The Yamaha YZF-R6 as Track Tool

Running errands and commuting on an Yamaha YZF-R6 can almost make you forget how fast it really is. Don't get me wrong, it easily cuts through traffic and nothing will touch it with enough RPM on the dial. But free of the Bangkok city confines is where the Yamaha YZF-R6 really shines.

An early-morning Khorat-plateau, in Nakorn Ratchasima province, run is always nice, but to explorer your limits and discover what the Yamaha YZF-R6 was bred for, you gotta hit the track.

Though I'd raced some mini-moto stuff at a local track, I thought it was wise to start my high-speed career with studying riders on the circuit. Thanks to the people I met at Bira Circuit I began the day hesitant but ended it with burnt-up tires. Ok, so I wasn't exactly Valentino Rossi, but I was more confident, had more fun than should be legal and picked-up serious speed.

As for the Yamaha YZF-R6, its low clip-on, high rearsets and top end power suddenly all made sense. It railed around corners, braked harder than I was willing to and made for a track experience I'll never forget.

Coming away from the day the only thing I wanted was more noise from the high-revving engine. In keeping with my tight budget I added a dope Competition Werkes GP slip-on in search of both.

Installation was quick, it dropped weight, added a killer tone and slightly bumped power. The fact it retails for just US$ 190 (imported it myself, in my luggage) brings new meaning to affordabillity as well.