Yamaha Motor Europe showed off the race-ready YZF-R6 during the EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan last night.
Inspired by YZR-M1 technology with the distinctive R-Series design, 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.
GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team’s Lucas Mahias and Federico Caricasulo as well as Kallio Yamaha Supported WorldSSP Team’s Niki Tuuli and Sheridan Morais attended the EICMA Press Conference to get a first glimpse of the 2017 YZF-R6.
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.
Having won the FIM Supersport World Championship three times in the last seven years (2009: Cal Crutchlow / 2011:Chaz Davies / 2013: Sam Lowes), the YZFR6 has already proved it’s competitiveness but that hasn’t stopped Yamaha from taking it one step further with the new 2017 model.
As the YZF-R6 is to re-enter the WorldSSP Championship in 2017, Yamaha have completely restyled the 600cc Supersport bike with a radical new look to match its ambitions. The new design is clearly inspired by the latest generation MotoGP and WorldSBK models – 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.
The YZF-R6 is known for its light handling, agility and speed. 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. Additionally, 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.
The YZF-R6 has always been a frontrunner, both in terms of getting the results on track and being the first to adopt innovative technology. 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.