Meet the Burnett Family & Got Your 6 Racing (GY6R) – A Custom 2007 Victory Vegas
Victory Vegas Transformed: The GY6R Story
Written by Cognito Moto
Kevin Burnett isn’t your typical builder. He’s been an engineer in the U.S. Navy since 2007, deploying around the world—from the Middle East to the Horn of Africa to the Pacific. But in his spare time, you’ll find him at the racetrack, working on a project that blends his passion for motorcycles with quality family time. This is the story of how Kevin, with the support of his family, created the “Got Your 6 Racing” (GY6R) Victory—a purpose-built machine that started life as a cruiser and now devours corners on the track.
The Builder: Kevin Burnett of Got Your 6 Racing (GY6R)
Growing up in a military family taught Kevin to always have each other’s backs—“Got your six”—and that ethos drives his racing effort. Building bikes and track days aren’t just about speed; they’re a way to spend time with his wife, Ranae, and their children, River and Jaxson, making memories and nurturing a love for motorsports together.
The Base: A 2007 Victory Vegas
Kevin began with a 2007 Victory Vegas—a heavyweight cruiser by design—and stripped it down to just the engine, ECU, and part of the wiring harness. Everything else had to go. In its place, Kevin welded up a custom 4130 steel chassis, slashing the weight, reducing the wheelbase, and steepening the rake to sharpen the handling. Crucial to the new geometry was a set of Cognito Moto Race Triple Clamps, giving the front end the precision needed to hustle a big twin around the tightest of corners.
In the photos, you’ll see the bike’s raw, industrial vibe. That aesthetic isn’t just for show—it’s a product of purpose-driven design, right down to the custom aluminum fuel cell tucked under the tail. Because the engine sits higher than stock for additional ground clearance, Kevin fabricated this new tank to keep the center of gravity in check.
The Parts: A Clever Mix of Premium and Pre-Owned
With time and budget always in short supply, Kevin cherry-picked every component. An Antigravity battery keeps electrical weight low, while a Barnett clutch cable and clutch run through a 1FNGR perch ensure smooth lever action. Dymag wheels (17×3.5 front and 17×6.0 rear) help reduce unsprung weight, and a Leo Vince muffler takes care of exhaust duties. Motion Pro throttle and cables deliver crisp response, and a Vortex chain and sprocket handle the final drive.
But that’s just part of the story. Parts from multiple donor bikes were sourced to keep costs down:
- GSXR 750 forks and rearsets
- A used Penske rear shock from a Triumph 675
- Yamaha R6 front brakes
- Indian FTR rear brake assembly and rotor
- Rear axle and steering stabilizer from an Aprilia RSV4
In the photos of the stripped-down chassis, you’ll notice the meticulously arranged custom frame tubes and the professional-level fabrication. It’s clear that engineering know-how—and quite a bit of sweat—went into every weld.
The Numbers: Weight and Power
Right now, Kevin’s one-off Victory hovers around 460 lbs (dry). His next goal? 425 lbs, and maybe even dropping to 400 lbs in the long run—a tall order for a platform whose engine, transmission, and primary collectively tip the scales at 265 lbs. But Kevin knows that as a bigger rider, he’ll also need more power. Up to this point, he’s followed a mentor’s advice to “learn how to ride a slow bike fast,” focusing on handling and chassis refinement. Now it’s time for an engine teardown and a little bit of breathing room—bigger lungs, better tuning, and a good bump in horsepower.
Looking Ahead
For Kevin Burnett and his family, Got Your 6 Racing isn’t just a name; it’s a mission statement. They’ve proven that with resourcefulness, skill, and a united front, you can turn a laid-back cruiser into a track-ready corner carver. In every shot, whether it’s scraping pegs on the apex or showing off the raw 4130 frame in a workshop, you’ll see a labor of love—and a testament to the military mindset of never leaving anyone behind.
Keep your eyes on GY6R in the paddock. With each iteration, the bike gets faster, lighter, and more finely tuned. One thing’s for certain: Kevin and his crew will be racing as a family, watching each other’s six every step of the way.