2005 Gobert's YZF-R1 First Ride Photo Gallery

Although the Graves Motorsports team is facing stiffer competition in 2005, their bikes are still some of the prettiest in the paddock.

Photos of Gobert's 2005 YZF-R1. 2005 We Ride Gobert's R1

Several laps aboard a stock R1 weren't enough to prepare Duke for the devilish racebike.

There are strict limitations on modifications in the Superstock class, with the frame, swingarm, fork, brakes and throttle bodies having to remain stock.

A close up of the Graves titanium exhaust system.

The Graves bikes have a remote brake adjuster mounted on the left-side clip-on.

Duke was happy Yamaha provided some stock R1's to warm up on before hopping on the real deal.

It took Duke several laps before he realized how much grip was available from the Dunlop slicks.

Riding a bike set up for a hard-riding pro didn't translate well with an amateur riding at lower speeds.

2004 AMA Superstock Champion Aaron Gobert was smiling in this picture, but would he after we took his bike around the track a couple times?

Despite the Valentino Rossi helmet, Duke found Gobert's R1 to be too much for his talents to handle.

Here's Aaron Gobert showing us the proper way to ride his bike.

Aaron Gobert (1) leads team owner Chuck Graves (2) in an impromptu race around Willow. Graves nearly pulled off the win but was beaten by his championship-winning rider.

In an ironic twist, Gobert was forced to lead Duke around Willow mounted on a stock R6 for the Speed Channel on-board camera.