Trendsetters, Old Friends, and More

Reader Contribution by Motorcycle Classics Readers
Updated on August 9, 2024
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by Gary Ilminen

Going through changes

I was more than a little surprised to see in the Yamaha R5: The AFM Bike article, a photo of my Yamaha R5 taken in 2012, referencing the Grand Marshal Ride at Riding into History. I still have the R5, initially I built the bike in 2009-10 and have updated it over the years. This shot, from 2018, shows the DG heads among other changes. Shortly after, it suffered a failure of the home brewed electronic system. There followed a couple of failed experiments and a lengthy time in the doghouse while other projects took over. Recently, I picked up a Powerdyne system; once fitted she burned both pistons, so a top end refresh is currently underway. But the important thing is that the R5 is still alive and will soon be back making rude noises and terrorizing small dogs.

Alan Singer/Jacksonville, FL


Turbine smooth, longtime friend

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