Yamaha YZF-R6 rides into showrooms, priced at £11k

With dwindling sales and the introduction of new emissions regulations rendering previous models obsolete, many motorcycle experts had predicted that 2017 would mark the end of the once all-important 600cc supersport class.

Two decades ago the class was hugely popular, with likely lads around the world queuing up to put down a deposit on the latest GSX, CBR or, arguably the daddy of them all, the Yamaha YZF-R6.

Honda have already officially left the class, discontinuing the CBR600RR in Europe, while Suzuki and Triumph are shuffling quietly towards the exit door as they sell through remaining stocks of GSX-R600s and Daytona 675s – which is why it was quite a surprise when Yamaha announced that it was to develop a new version of its venerable R6 for 2017.

While the latest YZF-R6 isn’t an all-new model per se, it’s certainly more than a mild update to get it though the latest round of Euro 4 emissions regulations.

The main frame and basic engine architecture have been carried over from the decade-old previous model but it’s been wrapped up in slippery new bodywork that looks the spit of Valentino Rossi’s YZR-M1 MotoGP bike from more than a few angles. Suspension and brakes have been updated with new four-piston radial caliper stoppers and 43mm front forks taken straight from the R1 superbike.

Yamaha has given its middleweight a crash diet too. A magnesium subframe and aluminium fuel tank help keep weight down, although the large silencer does put some mass back into the bike but is necessary to get the bike through the stricter emissions rules.

The engine has had a significant overhaul, both to increase power and to reduce emissions. The new bike features most of the technology we’ve come to expect from the latest 1000cc superbikes and has rider modes, six-level traction control system, a quickshifter and the now mandatory ABS brakes as standard.

Peak power of almost 117bhp arrives at an eye watering 14,500rpm, with peak torque of 61.7Nm arrives at an equally lofty 10,500rpm.

One spec that isn’t so appealing, however, is the price. At £10,999 on the road, the YZF-R6 is no longer the bargain entry into sportsbike ownership, although there’s no doubting the spec and quality of Yamaha’s latest middleweight masterpiece.

Specifications