2008 Yamaha R6 — Longterm Test

From the August, 2008 issue of Super Streetbike

By Brian Sexton

2008 Yamaha R6

Brian Sexton: Associate Publisher
Miles Ridden: N/A (track)
Modifications: Vortex sprockets, Vortex rearsets, Galfer brake pads, lines, rotors, RK chain

This month I've added a few things to the R6 to continue its race prep. When going fast it's equally as important to be able to slow down, so I took a look at the R6's stopping parts. The Yamaha binders were great from the factory, but I wanted more, so I got on the phone to Galfer USA to get a set of its new Superbike rotors, race pads and steel-braided brake lines.

The instructions were easy to follow and in no time I was ready for some serious stopping action. (If you need instructions to slap on some rotors, lines and pads, you probably shouldn't be doing the work yourself.-Ed.) As a bonus, in addition to better stopping, the new rotors were a full pound lighter than stock, further reducing rotating mass and helping the R6 to steer better at speed. Remember that after installing new rotors and brake pads they'll need to be "bedded in." In other words, they require a little break-in before you're ready to drive it deep into that next corner, so don't go crazy for the first couple dozen miles or so.

To further reduce weight, I called upon the services of Quality Machine Co. (912-232-5680) to lighten my rear rotor. QMC cut a full pound off of my stock rear rotor! And not only that, but it looks cool too.

Keeping with the weight savings theme, we swapped out our 525 chain for a lighter 520 linker from RK Excel and wrapped it around a set of front and rear sprockets from Vortex Racing.

Vortex's Cat 5 rear sprocket is a full pound lighter than the steel stocker we yanked off, and in person it looks like a piece of art as well. That was easy-another pound dropped and I didn't even have to skip dessert! Bryan Neely, owner of Sensei Performance (863-686-9391), handled the chain/sprocket/rear brake rotor swap for us.

Next month we slap on the race plastics and go racing (but not before we get them styled up of course). Hopefully it'll all still be in one piece by the time deadline comes around, but don't forget I have some titles to defend so I won't be riding lightly!