2017 Yamaha YZF-R6
2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 gets R1 forks, traction control and quickshifter
Yamaha’s highly successful YZF-R6 is on the record as being one of the most popular and extreme supersport bikes that Yamaha have ever built. Light, agile and fast, this iconic 600cc model is largely the number one choice in the supersport ranks.
For 2017 Yamaha 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. The new machine is expected to hit the market in April, 2017.
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.
Every YZF supersport model can trace its lineage straight back to Yamaha’s MotoGP-winning YZR-M1 race bike.
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.
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.
[youtube id=”gKBcS1lH7jU” width=”560″ height=”315″]
Sophisticated electronic control technology
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 2017 Yamaha 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.
YZF-R1 type 43mm front forks
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.
The high specification forks offer a full range of adjustability that allows the rider to dial in their suspension – and together with the newly designed adjustable KYB rear shock, the YZF-R6 chassis can be set up to achieve precise and responsive handling performance to match different conditions.
320mm diameter YZF-R1 type front brakes
The new YZF-R6 also benefits from the use of a YZF-R1 type radial front brake system that is one of the most advanced systems fitted to any production Yamaha. Dual 320mm discs are equipped with aluminium 4-pot opposed piston calipers to give outstanding feel together with remarkable stopping power.
Slimline magnesium rear subframe
Rider mobility is a key factor in achieving a high level of handling agility and precision, and the YZF-R6 is fitted with a newly designed seat and rear subframe that allow the rider to shift their body weight quickly and easily. Manufactured from strong and light CF die-cast magnesium, the subframe is 20mm narrower at the front, allowing the rider to tuck in more closely to the tank for improved aerodynamics.
The seat is the same height as the current model, but has a gentler upwards angle towards the rear to give increased freedom of movement.
Lightweight aluminium fuel tank
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 aluminium, 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.
Enhanced riding position
The combination of the new fuel tank, together with a new slimmer subframe and the new seat design has created an improved riding position that is designed to give riders a greater feeling of control on the street and track.
The 20mm slimmer centre ‘waist’ section gives improved ergonomics and easier leg reach to the ground – while the seat and sculpted aluminium tank’s deep knee recesses permit the rider to mould their body shape more closely to the bike. The result is a harmonious riding position that gives more freedom of movement for efficient body weight shifting. This in turn allows the rider to fully exploit the higher levels of handling, braking and acceleration delivered by the new forks, front discs and electronic control technology.
R-series instrumentation
Developed from the design featured on the YZF-R1, the new instrument display features an analogue style tachometer and digital speedometer with a multi function display includes TCS and ABS status.
New 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 Key Features
- Next generation R-series design
- Iconic YZF-R1 inspired face
- Pure race-bred DNA for class-leading style and performance
- Best ever YZF-R6 aerodynamics
- Sophisticated electronic control technology
- 6 level TCS to suit changing riding conditions
- QSS for faster full throttle clutchless upshifts
- 43mm YZF-R1 type front forks with YZF-R6 specific settings
- 320mm diameter YZF-R1 type front brakes with radial 4-pot calipers
- Slimline magnesium rear sub frame
- New angled seat
- Lightweight aluminium fuel tank
- Enhanced riding position
- ABS
- EU4 compliant
- D-Mode
2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 Technical Highlights
- 599cc, 67mm x 42.5mm liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder
- Forged aluminum pistons, 13.1:1 compression ratio
- Titanium intake/exhaust valves
- Air Induction System and Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I)
- Twin-injector Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
- Slipper clutch
- Close-ratio 6-speed transmission
- Magnesium head and case covers
- EXUP valves contributing to excellent torque characteristics
- Titanium exhaust silencer
- Aluminum frame and swingarm
