Yamaha YZF-R6

The 599cc YZF-R6 is built in a similar mould as the R1, with identical wrists-at-seat-level ergonomics, and adrenalin-pumping performance purpose built to champion the bike’s ‘race replica’ role. Like many 600cc bikes, riders will have to bury the rev needle to truly get a feel of all its potential. Riding gurus will notice the bike actually lacks decent power at low rpm.

For a bike that makes a massive 131.15bhp peaking at 14,500rpm, it can even feel slightly lethargic below 6000rpm. However, pass 8000rpm and the world starts to blur, this getting worse higher in the wide power band. The rev-counter on the 2006 model test bike I rode was calibrated all the way to an eye-popping 20,000rpm. Acceleration is more than impressive when the bike is in its powerband, and I was surprised to effortlessly achieve a quick rush to 220kph and back. Both the R6 and R1 offer smooth clutches and positive-feeling six-speed, one-down and five-up gearboxes that shift via sporty toe shift levers.

Technical Data

Yamaha YZF-R6 (2006)
L/W/H 2040/700/1100mm

Wheelbase 1380mm

Dry weight 161kg

Engine layoutFour-cylinders, in-line, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 599cc

Power 131.15bhp at 14500rpm

Torque 6.9kgm at 6900rpm

Power to weight814bhp per tonne

Gearbox 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up

Front suspension Telescopic forks

Rear suspension Monoshock, swingarm

Tyre size (f-r) 120/ 70 x 17- 180/ 55 x 17 inches