HOW-TO: Install a Coolant Recovery Tank on a Yamaha R3
The Motion Pro Coolant Recovery Tank is a great way to improve and simplify the serviceability of your Yamaha R3. This product allows you to re-locate the coolant recovery container closer to the radiator and also allows you to quickly and easily inspect the coolant level visually. This is a very easy installation process. Once you have your fairings off the bike, it should take you approximately 15-20 minutes to remove the OEM reservoir and install the new Motion Pro recovery tank.
HOW-TO: Install the TST Captive Chain Adjusters on a Yamaha R3
Changing the rear wheel on your R3 is such a painful experience since the end cap on your swingarm keeps falling whenever you try to remove or re-assemble your rear wheel. Additionally, the wheel spacers and the rear caliper are constantly falling or moving, adding even more frustration to the wheel removal process. The TST Captive Adjusters will simplify the process of removing and installing the rear wheel on your Yamaha R3. In addition, the optional Delrin sliders are, in my opinion, a must-buy option since they can reduce the damage to your swingarm in case of a low side. If you already have a rear motorcycle stand,…
HOW-TO: Install an Öhlins steering damper on a Yamaha R6 (2006-2016)
A steering damper is a must to increase stability and prevent speed wobbles. I still do not understand why ALL modern bikes do not come with this piece of equipment as a standard option. In this video, I am installing an Öhlins linear steering damper on my 2008 Yamaha R6. The process will be the same for the 2006 to 2016 models. I’ve decided to replace my GPR unit with the Öhlins stabilizer because the GPR unit kept leaking fluid, hence reducing the dampening effectiveness (and drastically reducing my comfort level). I am installing the Öhlins SD001 unit, and in order to mount this stabilizer, you will also need a…
HOW-TO: Remove the Kickstand from your YZF-R3
An easy mod that will reduce the weight of your bike by approximately 3 pounds. This is one of the first modifications that you will want to do if you plan on converting your bike to a track-only machine. You will need to have a bike stand or wheel chock to do this work. Removal of the front sprocket cover and the bodywork (i.e. left fairing) will also be required. Removal of the kickstand is not simply a mechanical operation, you will have to bypass the kickstand switch by either buying a bypass connector or cutting 2 wires and connecting them securely together. If you don’t feel comfortable with splicing…
HOW-TO: Install a FastFrank Rear Caliper Bracket on your R3
The Fast Frank Racing Rear Caliper Bracket Kit will greatly simplify the process of changing the rear wheel on your Yamaha R3. With this modification, you will no longer need to get an extra pair of hands or some zip ties to hold the rear caliper in place while you try to slide the wheel in place. The captive bracket kit from FastFrank will ensure that the caliper remains in place while you mount your rear wheel. The installation process is not very complex, but you need to be confident in your abilities to re-assemble the rear caliper. Since filming this video, I have had the opportunity to disassemble and…
HOW-TO: Install an Öhlins Steering Damper on a Yamaha R3
Yes! I am replacing my beloved GPR stabilizer for the Öhlins SD001 steering damper! Many of you have asked if a steering damper is necessary on a small bike like the R3. My take is that I’d rather be safe than sorry, hence my decision to have a damper. Some race organizations also mandate that all bikes have a steering stabilizer. The installation process was a lot simpler than I expected. The Graves damper mount kit (available here: https://www.gravesport.com/products/yamaha-r3-steering-damper-mount-kit.html) is definitely a must for this installation. It took me approximately 1.5 hours to install this unit. To complete the work, you will need to remove the front/upper fairing. The Öhlins…
HOW-TO: Oil Change for a Ducati 848 EVO
This quick video documents the process of changing the engine oil on my Ducati 848 EVO. Changing the oil on your Ducati 848 should be done at least once per year (or every 12,000 km or 7500 miles). The overall process is very simple and can be completed in less than one hour. Material needed: Engine Oil (recommended viscosity for most climates is SAE 15W-50) Oil Filter (HIFLO FILTRO HF153 or K&N part # KN-153) New crush washer for the drain bolt Paper towels or shop towels Gloves (optional) Tools needed: 5mm Internal (Allen) wrench to remove drain bolt Channellock 209 – 9″ oil filter pliers wrench (or equivalent tool)…
HOW-TO: Spark Plugs replacement on your Yamaha R3
Changing the spark plugs on your motorcycle is vital to the overall service routine and should be done regularly. Yamaha recommends replacing the plugs at 7000 mi (11,000 km) and subsequently every 6000mi/10,000km). Since I am on the racetrack quite often in the summer months, I chose to replace my sparks at least once a season. If you are riding the bike on the street only, you can most likely get away with changing the sparks at the suggested mileage intervals (vs. yearly) The manufacturer model for the spark plug is NGK CR8E, and the recommended spark plug gap is 0.7 to 0.8mm (0.028-0.031 in). When installing the plugs, the…
