I am new to bikes and the R6. I just got my first bike (2004 R6) and am wandering about some observations I have noticed. When I received the bike it appeared to be perfect. Exhaust was clean inside and out. Since I am new to riding I have been taking it extremely slow and careful. For Example, I am shifting to second at about 4,500 to 5,000 RPM...not sure if that is too low or not. Like I said, I am very new to this. The bike seems to have very high pitch if I take the RPM up to 10,000 or more in first. I am sure this is probably because it is a 600 and not a 900+ like my buddies have. Anyways, first question, where you I be shifting or at what speeds should I be shifting between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd and so on. Next the question that I started with....Since I drive the bike so slow and easy, I am wondering if I am getting carbon buildup in my exhaust. Fuel is the first thing I smell when I start the bike, but it runs like a dream. I had a friend tell me today that the previous owner might have raced the bike hard and this could be the reason for the richer fuel. I have an aftermarket exhaust (not sure what kind) and a power commander. I know nothing about setting the power commander up for new maps, so I just leave it alone. Is there anyone that can help me answer these Noob questions, or am I just out of my league???

Nah. Youre actually ok. Now if you smell gas so strong that your eyes water....thats a different story. A few things you can look for if you are seriously concerned about it though are....A. The condition of your air filter. B. The grade of fuel you are running....for instance, I run 93 octane in my bike but that causes it to run richer automatically than say running 87 or 89 octane. Also having the power commander itself is also inducing more fuel at once that normal and will also give you that "gasy" smell when you first start it. The best thing I can tell you to do is to let the bike sit in neutral until at "running temp" and make an assessment. If it still smells like pure gas at running temp....start at the most common areas ie. air filter. plugs. and etc. then if all those check out start on the power commander.

Thanks JMCASH, I don't think it is a big issue myself. The guy I bought the bike from took very good care of it and seemed to know how to take care of the bike. I just wasn't sure if the issue with more carbon in the exhaust was from my lack of using the bike to its fullest (or at least matching my experience with the map settings on the power commander). Now that you mention it though, the smell of gas is not overwhelming at all.....only on the start up!!!! I do run 93 (ALL the time), should I use a lower octane occasionally or should I keep with the 93???

Id keep with the 93....Its not going to cause any damage that 89 or 87 wouldnt. And it keeps everything cleaner.

Thanks JMCASH....My thoughts exactly!!!! Looking for a new pipe for my 2004 now. Need something with a little heavier sound...doesn't need to be loud, but I would love to get something deeper. Pretty sad to say, but I don't know what kind of pipe is on my bike right now. All I know is it looks like it is carbon fiber on the outside.....Don't think they came stock that way!!!!

Actually I think the stock pipes were like that...pretty much any aftermarket pipe has their logo "blasted" all over it. But yeah. Definitely get a new pipe. Id get a whole new system entirely so you cut out the catalytic converter as well. ;) Good luck with your ride. Keep me posted on it. And anything I can do to help, let me know...besides funding...lol.

I'll have to look at some stock pics for the 2004. It looks good, but I am thinking I would rather have a polished look to the pipe. What are some of the more popular ones??? In any case, I have had a problem posting any pics of my bike for reference purposes, so if anyone would like to tell me what appears stock on my bike and what doesn't, I would be more than happy to send pics via email. My email is rabus@comcast.net!!! Thanks......

Um, I have a Hindle system on mine, race application...but you would be probably just as happy with say yoshimura, or a two brothers pipe. both sound great.

I have considered both pipes and also looked at the D&D's (I think that is what it was called)....your probably right.....no need for a race application on my bike yet....just looking for a little better sound + a few more hp's wouldn't hurt. Will there be any need for me to remap my power commander if I change pipes???

Yes, Normally it isnt done. But if you want the most out of your modification you need to have your pc remapped to allow full use of your new pipe. New pipes ultimately effect everything on your motor so having your power commander reset will be the best.....and safest thing to do. As Ive always been told "if you are to do something....Do it right."