Installing the Ohlins Double Adjustable Rear Shock (YA967) on my YZF-R3
In this video, I am installing the Ohlins Double Adjustable Rear Shock (YA967) – Norton Race Spec on my 2018 Yamaha R3. I’ll show you how to remove the OEM shock, install the YA-967 unit, and I’ll talk about the overall geometry settings for the bike. I am also replacing the lower bolt holding the shock in place with a Titanium bolt/nut. The overall process is relatively easy; I’d consider this to be a two on a scale of 1 to 5. You will need approximately 2-3 hours total to complete the work. I am using the Pit Bull jack stands to support the bike and to allow the swingarm to move freely,…
Finalizing Bodywork and more…
I finally completed the bodywork on my R3. I installed the SharkSkinz fairings in a previous video, but I still had some minor challenges to secure the upper fairing properly. I tried to install the fairing stay brackets from Norton Motorsports but didn’t have a lot of success. Watch the video to see what I did to resolve the problem. I also modified the seat bracket from SharkSkinz to support a DZUS Pro fastener instead of the small screw that came with the connector. Using the quick-release fastener will significantly simplify the installation and disassembly of the race tail/race seat. I am also showing how I fixed the alignment problem I encountered when I initially tried to connect the lower and upper fairings with larger fasteners. And finally, I’ll show you how I modified my Puig windscreen to fit in between the upper fairing stay while remaining flush against the inside…
415 Chain Conversion for the R3
In my opinion, this is a fascinating topic! A reduction in unsprung weight and rotational mass will make a big difference on your bike by making it more nimble and giving a small bump in horsepower! In these two videos, I am documenting the process of replacing a 520 chain and sprockets with a lighter 415 size. I am also replacing the mounting studs for the rear sprocket with 8mm shorter Titanium studs. This will simplify the process of swapping wheels at the racetrack since the studs won’t be protruding as much and, therefore, less likely to get caught in the chain. While doing this work, I’ll also replaced the rear disc rotor with a Galfer Wave. In the 2nd video, I had to deal with some challenges when shortening the 415 chain. I will publish another episode in the next few weeks talking about a new chain tool specifically for this chain size. The total weight savings are considerable. Here is the full list: Item OEM Weight New component Weight Reduction 520 chain vs. 415 1633g 971g 662g Front Sprocket 184g 139g …
HOW-TO: Install SharkSkinz Race Bodywork on your R3
Are you ready to go to the track with your R3? If you are serious about getting into this sport, one of the essential investments required will be to replace your OEM plastic with race bodywork. It will simplify and speed up the maintenance process when you are trackside by reducing the number of parts requiring assembly/disassembly. Installing race fairings means that you will, at a minimum, remove your mirrors, lights, blinkers, and a few unnecessary plastic trims. The other advantage of using race bodywork is if (or when) you have an incident with your bike, a quality body kit will be much easier to repair than the manufacturer’s plastics. In my last encounter with a wall of tires at my local track, my bike suffered severe road rash…
R3 Weight Reduction – Install a Lithium Battery
Are you trying to reduce the weight of your bike? Replacing the heavy OEM battery with an Antigravity 4 cell lithium battery will allow you to save approximately 5 pounds with minimal effort. The OEM battery weighs 6 pounds, and the 4-cell battery from Antigravity is about 15 ounces. It’s hard to imagine that this small form factor battery has enough cranking power to start the bike! The other advantage of these batteries is their low self-discharge rate of 1-2% per month. Replacing the OEM battery with the Antigravity battery is a true plug-and-play setup. The battery doesn’t require to be charged when you get it. The biggest challenge for…
Installing a LighTech Lever Guard
I wasn’t planning on writing a blog post about installing a lever guard! However, since I had a few speed bumps during my journey, I figured I’d document the process, and hopefully, it will be useful to a few fellow riders. Why do we need lever guards? A lever guard is a critical safety item on your motorcycle. It can prevent a fatal crash by reducing the risks of someone (or something) accidentally pushing your lever. Most amateur track riders and pro racers will only care about protecting the brake lever side, but you can also install a lever guard on the clutch side. Selecting a lever guard Now that…
New Yoyodyne Clutch for my R3
I just couldn’t resist and had to install a Yoyodyne slipper clutch on my new R3. Why? Well, this bike will be a track only bike and I also wanted to replace the detent spring, so I figured that I’d combined both of these modifications in a single project. Don’t judge… I love gadgets but, I also like to optimize my time. The purpose of the detent spring A stiffer and more robust detent spring is needed to improve shifting on the R3. It’s no secret that false neutrals are a common occurrence on the R3. A stiffer detent spring is one easy way to help with this challenge. If…
