BIKES: 2009 Yamaha R6 Project Bike Part IV

Motorcycling Lifestyles

BIKES: 2009 Yamaha R6 Project Bike Part IV

Neale Bayly puts the final touches on the long term Yamaha R6 project bike...

Neale Bayly | Posted January 11, 2010 Charlotte, NC

A full Graves system and a Dynojet Power Commander opened up the breathing of the R6. (Photo: Neale Bayly)

After the success of the recent test of the R6 during a Cornerspeed School in Virginia, I had the chance to take the bike to Roebling Road and try out the new Michelin Power One race compound tires. Taking things to another level with the amount of grip available, and how much quicker they made the bike turn into corners, I left the track with the biggest grin on my face. It was just incredible how much speed I was carrying in the corners, and how the rear tire could take so much throttle on the exit. If you want to go quicker, Michelin Power One 2CT race compound tires are the quickest and easiest ways to shave your lap times without a doubt. To learn more about Michelin Tires visit Michelin Tires

As well as the bike was working it was time for another step forward and this required a trip back to Jamie James Productions. It’s a rough life sometimes I thought loading the R6 on the trailer and piloting the old trusty rusty west for the mountains and a day at the shop. Doug had ordered in a full Graves system http://gravesmotorsports.com/ and a Dynojet Power Commander to complement this free breathing exhaust system. www.powercommander.com. This would mean less weight, and more power, and with a fresh set of Michelins going on, I made plans for a trip back to Roebling Road to see how the changes would work.

Finding Doug busy on a customer R1 that he has been rebuilt from the ground up into a carbon fiber clad beast making 185 rear wheel horsepower, I feel bad tearing him away. Almost. Setting the project R6 up on his lift it’s not a difficult install, just a little time consuming. Finishing up the job by checking over the bike, he pulls out his laptop and dials the Power Commander in. It’s the new self-mapping fuel system that uses an O2 sensor in the exhaust allowing it to adjust the fueling while you are riding. This also works with a quick shifter and adjustable ignition systems if you decide to install them. Making sure everything is working fine he slips a new Michelin Pilot One in the rear and kicks me out. We have gone with the middle compound as I’m going to ride a couple of days in the next few weeks and want the tire to last.

Check out the Long Term Yamaha R6 Photos

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