Michael Coates
Age: 44
Model Year: 2001
Miles Done: 16,000
Mods: K&N air filter, Yoshimura exhaust, polished frame and swingarm, Spiegler brake lines, billet brake reservoirs and levers, LED flushmounts, integrated taillight, powdercoated wheels, LSL sliders, Vortex stator cover and spools, iridium Double Bubble windscreen, Competition Werkes undertail, custom paint
Best Upgrade: "The custom paint scheme and shortened Yosh can that makes her look and sound better than the run of-the-mill Gixxer."
Favorite Aspect: "The same thing that made the GSX-R so popular-superior power, handling and performance. There is nothing like the thrill of riding a literbike."
Lionel Baker
Age: 23
Model Year: 2001
Miles Done: 17,000
Mods: Full Hindle exhaust, chrome brake and fork caps, Sixty61 chrome grips, clutch and brake levers, Pig Spotters, Chaparral blue neon lights and windscreen spikes, custom paint
Best Upgrade: "The full exhaust system and the custom paint."
Favorite Aspect: "After learning on other bikes it's nice to finally have my dream bike."
Darren "B.A"
Age: 22
Model Year: 2002
Miles Done: 13,000
Mods: Yoshimura full TRS exhaust, Öhlins steering damper, BMC Race air filter, Pirelli Diablo Strada tires, Whistler Cruisader radar detector, Power Commander III USB with custom map, carbon fiber frame sliders, gel seat and hand grips, HID lights, blue Double Bubble Suzuki windscreen, Hotbodies racing flushmounts, integrated taillight, custom stainless steel license plate holder and blue LED underglow
Best Upgrade: "The Öhlins steering damper and Power Commander III; extra power and control."
Favorite Aspect: "Newer bikes may be lighter and quicker but none can make the scenery blur quite like this one and still have a comfortable riding position."
SSB's Take:
With a monster motor stuffed into a capable chassis and complimented by comfy ergos, the K1 is smart money for the street. Although it's slightly down on peak power compared to the strongest current 1000s, its long-stroke engine delivers a monstrous midrange hit that's hard to find these days.
We'd add: A full exhaust system, fueling computer, air filter and drop-in cams for a full-tilt 1000cc package. An undertail, levers, brake pads and lines would round out our mods and get the aging bike right up to snuff.
The Facts:
Hit: Mondo midrange power for easy wheelies, comfy riding position and all-around performance.
Miss: The brakes are nowhere near on par with the wild engine, and it looks a bit dated compared to the new 1000s. That's about it.
Common problems: Typically these bikes are devoid of any serious problems, save for minor gripes surrounding fit and finish. For example, the paint on the wheels is thin and easily chips, as is the Ti-nitride coating on the forks. Other complaints include poor casting finishes and untidy wire routing in some cases.
Some examples have displayed gearbox woes but that's far from the norm. When looking for a used example, spend the time looking for botched wiring, feathered tires and frame damage-all signs of abuse. As with any bike, documented service records can be helpful.
Coming Next Issue...
Do you own a 2003-present Yamaha R6/R6S?
Fill in the chart below and send high-res pics to ssbmail@sorc.com.
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