New Yamaha R6 revealed

AS predicted by Visordown, Yamaha has just revealed a new YZF-R6, with R1-alike styling and a full bag of electronic tricks

The 2017 R6 has switchable traction control with six levels of intervention, a quick-shifter for seamless upshifts and a slipper clutch to reduce back-torque on downshifts.

It’s got a new slimline magnesium subframe according to Yamaha, which is 20mm narrower at the front than the current model’s, allowing the rider to ‘tuck in more closely to the tank for improved aerodynamics’.

It also benefits from a new ‘lightweight’ aluminium tank, with ‘deep knee recesses that enable the rider to grip the bike’.

The front cowl and windscreen are new, and claimed to offer more efficient aerodynamics than any previous iteration of the machine.

LED indicators (or ‘flashers’, as Yamaha curiously words them in the press release) are incorporated into the mirrors to keep drag low.

It’s got new recessed LED twin-headlights, giving it that distinctive Admiral-Ackbar-from-Star-Wars-look of the R1, which seems to divide opinion.

New KYB adjustable upside-down forks have grown from 41mm to 43mm while an ‘R1-type’ radial front brake is ‘one of the most advanced systems fitted to any production Yamaha,’ the firm says.

It consists of twin 320mm discs and four-pot aluminium calipers.

Yamaha says the quick-shifter is similar to the R1’s, cancelling torque momentarily when an upshift is detected, for a smooth change.

The aluminium frame and swing-arm gain little mention in Yamaha’s just-released press material, which probably means they are unchanged.

Power and torque figures have yet to be released, as has price.

The new R6 comes in blue or black and was revealed today at the AIMExpo show in Florida.

Check out loads more pictures below, as well as the key features, technical highlights and specs straight from Yamaha: 

New 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

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

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE 

Type: liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, 4-valves

Displacement: 599 cc

Bore x stroke: 67.0 × 42.5 mm

Compression ratio: 13.1 : 1

Maximum power: N/A

Maximum torque: N/A

CHASSIS

Frame: Aluminium Deltabox

Front suspension system: Telescopic forks, Ø 43 mm

Front travel: 120 mm

Rear Travel: 120 mm

Front brake: Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 320 mm

Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc, Ø 220 mm

Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) Tubeless

Rear tyre: 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W) Tubeless

DIMENSIONS

Overall length: 2,040 mm

Overall width: 695 mm

Overall height: 1,150 mm

Seat height: 850 mm

Wheelbase: 1,375 mm

Min. ground clearance: 130 mm

Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank): 190 kg

Fuel capacity: 17.0 litres

Oil capacity: 3.40 liters