Most “custom” sportbikes aren’t much more than a handful of bolt-on aftermarket parts fitted to a super-bike/sport, but this fascinating YZR M1 “replica” is truly a custom sport build. This unique one-off R1 was used at Superbike-Coach by Can Akkaya. Superbike-Coach is based out of Elk Grove, California and it features courses for street and track riders of all skill levels all over the state, as well as offering guided moto tours and a wheelie course. While this example’s engine is blown, it does still sport a massive parts list made up of high-end racing components, and the seller points out that a used 2004-2006 engine can realistically be purchased for between 15 and 25 hundred dollars.
In 2013, this updated ’06 flagship Yamaha superbike was pieced together before being tested and dialed in by Can Akkaya himself. The accumulative value of the aftermarket parts found on this machine total in the ballpark of about $15,000, and that’s not including the extensive labor required to put this unique two-wheeler together. Not only has this example’s power delivery reportedly become far smoother (compared to the stock 2006 R1) but the modifications to the exhaust, air-box, intake, and electronics are responsible for giving this scoot an extra 25 ponies. The bike’s weight has also gone down by 45lbs in contrast to its stock counterpart.
Over the last three decades, Can Akkaya has established his name in the motorcycle world. Having competed from ’92-’95 in the International German Championship, Akkaya honed his demigod-esque track skills before coming to the US to begin a life as an instructor where he’s since pioneered a handful of advanced training techniques. Akkaya has had roughly 4,000 students in his time as a riding coach where he has also designed and constructed a three stage wheelie bar which he uses in the Superbike-Coach Wheelie Course. Interestingly, there is (or was) apparently some debate or speculation surround Akkaya and his career which Motorcycle-USA covered in an interesting article.
While it undoubtedly outperforms the stock R1 from a decade ago, this example’s appearance is definitely one of its major selling-points. Though the fairings at first look like track-bodywork for the current YZF R1, (which was heavily visually derived from the M1) it is in fact a legitimate Lacomoto Portugal YZR M1 (Yamaha’s MotoGP bike) replica fairing kit (valued at over $2k and mounted via custom brackets) which has had holes cut in the nose to accommodate four Clearwater super-bright LED headlights (two of which serve as high beams). Unlike many custom sportbikes – and the majority of non-factory street fighters – this example wasn’t born out of the donor being wrecked, in fact the ’06 R1 this bike is built upon was totally overhauled at the beginning of the lengthy endeavor with elements like the bearings, axles, etc, all getting attention.
As previously mentioned, the parts list on this bike is straight bananas. The front suspension consists of a Race Tech G2-R road race front fork cartridge that’s fully adjustable and includes gold valves, held together via a Gilles triple tree with adjustable trail and different inserts, and a CSC Hyperpro steering damper. In back, a fully adjustable Race Tech G3 custom rear shock dampens the swingarm. The brakes recently got new rotors and carbon race brake pads (6 new sets also come with the purchase). A Zeta clutch perch and brake lever were also added, along with a Zeta lever-guard.
Whatever engine and transmission end up in this example’s frame will be helped along by a Power Commander V (mapped on dyno), a Dynojet Ignition Module and Quickshifter (w/ 1-up 5-down setup). The M1 replica inhales through a K&N race air filter and modified air box, while burnt fumes exit through Leo Vince headers that feed into a “100% customized exhaust” system that includes a custom carbon fiber slip-on with db eater/killer insert. The exhaust on this example stays true to the M1 with a shorty GP style side mounted unit in lieu of the ’06 R1’s under tail pipes. Other carbon fiber knickknacks adorn this example such as a carbon chain and heel guards, and carbon Lacomoto swing arm cover and tire hugger.
This build also sports a host of Gilles Racing components such as a titanium axle nut, clip-ons (sale comes with spare set too), adjustable rearsets, and chain adjusters. Other upgrades include a Shorai Lithium-Ion lightweight battery, an additional lower race radiator and hoses, 520 chain and sprocket conversion, and a trick keyless ignition system. Along with more spare parts, this example’s sale includes front and rear paddock stands, and a set of racing slicks that are said to be good for two more track-days.
The engine on this bike blew up at a recent track day at Laguna Seca, and Superbike-Coach says they simply don’t have the time to fix it, meaning their loss very well could be your gain. This interestingly (albeit professionally) cobbled-together superbike was supposedly featured in a magazine or two, though the seller doesn’t specify which. With the price of a used engine and installation, you’re looking at paying roughly the same price for this example as you would a used stock 2006 R1, and with more than two-dozen upgraded components and a much more unique – and in my opinion better – looking appearance, I’d pick this bike over a stock ’06 R1 any day.
Aside from the livery this example is wearing, (and the whole lack of engine thing) I genuinely love everything about this bike. I’ll readily acknowledge my bias as a sport enthusiast but I do think this bike is objectively pretty special. It’s hard to begin to calculate how much it would cost to build this streetable track-weapon, but at its current price-point, I see this as somewhat of a steal, and a damn sexy one at that. This machine is 100% street legal, while simultaneously being a beast on the track, offering – in my opinion – the best of both worlds and looking good while doing it.
You can find this one-off 2006 Yamaha that’s been professionally transformed into a street-legal M1 tribute for sale here on Craigslist in San Francisco, CA with a price of just $4,500.