Performance Bikes — March 2018

98 PERFORMANCEBIKES.CO.UK | MARCH 2018

2017 YAMAHA YZF-R6 KAR LEE

It’s not just the bike that

needs wrapping up

WITH THE ROADS still in the grip of

winter there hasn’t been much riding

lately, though we did get out for a

couple of little blasts on the milder

days. Even at this time of year, the R6

is a joy to ride, with the engine modes, traction control,

the motor’s flexibility and the handling all coming

together nicely. The stock brakes are excellent and even

the Michelin Power RS tyres are managing to find some

grip in less-than-ideal conditions.

The problem – if you can call it that – with a lot of

modern sportsbikes is that they are very, very, good as

standard and besides the slightly breathless stock motor

(when compared with previous versions), the R6 is no

exception. With the bulk of the engine’s potential

unlocked thanks to an ECU flash and full Arrow

system, the only thing I’ve added to it is some paddock

stand bobbins and the aforementioned, extremely

competent Michelins. No aftermarket rearsets, brake

pads or Stompgrips... yet.

Fact: the 2017 R6, goes and stops well and is also a

looker. However, black is a bit... dark. There’s no

denying the fact that the bike is a sexy beast but it’s

always been cursed with some of the most

unimaginative paintwork, and the 2018 model is no

different. I’d like to change that with a vinyl wrap so

when the bike is returned to Yamaha it’s just a case of

peeling it off to return it back to standard. So, I’ve been

messing about with my Photoshop crayons to come up

with a design that fits with the lines of the bodywork

and looks like it could be a factory colourscheme. Oh,

and it has to be red, black and white, just because.

Some thoughts that popped up during my visual

explorations: There might be more bodywork canvas

than the R1, but it’s still not very much, and what there

is goes off in all different directions. That means any

speed-blockery doesn’t really work here, which is a

shame as it’s a design I love. Another Yamaha with a

classic paintjob is the RD500, and a variation on that

looks great on the R6. Decisions, decisions...

ar t attack

Suspected

With the R6 motor unleashed Kar turns his attention to a redesign

THE SPECS

£10,999

RRP

114.83bhp

45.36lb.ft

Measured

191.4kg

Wet, measured

BEST MOMENT

Unleashing my inner

Tony Hart (god rest

his soul).