XJ6 (2009 - present) review
Considering the state of the economy, Yamaha couldn’t have picked a more appropriate year to launch these two entry-level 600s. With my favourite of the two, the XJ6, costing just four and a half grand, you get a cracking bike, but more importantly, a whole load of fun for your money.
Starting with looks, the naked XJ6, in white at least, is a proper little stunner, with a cheeky presence suggesting it will be a bit of fun to ride, and, as I’ll explain in a moment, it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Considering the state of the economy, Yamaha couldn’t have picked a more appropriate year to launch these two entry-level 600s. With my favourite of the two, the XJ6, costing just four and a half grand, you get a cracking bike, but more importantly, a whole load of fun for your money.
Starting with looks, the naked XJ6, in white at least, is a proper little stunner, with a cheeky presence suggesting it will be a bit of fun to ride, and, as I’ll explain in a moment, it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
At the front end, the dash, headlight and conventional 41mm front forks have a minimalist but functional look, which I actually prefer to the more expensive, sporty FZ6. The naked bike also sports excellent solid mirrors, which are positioned perfectly for maximum rear vision. Heading to the rear, I also like the chunky contours of the tank leading back to the nicely exposed frame rails under the seat.
Exhausts these days are becoming a work of art, and this one is no exception. The stubby silencer and pipe sits directly under the engine, and I think it looks the part. It makes a good noise too, unmistakably Yamaha but with quite a loud distinctive growl. If I had to pick one item be the skinny black swing arm.
Considering the state of the economy, Yamaha couldn’t have picked a more appropriate year to launch these two entry-level 600s. With my favourite of the two, the XJ6, costing just four and a half grand, you get a cracking bike, but more importantly, a whole load of fun for your money.
Starting with looks, the naked XJ6, in white at least, is a proper little stunner, with a cheeky presence suggesting it will be a bit of fun to ride, and, as I’ll explain in a moment, it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
At the front end, the dash, headlight and conventional 41mm front forks have a minimalist but functional look, which I actually prefer to the more expensive, sporty FZ6. The naked bike also sports excellent solid mirrors, which are positioned perfectly for maximum rear vision. Heading to the rear, I also like the chunky contours of the tank leading back to the nicely exposed frame rails under the seat.
Exhausts these days are becoming a work of art, and this one is no exception. The stubby silencer and pipe sits directly under the engine, and I think it looks the part. It makes a good noise too, unmistakably Yamaha but with quite a loud distinctive growl. If I had to pick one item be the skinny black swing arm.
Price: £4499 (£4849 with ABS)
Front suspension: 130 mm Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm (mono cross) 130 mm
Front brake: 298 mm discs
Rear brake: 245 mm disc
Dry weight: 190kg (est)
Seat height: 785mm
Fuel capacity: 17.3 litres
Colours: Blue/White/Red, Blue/Blue, Black/Red
Engine: 600cc, liquid cooled, 4-valve, inline four
Power: 76bhp @ 10,000 rpm
Torque: 44 lb.ft @ 8,500 rpm
Top speed: 145mph
