Much anticipated by riders and racers the world over, the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 has finally been revealed by Yamaha, ahead of the EICMA show in November. While waiting to see the new supersports machine in the flesh, as it were, Yamaha has released full detail specifications of its new 600.
Completely redesigned for the new year, the YZF-R6 features design cues from the Yamaha YZF-R1 and R1M, with an emphasis on aerodynamics. A new front cowl and screen reduces aerodynamic drag by 8%, while LED turn signals integrated into the wing mirrors reduce drag and turbulence.
Carrying a 599 cc inline four-cylinder engine using forged pistons, the YZF-R6 also has titanium inlet and exhaust valves, along with a magnesium head cover and engine cases in the quest to reduce weight. This ethos is carried on to the titanium exhaust can, along with an aluminium frame and swingarm.
More weight-saving goodness is found in the magnesium rear sub-frame, as well as the lightweight aluminium fuel tank that weighs 1.2 kg less than a steel unit. A full suite of electronics is offered, combined with the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), and a twin-injector setup with its version of ride-by-wire, Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T).
Six ride modes are offered with the bike’s traction control, as well as an ‘off’ mode for race track duties. Standard on the YZF-R6 is a quick shifter, which is upshift only, and is combined with a slipper clutch to prevent rear wheel hop on downshifting.
Suspension on the new R6 also gets an upgrade, with 43 mm KYB upside-down fully-adjustable forks replacing the previous model’s 41 mm diameter units, and a front wheel spindle that is now 25 mm in diameter for added stiffness. At the back, a newly designed KYB rear shock takes care of the suspension, and is fully-adjustable.
The brakes from the YZF-R1 are lifted off Yamaha’s top-of-the-line superbike and transplanted into the YZF-R6. Radial-mounted aluminium calipers with four-opposed pistons grab 320 mm discs.
To aid rider movement on the bike during race work and fast road riding, the front of the seat is narrowed by 20 mm. This allows the rider to tuck the knees in more into the deeper fuel tank indentations, and mold their body closely to the bike with the added benefit of better aerodynamics.
Also making the transition from the YZF-R1 is the analogue tachometer and LCD panel, which gives a digital speed readout along with a multi-function display that shows traction control and ABS status. A forced air intake in the style of the M1 MotoGP race machine is located front-and-center on the cowl, and recessed LED headlights give the YZF-R6 a very aggressive look.
No word on pricing from Yamaha on the 2017 YZF-R6, but we assume with the amount of lightweight goodies on this race-oriented middleweight, it will not be cheap. The Yamaha YZF-R6 will come in two colours – Race Blu and Tech Black – and availability is said to be in April 2017.
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can i know the price of this r6
I like yamaha r6 2017
unfortunately, last few days saw the price of the bike. it goes up for rm104k for the lowest spec. for 600cc bike the price almost the same as the 1000cc bike. yet the engine still the same, just for the looks look different. compare to old version its hike up to rm20k++. like not worth it. new ducati 937cc just as at rm98k. much powerful and almost got complete package as middle spec of r6 2017. i ll be damn… hold to buy, waiting for other bike to be launch with good package.