A review of my 2004 Yamaha R1

I purchased my 2004 YZF-R1 in May of 2006 after going through a 2005 R1 that I was riding when the motor decided to detonate on the track in February of 2006.  So as I frantically found an escape avenue to pick up my current bike I was busy in the works of getting it prepared for the track.  After 6 months of hard work, a ton of money (as most motorcycle owners know) and eager amount of anticipation I was able to go back to California Speedway in Fontana California for the first track day that this bike has seen. 

 Before getting there this is what I have done to this motorcycle:  Pazzo Shorty Clutch and brake levers, Stomp Grip tank grips, Frame, bar end, and swingarm sliders, STM Slipper Clutch, Gilles Adjustable rearset (converted to GP shifting), Galfer HH Pads, Galfer SS brake lines, Galfer wave rotors, Renthal 520 sprocket conversion, DiD ERV III 520 chain, Ohlin’s steering damper, Ohlin’s R/T forks, Ohlin’s Rear shock, Graves Velocity Stacks, BMC Race air filter, Graves Smog Block off plates, Termignoni half system with Termignoni y-pipe, Dynojet PowerCommander USB with custom map.  Here is a list of the cosmetic changes, Carbon Fiber upper fairing, OEM Solo Seat Cowel, Integrated rear blinkers, Puig Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity Double Bubble, Watsen’s designs flushmount front signals, Speedohealer, Graves engine case covers and finally Carbon fiber triple clamp cover.

As you can see I’ve spent some serious time on this bike and had the suspension adjusted by Racetech when I went to the track.

 The day at the track was extremely cold for Southern California at 8am.  There were boughts of drizzle off and on which deterred my confidence about being on a track in general.  Once the tarmac warmed up later in the morning, I began to gain more confidence in riding harder.  I watched my lap times get consistently better as each session passed.  What I did notice was that the bike handled like a dream.  I’m certain that having my suspension setup correctly to my weight and the track was key in providing me with a machine that was FAR more capable than I was.  After a few rear wheel step outs from getting over zealous with the throttle as my confidence increased was enough to knock serious sense into my head and remind me that I wasn’t out here racing, but only for the pure fun and enjoyment of it all.

 I have to say that overall I love my bike and currently wouldn’t trade it for anything.