Miles Ridden:1648
Modification:Hotbodies undertail and Lawstcaws frame plugs
Life on the Six has been nothing but high-RPM antics and aural greatness. Have I mentioned this thing sounds like a racebike even with the stock exhaust? Pin it and other riders take notice. In fact, I almost got pulled over for hittin' it under a freeway overpass-the intake howl is that loud. I know, I mention it every issue, but this bike just sounds so badass.
Sweet sounds aside, I've begun to really enjoy this jewel. The brakes are one-finger strong, the motor has great top-end and the handling is stable but quick. Speaking of handling, I rode a friend's '08 R1 after getting off the Six, and while the 1000 offered more punch, it turned like a tank. There's something to be said for the instant flickability of a 600. You never realize how good you have it until you throw a leg over something heavier.
I'll admit, the first time I saw my Euro-inspired color scheme I didn't like it as much as the other combos. That was, until I started modding it. Now, I wouldn't have any other color. With a few dashes of dark and a handful of mods it looks like a whole new rig.
In keeping with my budget brawler theme I started building last month I tidied up a few more loose ends. This time around I swung for a color-matched Hotbodies undertail. This piece has a color-matched finish, LED turn signals/license plate lights, and an OEM-like fit. It tucked up the rear and got rid of the giant spaceship-looking stock piece.
To further the spring cleaning I hit up Lawstcaws for some frame plugs. These nifty pieces pop into your frame to cover the nasty swingarm pivot and upper frame holes. With these in place it makes the R6 look how it should from the factory-clean. The fact that they only take a few minutes to install and cost under 30 bones is an added bonus.
Money is tight these days, but that doesn't mean I can't make a unique R6 that stands out. This month set me back $229.95 for the painted undertail and $27.99 for the frame plugs, which totals roughly $260. Adding what I've already spent puts me at approximately $750, which means I've still got $250 to burn. Next issue I'm in search of more power, less weight and even better sounds (I'm not sure the latter is even possible).
COMING NEXT MONTH:
Slip-on exhaust and pillion plugs