2009 Stock Yamaha R1 Mods - The Price of Performance

4th Session:
Mods: Michelin Power One tires
Lap Times: 1:33s

Sticky race compund tires are highly recommended for track riding. While street tires are capable for aggressive riding they aren't cut out for pushing the limits n the racetrack.

"I was really looking forward to the sticky tires because the stock rubber wasn't working. The tires were brand new and I probably should I've scrubbed them in a little better, but I couldn't wait to get going. After the first lap I got on the gas, and for the rest of the session didn't have a single slip. I was able to get on the throttle earlier where I wouldn't have dared on the street tires. I came to the conclusion that these tires were better than me.

Still, the vague front end feel was the biggest concern and kept me from pushing a little harder through a couple sections I wanted to."

5th Session::
Mods: Ohlins fork internals, Ohlins shock
Lap times: 1:32s

Aftermarket suspension systems are found on every top level racebike for a reason, but would an average rider would be able to distinguish a difference?

"The package now was complete and there were no excuses. Well, there was still one-the front end. In general, the bike held a tighter line and felt sharper overall thanks to the added stiffness from the Ohlins suspension, but knowing I had excellent grip still wasn't enough to push much harder because I couldn't feel a lot from the front tire. I salvaged another second on the clock and the bike felt more composed overall, but I still wasn't exactly happy with it."

6th Session:
Mods: Graves-spec Ohlins fork internals, shock and adjustments
Lap times: 1:31s

The Graves-spec Ohlins units are tuned with different valving and spring rates, which theoretically takes a good product and makes it even better. In addition to the tuned Ohlins, the front end was lowered five millimeters.

"By the second corner I could tell a big difference in the handling. Now the front end felt more planted. Under heavy braking the rear now tracked straight and stayed composed."