Long-Term Update
Long-Term Update
YAMAHA
YZF-R1
Loaded gun
FILE A POLICE REPORT! OUR LONGterm YZF-R1 is missing from the moto pool. Wait! Call off the bloodhounds. Turns out, the culprit is Andy Leisner, a CW ad guy with “ex250cc Grand Prix roadracer” stamped on his resume.
During the past few weeks, Leisner, who makes his home at the base of SoCal’s famed Angeles Crest Highway, has been accruing lots of miles-and burning up Bridgestone BT56s. No worries, though: Midway through its abduction, the R1 visited Leisner’s local Yamaha dealer for routine service. Following the recommended oil-and-filter change, the bike was issued a clean bill of health. In light of this, all charges have been dropped. After all, possession is 9/10ths of the law.
Recently, a set of Michelin Pilots ($453) landed on CW’s doorstep. This is the same super-sticky rubber that’s fast encroaching upon Dunlop’s dynasty in AMA Supersport racing. They’re also a good excuse to fit Pro-Tek’s CNCmachined aluminum rearsets ($320). Given the added grip and increased cornering clearance, deeper lean angles are just around the comer.
Short of locking the steering and swallowing the key, a restraining order may be needed to ensure that Leisner leaves enough rubber for the rest of the staff.
$10,199
YAMAHA
WR400F
Versatile rooster
MID-TERMS ARE OVER AND OUR long-term WR400F is still carding a solid A. The bike’s report card shows extra effort in the durability category and a strong showing in raceability. The only area of complaint seems to be all-day comfort.
After flying rocks took their toll on the stock headlight, we opted for an Acerbis DHH assembly ($79), which lights up the trail and looks cool, too. In the name of added stability, we installed a Scotts steering stabilizer, something from which every dirtbike could benefit. The $600 kit consists of a goldanodized stabilizer, billet-aluminum top clamp, mount tower and Pro-Taper handlebar. The whole shebang bolted up in less than an hour, yielding fully adjustable damping in all conditions.
Glitches? The carburetor’s pumper mechanism is easily contaminated by dirt and water. Filth collects in the diaphragm (part # 5BE 14940-0800), impeding throttle response. Ours cleaned up easily, but required a delicate touch to avoid tearing it. To help keep it clean, we packed the pump’s shaft with waterproof grease.
Overall, we’re stoked. Three bolts (two for the kickstand and one for the exhaust insert) allow the WR to go from trail hound to mad racer, which means it’s a good bike to have around.
$5899
SUZUKI
SV650
Twin-cylinder titillation
THE DECISION TO KEEP SUZUKI’S SV650 as a long-term testbike was a no-brainer. After all, it’s been a while since the CW garage was home to a motorcycle that’s so popular with so many staffers.
Associate Editor Wendy Black picked up the bike at its press introduction in Julian, California. At the time, the bike had a mere 150 break-in miles on its odometer. Since then, the funloving SV has been a top contender for commuting duties and weekend getaways, and now has nearly 2000 miles on the clock.
Thus far, the spirited machine has performed without transgression. The only fly in the Suzuki’s ointment is cosmetic: While practicing stand-onthe-seat wheelies for a photo shoot, Road Test Editor Don Canet accidentally put his knee into the SV’s fuel tank. The result is a large dent.
We tried using compressed air to remove the divot and were unsuccessful. We also contacted several paintless-dent-removal companies, but they claim more traditional auto-body techniques will be necessary.
$5699
