He figured it out quickly, taking victory in race three of
four in the 2019 International Challenge—his first foray
into vintage racing.
Throw a leg over one and you’ll be quickly reminded
that these are based upon 1980s machines. A long, low
reach to the handlebars comes as a result of a period-cor-
rect elongated fuel tank and narrow bars hinder ability to
lean your body into the corner. The footpegs are set for-
ward, and a barebones cockpit reminds us that these bikes
are of a different era. The experience is raw, and yet so rad.
The feelings are similar at 170 mph. The XR’s chassis
feedback is unlike anything I’ve experienced on mod-
ern-day equipment. It’s happiest at maximum lean angles,
presenting an absurd amount of feel from the contact
patches of both tires and begs you to push limits a pinch
more all the time. Mid-corner steering is equally impres-
sive and the chassis makes imperfections in the tarmac
seem nearly nonexistent, soaking them up with only
subtle reactions felt through the controls.PLATFORM: 1983 YAMAHA FJ1100
DISPLACEMENT: 1,250CC
CLAIMED
HORSEPOWER: 160+ HPFRAME: CMR RACING PRODUCTS
SUZUKI XR69 REPLICA
FRONT
SUSPENSION:2000 YAMAHA YZF-R6 CONVENTIONAL
FORK W/ GP SUSPENSION CARTRIDGES
REAR
SUSPENSION: ÖHLINS TTX SHOCK
FRONT TIRE: DUNLOP KR448 120/70-17
REAR TIRE: DUNLOP KR451 180/60-17
CLAIMED
DRY WEIGHT: 420 LB.ENGINE
CHASSIS