Working with slower riders for most of the two days, though, the bike was perfect: Comfortable, and at these more moderate track speeds I can’t think of any other machine I would rather be on.

When the speed bumps up the compliant stock suspension starts to feel a little soft, and it takes some mental re-programming for downshifting as there is no slipper clutch.

Another minor nitpick I had was gear changing, and I’m sure some better adjustment of the lever position or some rear sets will fix most of the hesitation I occasionally found on upshifts.

With a little restraint due to the bike’s stock condition and the tires, a lot of fun was had, and the R6 got a lot of attention for being so clean and well prepared.

Now it goes back to International Motorbikes so Harry and I can put our heads together and decide what to do next, and how to do it on a budget.

While the bodywork was being worked on, Harry changed all the fluids, including changing the radiator fluid for Water Wetter, and did some lock-wiring to ensure the bike would be safer on the track.

Parts going on and it's starting to look like a complete bike once again.

The headlight was broken, as were the right handlebar, rear brake lever, front brake lever, footpeg and exhaust.

After a little elbow grease, the Yamaha R6 is ready for the track.

Cleaning all the leaves and other debris out was first order of business.

We sourced all the rest of the parts from eBay: A stock silencer, footpegs, levers, bars, etc.

The bodywork needed replacing on both sides, as did the tailpiece, to make the bike perfect, and the license-plate bracket, turn signals, and other hardware were missing at the rear.

The bodywork went away with my good friends Corey Morgan and his buddy Kurt, where they worked miracles.

First order of operation was to wash the bike and roll it onto the lift. Then all the broken parts and bodywork were removed and a list made of all the new items needed to make it track ready.

Initially rolling onto the track, the bike feels extremely light and very sensitive to steering inputs.

a neighbor of mine got divorced and inherited a lightly crashed 2005 Yamaha R6 in the settlement, I was first on her list when she wanted to sell it.