2009 Yamaha R6

Justin Fivella: Associate Editor
Miles Ridden: 1,135
Modifications: Hotbodies windscreen, Graves swingarm spools

Having recently eclipsed the 1000-mile mark I'm finally free of the break-in requirements and can explore what the R6 is all about. With all the hype it carries it's been dubbed high-strung, hard-edged and a replica racer for the street. And while I'd agree it's a purpose-built machine, there're still enough concessions to civility to make it a brilliant streetbike.

Thus far I've enjoyed its powerful brakes, quick steering, stable chassis and its high-revving motor. Truth be told, despite its lack of displacement the Six offers enough midrange to shoot through traffic with ease. But if you want serious boogie you'll have to tap the shifter to make it dance. Real steam starts to build around 8,000, by 10 things are starting to boil and by 12 all hell breaks loose. With an induction roar more akin to a racebike, this screamer just begs to be hammered.

Though an all-out track build would be cool, money is tight for all of us these days so I'm going to keep the budget low because breaking the bank just isn't a reality.

This month I started the modding for under $100 with some swingarm spools and a smoked windscreen. I quickly discovered that greasing the chain myself was anything but easy so I swooped some black aluminum spools from Graves Motorsports to make the process of lifting it with a stand a simple affair--the fact that the spools only cost 20 bones makes them affordable, too.

A few stints on the super slab had me eating serious wind. To kick-up the airflow and make the Six look that much better I ordered a dope Dual Radius smoked screen from Hotbodies Racing that kept my wallet tight with a retail of only $74.95. Both products fit like factory and already the bike is looking better for under a Benjamin. Next month I'll be adding some protective parts as I set out to build a budget brawler.

Coming next month: Frame sliders and levers.