In this project, we tackle a critical electrical system refresh on a 2007 Yamaha R1 by replacing the stator, regulator/rectifier, and battery. If your charging system isn’t keeping up or your battery keeps draining, these components are prime suspects. We also do a little homemade repair to a leaking clutch cover. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Removing the Old Stator
The stator is responsible for generating power for your bike, and a failing stator can cause poor charging and weak spark. Start by removing the left-side engine cover, which houses the stator. Be prepared for a small amount of oil to spill. Have a drain pan ready. Disconnect the stator wiring from the main harness before removing the mounting bolts securing it inside the cover. With the old stator out, install the new one in reverse order, ensuring the wiring is routed correctly and secured away from hot or moving parts.
In this project, we tackle several upgrades on a 2011 Yamaha FZ8, including installing a new chain and sprockets, replacing the battery, adding rear spools, and swapping in a set of rearsets. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your bike or make it more functional, these upgrades are a great way to improve performance and convenience. Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Installing Rear Spools
Rear spools are a handy addition if you use a bike stand to lift your bike for maintenance. They’re easy to install, requiring you to remove the rear axle bolts and replace them with spools. Simply screw the spools into place, ensuring they are tightened securely. This step adds convenience to your bike maintenance routine, making it much easier to lift the rear wheel for chain adjustments or cleaning.
In this build, we take on a full frame swap for a 2006 Yamaha R6. Whether you’re dealing with crash damage or upgrading your setup, swapping a frame is a major job, but we break it down step by step.
We start by stripping down the bike completely, removing the engine, suspension, and wiring to get the old frame out of the way. With everything disassembled, we take the opportunity to replace the steering stem bearings for smoother handling and better longevity. Once the new frame is in place, we reinstall the engine, reassemble the front end, and ensure everything is torqued to spec.