Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/946956
GRAVES / YAMAHA YZF -R3 SUPPORT PROGRAM FEATURE P100 it all together, and I expect their bikes to be at the front of the pack from the very first race of the season. Like Graves said, "In the end, if you can start off with an already-developed motorcycle, it's the fastest and easiest way to raise the level of talent." FROM THE HOT SEAT As part of the Junior Cup Pro- gram, Graves held a two-day orientation test for the class of 2018 riders at Buttonwillow Raceway outside of Bakers- field, California, where we had the chance to spin some laps on a race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R3 for ourselves. The two days kicked off with a technical briefing for the riders and crews, which explained all the ins and outs of the Graves Racing Services' R3. Details are important to the Graves team, and it showed during the briefing. It's all about extracting the most perfor- mance possible, while keeping the bike in tip-top condition. While the team members briefed us, as well as the Graves technical staff, Josh Hayes took the 2018 Junior Cup Support Program riders on a track-walk around the 2.5- mile long circuit. The Missis- sippi Madman is wise with his words, but tips for the young- sters were short and simple. Hayes explained how he picks out reference points, utilizes what the racetrack has to offer, and goes about strategy for a weekend. This is a selling point for the Graves program. The MotoAmerica Junior Cup is designed to make motorcycles as evenly matched as possible, and even with shiny-new R3s, winning and losing is totally rider dependent. That said, having a coach as knowledge- able as Josh Hayes could mean the difference between being in the front, or being just another midpack rider. And now, it's time to ride. Throwing a leg over the Graves R3 presents a feeling that's common with all professionally built race bikes. It feels com- plete, with every piece having its place. It's a simple machine, and doesn't come with a lot to fiddle with. In fact, it's not even outfitted with a pit lane speed limiter. On track, the R3 shows its true potential, especially in the technical sections. The Yamaha is lightweight, and begs to be flicked through side-to-side transitions where it can prove its agility. Thanks to the Ohlins front fork cartridges and rear shock, gone is the unsettled ride that's typical with small bikes and instead is a feeling of stability and confidence. Get into a corner with a little too much speed? You might feel the front end begin to tuck un- derneath you, but the motorcy- cle is light enough to be picked up by your knee. Forgiving is the word.