Long Term '09 Yamaha R6 Arrives at SPEEDtv.com

Motorcycling Lifestyles

Long Term ‘09 Yamaha R6 Arrives at SPEEDtv.com

SPEEDtv.com's latest project bike has arrived; A 2009 Yamaha R6

Neale Bayly | Posted August 10, 2009 Charlotte, North Carolina

For now, the R6 is stock except for a few suspension tweaks, and different tires. (Photo: Chris Anderson)

With the success of our long term project ZX 6R last year, a phone call with Yamaha’s Kevin Foley a few months back ended the dilemma of what to do for 2009.
“How would I like to have a new R6 to test, and to try out some of the incredible assortment of accessories and parts that are available for the bike directly through Yamaha? And you can have it shipped to Jamie James Productions for the work to be done.” Well, I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I do know how to say yes at the right moment. And that’s how I found my way heading to Barber Motorsports Park a few weeks back with my trusty video man Ben, to take possession of our new long term Yamaha R6.

Driving to Alabama, my original idea was to test the bike exactly as it came out of the crate, log my best lap time, and then take the bike back to JJP. Then after we had made improvements, go back and check our lap times. Also, while I was there I would have Jamie take a few laps to show his lap times compared to a qualifying time from last year’s national race. As with all the best-laid plans, unfortunately the weather put a big boot in, and with temperatures so cold no one even made it onto the track in the morning, things were rapidly degenerating.

It did give me a chance to chat with Doug “Crusty” Crawford about the bike, and we learned he had pulled it out of the crate, added some Michelin Tires, and made a few subtle tweaks to the suspension. With the mirrors and lights still in place, and the tires fresh as a baby’s bum, I hit the frigid track to take a few laps. Having done many laps around Barber on Jamie’s school R6s, it didn’t take long to feel at home, so with big respect for the cold track I had some fun. The bike pulled clean and hard, felt as sharp as I remembered, and my only complaint was not feeling comfortable enough to go for a quick lap time. Jamie was tied up teaching, and I was about to park the bike when Dave Sadowski volunteered to help out. He has already sneaked out on the bright orange bike a couple of times when Doug wasn’t looking and was getting very attached. Asking the ex-Daytona 200 Champ if he would let me time him, Dave screeched out of the pits and promptly obliged. With our video camera on the tank, a totally stock bike outside of the suspension changes he made, and Michelin street tires, he quickly rattled off a 1 minute 41 second lap. This was followed by a one minute 40 second, and then he came in trying to get some life back into his frozen fingers.

Grinning from ear to ear, he was in love with the R6, and I wondered if I might ever get my bike back. Coming within a couple of seconds of qualifying for last year’s AMA 600cc supersport race (if my research serves me correctly) with the bike in street trim, on a freezing cold day, left me feeling totally in touch with my inner inadequacies. Thankfully, I was able to remind myself he is a retired champion, and I stopped crying long enough to thank him and snatch my bike back.
Leaving Barber we were in good spirits. We didn’t quite achieve what we came for, but I think we made a great start. Stay tuned for part two as we head over to the JJP workshop to see what Old Crusty’s got lined up for the R6 next, and to see what Ben comes up for our next video.

Check out the R6 Photo Album

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neale Bayly

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