Although Yamaha ditched the '08 platform in favor of the new big-bang version, the '07-'08 R1s are still scary fast and outpace even the current R1 on the straights.
Despite a few quirks, the '08 R1 is still a great bike with plenty of high-rpm power, a sharp chassis and stout brakes. But for everything our '08 is, it certainly isn't perfect, and its lack of midrange has earned it a stigma. Unlike its GSX-R, ZX and CBR rivals, the '08 R1 feels more like a 750 on steroids with a little in the middle and a lot on top. For many, this peaky powerband defeated the purpose of riding a literbike since many prefer to surf the waves of torque rather than rev the piss out of an engine.
With the new R1s commanding top dollar, the blue bikes of yesteryear are insanely affordable. With hot deals all over the Net we decided to breathe some new life into this older R1.
For more midrange a set of aftermarket slip-ons were just the ticket. Being that the R1 is blessed (or cursed-Ed.) with dual cans we recognized that exhaust options can get pricy, so with a strict price point in mind we opted for a set of Yoshimura stainless TRC slip-ons.
1 Start by removing the seats,...
1 Start by removing the seats, followed by the two plastic fasteners and the rear hex-head screw. You'll also want to remove the four hex-head screws that secure the heat shields to the pipes.
2 There are two pop-snaps...
2 There are two pop-snaps located underneath the tail section that must also be removed.
3 Don't forget the rubber...
3 Don't forget the rubber trim pieces. These are easily overlooked and can quickly be misplaced.
The TRC slip-ons sport a unique tri-oval design with a carbon end cap and also feature removable inserts to keep the pipes quiet and the neighbors happy.
Installation was a breeze and the fitment was factory perfect, something we've come to expect from Yosh. Although the stainless TRC pipes were a little over a pound heavier than the feathery stock pieces, the enhanced sound, appearance and power far outweigh the minor weight penalty. Also take note that a change to the Ti or carbon TRCs would have saved serious poundage, but our set budget locked us into the stainless.
With the pipes in place we hit the dyno with great results, as the pipes increased power by 3 HP and 3 LB-FT with the inserts removed. With the quiet inserts installed we saw gains of roughly 1.5 HP and 1.5 LB-FT over stock, which means the inserts keep the decibels in check without killing power.
4 Now spread the tail section...
4 Now spread the tail section as you remove it. Be sure to unhook the cable for the seat lock.
5 After removing the two...
5 After removing the two plastic covers you'll have access to the two upper mounting bolts.
6 Remove the right side heat...
6 Remove the right side heat shield followed by these two mounting collars. The pipes can then be slid up and out.
Although the peak gains were great, the real story is in the midrange. From 7,000 RPM upward the TRCs give the R1 another 5-7 HP throughout-the area where the stocker was slacking. The added thrust is welcomed on the street where fanning the shifter is no longer a necessity.
What's it worth?
Rear wheel
horsepower/torque
Stock: 150.1 HP / 74.8 LB-FT
Yoshimura TRC slip-ons:
Insert in: 151.2 HP / 75.3 LB-FT
Insert out: 153 HP / 77.1 LB-FT
Peak Gains (measured without inserts): 3 HP / 2.3 LB-FT
7 Make sure you use the supplied...
7 Make sure you use the supplied rubber on the new mounting straps or you'll scratch the fresh pipes.
8 Also, replace the stock...
8 Also, replace the stock mounting shims with the gold Yosh units.
9 Slide the collars over...
9 Slide the collars over the pipes and install the combo with the supplied hardware.
10 With the collars over...
10 With the collars over the pipes, connect them to the stock y-pipe.
11 Now install the new heat...
11 Now install the new heat shield and you're ready to rip.
Here's a comparison of the...
Here's a comparison of the stock baseline against the TRC slip-ons with and without the quiet inserts. Look at the gains from 7,000 RPM upwards!
Coming next month:
K&N air filter, Bazzaz Z-Fi fuel management
To install the inserts simply...
To install the inserts simply remove the three hex head end-cap bolts.
Install the insert and replace...
Install the insert and replace the cap, that's it.