quite similar to its streetbike sibling.
Exhaust
A full titanium Graves pipe adds power, hacks off weight and is surprisingly quiet.
Forks
You don't see Ohlins FGR 700 gas charged forks on many road bikes, and they're held by Graves adjustable triple clamps.
Brakes
Not your average Nissin calipers and rotors, these beauties are straight from the WSB paddock. They're mated to quick release brake lines and a hefty Nissin master cylinder for amazing braking power.
Electronics
A Yamaha race wiring harness and ECU function perfectly with the Dynojet quickshifter for flawless wide-open throttle shifting.
Conclusion
Only a select few people will ever own a streetbike as radical as this, but where the actual parts application ideas from this bike to our own will likely happen only in dreamland, we all can take something from it-inspiration and passion.
Chuck Graves has been around racing for most of his life, yet he finds the time to have a rip around the neighborhood or through the canyons on his own version of the ultimate streetbike. For some of us that notion might mean a stretched and slammed 'Busa, while others lust after gas charged Ohlins forks. In either case, you're welcome in our club.
Buyer's Box
2004/06 Yamaha R1
Front end: Marchesini 16.5-inch wheel, Nissin calipers and rotors, master cylinder and quick release brake lines, Ohlins steering damper, Graves triple clamps and clip-ons, CRG clutch lever, Ohlins FGR 700 forks
Rear end: Marchesini 16.5-inch wheel, custom Ohlins shock, Nissin caliper
Motor: Graves titanium exhaust, Power Commander III, Dynojet quickshifter, cams, ignition, valves, generator, balanced crank
Accessories: Graves rearsets, fender eliminator, case covers
Owner: Chuck Graves
Builder: www.gravesport.com
Thanks To:
Though there are probably some amazing roads in your area to enjoy, when it's time to turn up the wick and really hammer on the throttle there's only one place to do so-an organized track day.
We jumped on a Trackdaz event and were impressed by the firm's professional yet lighthearted approach to riding on the track. Check 'em out-whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned vet, Trackdaz offers a safe and solid track day experience. www.trackdaz.com