The Bald Anthony Naked R1: Lean, Mean, and Clean

Naked Yamaha R1 Custom

“I wanted to build a naked bike that looked like it came from the Yamaha factory.”

The Yamaha YZF-R1, known simply as the R1, has remained one of the world’s fiercest factory superbikes since its introduction in 1998. The 2004 R1 was the first production motorcycle to claim a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio — 180 horsepower, 172 kg dry weight — and it showed. Motorcycle Consumer News clocked the new R1 running through the quarter-mile traps in 9.9 seconds at 145 mph, and the bike howled to a top speed of 179 mph.

Naked Yamaha R1

What’s more, Yamaha tilted the cylinders 40° forward, creating a straight frame line from the headstock to the swingarm pivot point, which increased rigidity a reported 200%. The result was an absolute weapon on the street, strip, and track:

It’s hard to fault the clinical, precise and devastatingly fast 2004 Yamaha R1. Its chassis can cope with all kinds of road surfaces and demolishes tight hairpins at any track.” —MCN

Naked Yamaha R1 Custom

Recently we heard from our friend Bald Anthony, builder of the Yamaha RZ350 restomod we featured earlier this year. Anthony had a clear vision for this 2004 R1:

“I wanted to build a naked bike that looked like it came from the Yamaha factory.”

Naked Yamaha R1 Custom

He braced the swingarm and added CNC rear-stand mounts, while a custom top triple clamp allowed him to install a set of motocross-style handlebars — wheelie machine! Anthony says he cut some 75% of the weight of the stock exhaust by switching to a low-mounted 4:1 setup.

Naked Yamaha R1 Custom

Other highlights include the handmade rear tail cowl, bar protectors, two-finger levers, ignition relocation, new headlight and custom front aluminum cover, modified air intakes and front fender, and more. The result is one very clean R1 in white and red, which tends to fool onlookers — just as Anthony intended:

“Many people think it’s the next naked bike coming from Yamaha.”

Naked Yamaha R1 Custom

And with so much weight removed and the new upright riding position, the bike is an absolute monster to ride:

“It feels like a dirt bike with a handful of power. With the handlebars installed, the fairings and additional weight removed, this bike is very light so it can be thrown into the turns.”

Below, Anthony give us the full details on “The Naked R1.”

Yamaha R1 Naked: Builder Interview

Naked Yamaha R1

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I’ve owned many bikes and I’ve enjoyed customizing each one. As the years have gone by I’ve always wanted to build a bike that the factory should have built and this R1 is it! From the positive comments the bike receives to the feeling I get when I ride this bike, the satisfaction is immeasurable. I also build bikes for clients that need this type of detailed work. My garage has grown into my workshop and customizing bikes to the smallest details is my passion.

Naked Yamaha R1 Custom

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

2004 Yamaha R1.

Naked Yamaha R1

• Does the bike have a nickname?

Bald Anthony – The Naked R1.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

I’m proud of the factory look of this bike and all the details that were incorporated into the build. Many people think it’s the next naked bike coming from Yamaha.

The bike started out completely stock new out of the crate. The swingarm was braced and CNC rear-stand mounts were added. The custom top triple clamp was installed to incorporate the dirt bike type handlebars.

Naked Yamaha R1

I used a shrink tube product to install the two bottom radiator hoses instead of the basic metal hose clamps.

 

The dual exhaust was dropped from the top to a single at the bottom saving 75% of the weight. The exhaust can was coated black to conceal the carbon fiber with a single bolt attachment for a quick removal. The bar protectors were installed to protect the two-finger levers and my hands in case a car mirror was taken off when I split traffic. They work well.

Naked Yamaha R1

The handmade ABS plastic rear tail cowl was created with no pad. The rear key cylinder was removed and a lever was installed under the tail section to handle the duty. The headlight, speedometer and the custom front aluminum cover were installed to clean up the front end. The air ducts were shortened and reshaped for a smoother look.

The front fender was cut back a half inch then extended four inches on the other side. I shaped the delrin frame sliders after my skateboard wheels. All stock and custom parts were hand-sanded smooth to remove all casting marks.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride?

It feels like a dirt bike with a handful of power. With the handlebars installed, the fairings and additional weight removed, this bike is very light so it can be thrown into the turns.

Naked Yamaha R1

• Why was this bike built?

I wanted to build a naked bike that looked like it came from the Yamaha factory.

Special Thanks

Matt @ Color Zone Designs
Dan @ Primo Powder Coating
Chris Parker @ Rottweiler Performance
Dalton and Ramona Hamm
Dave @ Pro Bolt USA

Follow the Builder

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @bald_anthony

8 Comments

  1. Daniel R Carr

    I’m sure it’s a great bike, but the photography doesn’t do it justice.
    Why so dark? What is there to hide? Clear, bright photos, please.
    Keep the artsy effects for another time.

  2. I second the bad photography comment….impossible to get an overall impression of the build. The tiny details look nicely done, still have zero idea what the whole bike looks like.
    More, brighter pictures please!!!!

  3. I remember this bike from at least 12 years ago when I wanted to fighter my R1. I could never find any details on it and just dropped the project.

  4. Terrible photos. It would be great if Bikebound could stop once and for all reporting on bikes that come with this type of pictures, considering how they are more or less unanimously rejected.

  5. Sure would have been nice to see what the bike looks like.

    These “Mystery Portraits” are getting old.

  6. Lastima que no se aprecia bien por las fotos.coincido con los comentarios.

  7. Gerard Harings

    agree wiht the above….please clear foto’s…. to realy apriciate the craftmanship

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