The YZF-R6 from Yamaha is one of the most refined, redesigned and remarkable sports bike having won the World Supersport Championship three times in the last seven years. This is easily one of the most popular and extreme supersport bikes that Yamaha have ever built. Light, agile and fast, this iconic 600cc model is the number one choice with today’s go-getting thrill seekers who are looking to progress quickly through the supersport ranks.
To underline the company’s total commitment to the supersport segment – which remains a key ingredient in Yamaha’s sporty, race bred DNA – the leading Japanese manufacturer will introduce a radically styled new YZF-R6 for 2017 that has been created using some of the latest YZF-R1 derived chassis technology together with cutting edge electronics.
With newly developed low-drag bodywork and an aggressive look that bears all the characteristics of Yamaha’s thoroughbred R-series DNA, the new YZF-R6 has arrived. The YZF-R6 has always been at the very forefront of extreme supersport design. Over a decade on from its debut, the current model is still one of the most dynamic looking bikes in its class, and has attracted an intensely loyal and dedicated following.
For 2017 Yamaha have completely restyled this iconic middleweight supersport bike, and the YZF-R6 adopts a radical new look that is clearly inspired by the latest generation YZF-R1. With its M1-type central forced air intake and recessed LED twin headlights, the bike’s aggressive face and glaring looks make sure that it’s instantly recognizable as being a member of the R-series family.
To accentuate its intimidating presence, the new YZF-R6 is equipped with slim position lights that give a real lifelike quality and almost animalistic persona to the dynamic face. The style and location of these position lights project a thrilling appearance that, while clearly R-family, conveys a more defined YZF-R6 image.
The next generation R-series DNA is evident in the sharp bodywork, whose array of side ducts and flowing horizontal lines gives a cross-layered design that emphasize the bike’s aerodynamic excellence. A new YZF-R1 style tail reinforces the race-bred styling, and although the forceful supersport looks have been clearly inspired by the flagship YZF-R1, the YZF-R6 has its own unique character and profile.
Yamaha’s supersport design team are constantly working to achieve higher levels of performance in every area, and the 2017 YZF-R6 is equipped with a new front cowl and windscreen with the most efficient aerodynamics ever featured on this model.
The low drag front fairing has been developed using some of the key elements from the YZF-R1, and the latest design gives a significant improvement of 8% in aerodynamic efficiency. As well as the redesigned front cowl and screen, the bike’s new LED flashers are incorporated within the rear view mirrors to reduce turbulence and drag.
The YZF-R6 was one of the first motorcycles to adopt advanced electronics that ensure precision control, including the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) and Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I). To give an even higher degree of controllability in a wide range of conditions, the YZF-R6 is equipped with an advanced Traction Control System (TCS) that is adjusted by a switch on the handlebars.
Recognizing that the YZF-R6 appeals to a wide range of performance-minded riders with different skill and experience levels, the new TCS features 6 levels of selectable intervention, as well as an off function. The TCS’s intelligent software is designed to ensure that there is no unnatural feeling when it intervenes, and the system also compensates for rear tyre wear to give consistent performance.
The YZF-R6 also comes equipped with a new Quick Shift System (QSS) that gives faster gear changing. This system is similar to the design used on the YZF-R1, and instantly cancels drive torque when an upshift is detected – enabling full throttle clutchless upshifts for outstanding acceleration through the close ratio 6-speed transmission.
It’s not just the aggressive YZF-R1 inspired face that reinforces the bike’s close links with the flagship supersport model, because the 2017 YZF-R6 is also equipped with new KYB upside down forks from the YZF-R1. This high specification front suspension features large diameter 43mm tubes – compared to 41mm on the previous model – to give a more planted feel, particularly during braking and cornering. The front wheel axle is also increased in diameter to 25mm for optimized handling.
Another significant change for 2017 is the fitment of a beautifully designed fuel tank that offers a number of important advantages over the previous model’s design. Manufactured from aluminum, this lightweight streamlined tank features deep knee recesses that enable the rider to grip the bike firmly and find an ideal position to match their physique and riding style.
Yamaha have used a special Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding technology in order to create the new tank’s sculpted shape, and the construction features a combination of tightly sealed robotic welds that are completed by skilled welders to give an exclusive handcrafted finish. Weighing 1.2 kg less that the steel equivalent – and giving an improved riding position that offers greater freedom of movement for quick weight transfer entering and leaving bends – this premium quality fuel tank underlines the YZF-R6’s class-leading specification.
