2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 (race trim)
Yamaha Motor Europe showed off the race-ready YZF-R6
during the EICMA.
The
showcasing of this full-blooded racing machine was Yamaha’s first step in
preparing its customers and racers for what’s to come in the next year, when
the YZF-R6 will chase glory in the 2017 FIM Supersport World Championship.
This new middleweight Supersport bike is incredibly
similar to their racing bikes for next season due to the championship’s
regulations that only allow very subtle alterations made to the consumer bike’s
cylinder head, gearbox, suspension, rear shock, front fork, electronic system
and brake rotors.
Yamaha have completely restyled the 600 cc Supersport bike
with a radical new look to match its ambitions. The M1-type
central forced air intake, recessed LED twin headlights and new YZF-R1 style
tail just being three examples giving the bike an intense look that’s
instantly recognizable as being a member of the R-series family, while its own
unique character still shines through.
Yamaha’s Supersport design team has been working relentlessly to
push the performance in each of these areas and their hard work has paid off. A
new front cowl, windscreen and a low drag front fairing, developed using some
of the key elements from the YZF-R1, give a significant improvement of 8% in
aerodynamic efficiency. The YZF-R6 also comes with a new slimline
magnesium rear subframe that’s 20mm narrower at the front, allowing the rider
to tuck in more closely to the tank for a more streamlined rider position,
while a newly designed seat and rear subframe make it quicker and easier for
the rider to shift his body weight.
Besides being equipped with a Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle
(YCC-T) and a Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) for a high degree of
controllability in a wide range of conditions, the new YZF-R6 comes with an
advanced Traction Control System (TCS) that is adjustable by a switch on the
handlebars. The YZF-R6 also comes equipped with a new Quick Shift System (QSS)
for even 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.
Other outstanding bike features of the YZF-R6
displayed at EICMA include the full race fairing (consisting of a two-piece
front and single piece seat), an Akrapovic Evo full Titanium exhaust, dual
Brembo T-drive front brakes (disc Ø 320 mm), single Brembo rear brake (disc Ø
220 mm), telescopic forks (Ø 43 mm) front suspension with Ohlins Cartridge kit,
and threaded Pirelli Diablo tyres (front: 120/70 ZR17M/C, rear: 180/55 ZR17M/C)
as per championship regulations.
Alongside the genuine accessories, the showcased
racing features are all available through the official Yamaha dealer network.
