How often do you get a chance to win a free bike loaded with parts? This year, as part of the second annual SSB Yamaha Custom Showdown, we debuted a build of our own for the thousands of fans voting for their favorite bike entries at the Laguna and Indy MotoGP events. Instead of going up against the pros, this R6 was slated for a contest giveaway. One lucky SOB will get a bike that we considered disappearing to Mexico with just before dropping it off in the hands of Yamaha.
We chose the 2011 Yamaha R6 as our platform not just for its good looks and bolt-on friendly chassis, but because we felt it would accommodate all riding levels and styles; the R6 excels on the track, is agile in traffic and smooth on long hauls. Not to mention the used market for R6 parts is huge if the winner accidently takes an over-excited spill and needs replacement bits.
After countless emails, a week in the shop and some stewing over paint design, our R6 rolled out ready for your viewing pleasure.
Let There Be Bolt-Ons
This R6 is the perfect representation of what would happen if you had an empty cart and an open budget in a store full of aftermarket goodies. The bike is an eclectic combo of both wallet-friendly accessories and high-dollar bling. Almost every add-on installed easily but we were reminded to never underestimate trivial tasks such as applying wheel tape which took multiple rolls to get just right.
At the front, Galfer Wave rotors accented by blue Core Moto performance lines run a course up to trick Rizoma Feel levers and a blue billet brake reservoir (silver to the rear) that’d fit in on an Italian fashionista’s shelf. Continuing the high-end trend, artfully sculpted Rizoma Limit Sport mirrors bolt into a tall Zero Gravity Corsa windscreen that offers the rider a bigger bubble to escape the wind. Across the tank, a quick-release anodized Roaring Toyz gas cap and GYTR tank pad break up glittery paint. Function-forward style continues to a textured custom HT Moto seat cover that sports blue stitching. Light blue pin striping that matches the seat stitching runs around a svelte tail section. A GYTR solo seat cowl and Hotbodies undertail with molded-in signals emphasize what is already one of sharpest tails in the business. Smoked Competition Werkes flushmounts keep it sleek to the side.
No motor work here but race ready parts in the form of billet Graves’ engine case covers, a carbon FMF Apex slip-on, K&N high-flow air filter, the already mentioned Waves, fully adjustable Vortex rearsets, Supersprox Stealth sprockets, RK 520 chain and sticky Conti rubber—what a tasty mouthful. Tying it all together is Pro-Bolt’s Full Monty anodized blue bolt kit complimented by the new Factory Effex windscreen screws and valve caps that replaced the stock hardware. Motovation came to the rescue in protecting this investment with a full slider package that adds impact-absorbing pucks in all the right places. Off to paint.
Color It Classic
The goal for paint and powder coat was an easily recognized custom look that stayed true to its factory heritage. After contacting Buddha Concept Designs for artistic direction, the bodywork entered the spray room for a 36-hour bender that resulted in a roomful of smiling faces; the paint fumes could be to blame.
The spray job started with House of Kolor white, dark blue and Orion silver for the tuning forks’ graphic. The plastics and tank were then hit with three layers of House of Kolor Lazuli Blue Pearl and Blue Ice Pearl for an extra dimension of glimmer that pops in the sun. Light blue pin striping broke up the different panels of color for a fluid look that is protected by a hardy layer of clear coat. Finally, the wheels were powder coated white while the passenger pegs received black powder coat.
Polished and in the light, our jaws hit the floor at the sight of the total package. On the road (we had to test ride it) drivers took a second look and riders rubbernecked on the way past. Overall, what is not to like? The paint is clean, the parts are dripping in performance style and it rides, well, like a new bike.
The quick-release gas cap...
The quick-release gas cap is sleekly elegant and allows for easy fill-ups.
A blue brake reservoir and...
A blue brake reservoir and anodized pre-load adjusters maintain the true-blue theme.
Beauty is in the eye of the...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but from this angle who’s complaining ?
This combo of levers and mirrors...
This combo of levers and mirrors adds a touch of class that makes this R6 country club material.
The Prize
After being displayed at both American MotoGP events, the lucky winner who cast a ballot at the Showdown or registered to win online has the pleasure of coming into a garage complimented by one sick bike. No one at SSB HQ has ever won a sizable scratch ticket or pulled diamonds on a Vegas slot so we’re anxious to find out what riding high on a big prize feels like. We just hope our winner keeps the rubber on the pavement and the paint away from sharp objects.
2011 Yamaha R6
Front End: Galfer Wave rotors, Core Moto stainless steel brake lines, Rizoma billet brake fluid reservoir, Continental SportAttack 2 tire
Rear End: Galfer Wave rotor, Core Moto stainless steel brake line, Rizoma billet brake fluid reservoir, Continental SportAttack 2 tire
Motor: FMF Apex slip-on, Supersprox Stealth sprockets, Graves Motorsports billet engine case covers, K&N oil and air filters, RK Excel 520 chain
Accessories: GYTR axle adjusters, swingarm spools, bar ends, billet oil cap, grips, tank pad and solo seat cowl, Rizoma Feel levers and Limit Sport mirrors, Zero Gravity Corsa windscreen, Vortex Racing rearsets, Motovation slider kit, Pro-Bolt bolt kit, pre-load adjusters and sprocket nuts, Hotbodies Racing undertail kit, Competition Werkes front signals, HT Moto custom seat cover, Roaring Toyz gas cap, Speed Metal wheel tape, Factory Effex windscreen screws and valve caps, powder coated components
Paint: Buddha Concept Designs, powder coating by Beach Cities Powdercoating
Builder: SSB