The Yamaha R6 is one of the most popular super sport bikes and has one many awards. Here is my review of the Yamaha R6 after owning and riding one for years.
Introduction
When it comes to superbikes, Yamaha is a name that is always spoken with respect. And rightly so – Yamaha motorcycles have been making some of the best bikes in the market for many years now and have an impressive track record. One of their core retail offerings is the Yamaha YZF-R6, and this bike has quickly become one of the most popular super sport bikes on the market. In this review, we will take a closer look at what makes this bike so special, why I love my R6, and why so many people, of varied ride ability, are choosing it over its competitors.
Yamaha YZF-R6
The Yamaha YZF-R series has always been about offering the best performance possible. And this is evident in the R6 as well. It is powered by a race-bred 600cc inline four-cylinder engine that delivers an incredible amount of power and torque. But what really sets this bike apart from its competitors is its chassis and suspension setup.
Yamaha has really outdone themselves here, and the result is a bike that handles like a dream. Whether you are carving up twisty mountain roads or attacking your favorite racetrack, the R6 will not disappoint. It is also worth mentioning that this bike comes with some of the best stock brakes on the market, which will give you the confidence to push harder and ride faster.
“Happiness isn’t around the corner. Happiness IS the corner!”
UNkNOWN
Origins and development of the Yamaha YZF R6
The Yamaha YZF-R series traces its roots back to the late 1990s when Yamaha released the original R1. This bike was an instant hit with riders and quickly became one of the most popular bikes on the market. Yamaha followed up this success with the release of the R6 in 1999, which was designed to be a more street-friendly version of the 1000cc R1.
The original R6 was powered by a 600cc inline four-cylinder engine that produced around 100 horsepower and 57 Nm of torque. It was also significantly lighter than its competitors at only 200kg (wet), which made it one of the most agile bikes on the market.
Yamaha has continued to evolve the R series over the years, with a few changes, and the latest iteration is more powerful and sophisticated than ever before with over 120 brake horsepower and 62 Nm of torque, Aerodynamics to reduce drag by 10% and a full suite of electronic rider protection and assistance features such as ABS brakes, electronic rider aids, riding modes, lightweight forged pistons, and traction control. The newer R6 has also shaved off a full 10 Kg by using an aluminum fuel tank and magnesium subframe, resulting in an incredible wet ride weight of only 190 Kg with an exceptional centre of gravity for improved acceleration and handling.
Performance of the Yamaha R6
As I mentioned before, the R series has always been about performance. And the latest iteration of the R is no different. It is powered by a race-bred 600cc inline four-cylinder engine that delivers an incredible amount of power and torque.
The original R6 boasted an incredible 0 to 100 km/h (0-60 mph) of 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The latest (stock) R6, with its engine, suspension, weight reduction and aerodynamic upgrades, can now reach 0 to 100 km/h (0-60mph) in only 2.8 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 260 km/h (162mph).
This is incredibly only .2 seconds slower than the R1 on the 0-100 time, however when considering the top speed, the R1 can reach a high speed of over 33 km/h faster – reaching 293 km/h owing to its extra 400cc of engine capacity allowing it to produce 80 more horsepower.
You can watch this YouTube video for a comparison of the older and newer R6 models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCVcypgzYZI
Fuel consumption of the R6
My R6 used to go through about 6L per 100 when commuting, with a 17 L fuel tank this meant on average I got about 300km out of a tank with gentle riding. Of course, I was also able to burn through this same tank in well under half of this with much more aggressive riding through the hills, valleys and canyons.
Why I Love My Yamaha YZF-R
I owned my R6 for over 5 years now, it was my fifth motorcycle and it has quickly become my favorite bike. I love the way it looks, sounds, and rides. It is also surprisingly comfortable for a super sport bike – I love its narrower saddle, lower seat height, throttle position and aggressive rider position.
And of course, the performance is second to none. I have never felt so connected to a bike before, and it never fails to put a smile on my face, ripping through the gears as I accelerate off from a stand still. The sound of my Yoshi exhaust pipe with the bike accelerating rapidly through 10,000 rpm is a note and a feeling I will never ever forget.
“When I’m riding my motorcycle, I’m glad to be alive. When I stop riding my motorcycle, I’m glad to be alive.”
Neil Peart
Awards won by the Yamaha R6
The Yamaha R series has won many accolades and awards over the years for its iconic design, cementing its place as one of the best superbike models on the market. Most notably, it won the riders and manufacturers title during the 2011 supersport class world championship season, as well as the supersport category at the 2008 northwest 200 races, displaying world unchallenged supersport dominance. Other awards include;
- Motorcycle.com Best Middleweight Streetbike (1999)
- Motorcyclist of the Year (2000)
- Cycle World Ten Best Bikes (2001–2008, 2010, 2012–2016)
- Street Bike of the Year by Sport Rider magazine (2002, 2004–2006)
- Bike of the Year by Motorcyclist magazine (2002)
- Superbike of the Year by Cycle World (2002, 2006)
- Supersport Shootout Winner by Sport Rider (2003, 2004, 2006–2008)
- Best Middleweight Streetbike by Rider magazine (2009)
- Ten Best Bikes of the Decade by Cycle World (2009)
- Bike of the Decade by Rider magazine (2009)
- Superbike of the Year by Cycle World (2014)
- Motorcycle of the Year by Motorcyclist (2015)
- Shootout Winner by Sport Rider (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Ten Best Bikes of the Year by Cycle World (2019)
- R-Series of the Decade by Motorcyclist (2020)
Conclusion – Yamaha R6 Review
So, what is my verdict? Overall, I absolutely love my 2005 Yamaha RZF-R6. It is without a doubt the best super sport bike that I have ever ridden – a dream motorcycle, and the gold standard. It is fully kitted and has everything that you could possibly want in a bike – power, handling, braking, and style. Whilst lacking the straight-line peak power of its larger 1000cc brother the YZF-R1, the R6 is plenty enough bike for any motorcyclist.
The newer R6’s feature even better performance, more power, lighter weight, improved aerodynamics and an array of sophisticated electronic rider assistance features such as ABS brakes, ride adjust and traction control. They also look amazing and have a sleek profile, replicating previous models such as the styling of the R1M.
The Yamaha YZF-R is without a doubt one of the best super sport bike series on the market. It offers an incredible riding experience that is unmatched by its competitors. If you are in the market for a new bike, I highly recommend giving any bike from the Yamaha R series a test ride – you will not be disappointed. However, I think the R6 is the absolute sweet spot in the R series – Team Yamaha Blue!
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