Sizzling Hot

Niall’s R1 is coming along a-pace, but sadly a fire had left him downpipe-less!

- Niall Mackenzie

As with any new relationship you cannever be certain what is in store with a new project. Only after the initial excitement and euphoria subsides do you get a clearer understanding of how things will pan out. I enjoy all that goes with the challenge of searching for and finding ‘the one’, but as I’ve found out in the past there’s always that risk of unexpected baggage.

Thankfully, that’s not the case with my now much refreshed 1998 Yamaha R1. Aside from 20y years of grime I’ve had no real underlying surprises, so rejuvenating this machine has been a pleasure. The motor, wiring and forks were all in perfect nick so stayed in place. However, almost everything else has been removed, cleaned, repaired and/or replaced.

I’ve no experience of later R1s, but I have to say it seems quality parts and materials have been used in abundance with the 4XV.

I’ve been able to remove any corroded nuts, bolts, screws and clamps without the frustration of them rounding or breaking. There’s the odd disc and caliper bolt that needs replacing, but I feel like I’ve got off pretty lightly on this occasion.

My heavily scuffed seat, mudguard and belly pan panels are now ready to pick up from Tez (Terry Chambers) at Racepaint UK in Derby. There are plenty of decent painters out there now, but these guys kindly helped my lads keep their Motorpoint Honda 125s looking mint when they started out, so it’s always nice to give them some business.