The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 has had its horsepower number officially released –
116.7 hp at 14,500 rpm. This is coupled with a claimed torque figure of 61.7 Nm
at 10,500 rpm, all coming from a 599 cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four.
Coming with six-mode traction control, and an
additional “off” mode for track use, Yamaha has built-in traction control to suit
all levels of rider. The software is designed to eliminate any unnatural
feeling when it intervenes, and also compensates for rear tyre wear to give
consistent performance.
This is coupled with the YZF-R6’s up-shift only
quickshifter, to give efficient acceleration through the six-speed gearbox. Up
front, the R6 gets a front end with styling cues taken from Yamaha’s flagship
superbike, the YZF-R1.
On the suspension side of things, 43mm YZF-R1 type
front forks with YZF-R6 specific settings are installed, working together with
320 mm diameter YZF-R1 type front brakes with radial four-pot calipers.
Suspension is fully-adjustable front and rear, where the back is suspended with
a KYB monoshock.
New for 2017 is an aluminium 17-litre fuel tank that
shaves weight on the YZF-R6, while also aiding rider movement and at the same
time giving the rider grip when in the racing position. A magnesium sub-frame
shaves more grammes off the YZF-R6, reducing weight by 1.2 kg over a similar
steel assembly, and bringing wet weight to 190 kg.
This
weight-loss also extends to the magnesium engine head and case covers, and the
aluminium frame and swingarm. A titanium exhaust end-can caps off the Yamaha
YZF-R6, emphasising the reason for this machine is performance and handling.
Coming in Race Blu and Tech Black, the YZF-R6 will
come with an extensive range of official performance accessories, some of which
are intended for racing purposes only. The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 will be released
worldwide in April.
