Back in 2005, the Yamaha YZF-R6 was the first
Japanese sportsbike to be fitted with a short, compact exhaust system mounted on
one side of bike rather than under the seat. For 2010, this exhaust system has
grown in length, probably in order to allow the bike to comply with new noise
and emissions regulations. And while it’s now quieter, the rest of the machine
remains the same – sharp as a knife.
According to
Yamaha, the R6’s engine has been revised for better power delivery at lower
revs. Indeed, because of the new exhaust, air filter and fuel-injection mapping,
the new R6 actually has 5bhp less than its predecessor. It’s also a bit slower,
taking 9.8 seconds for the zero to 200km/h sprint, while the 2009 bike used to
do it in 9.7 seconds. Of course, on the street this difference in performance is
barely noticeable.
In terms of handling, the 2010 R6 remains agile as ever and makes you feel like
a real racer on your favourite stretch of twisty road. On smooth surfaces, the
bike’s very firm suspension works well, but the handling tends to deteriorate on
bumpy roads, with the rear end bouncing around a fair bit. The brakes, however,
with a four-piston calliper set-up at the front, remain as good as ever.
In conclusion, the 2010
Yamaha YZF-R6 remains one of the most technologically advanced supersport
machines. Its engine is still explosive and with its excellent chassis, the
little Yamaha is simply an incredible ride. The riding position is a bit too
extreme for the street and clutch feel could have been improved, but the bike is
certainly less noisy and more civilized than the 2009 model, making it more
suitable for everyday use. And for that, we must applaud Yamaha…
Full of innovations and technology you won’t find on any other
middleweight Supersport.
The developement targets for the 2011 Yamaha R6 are to be the most exciting bike
to ride on the track and the most fun sport bike to ride on winding roads. The
engineers tweaked the mid range performance last year but don't worry, the high
rpm rush that has made the Yamaha R6 famous is ready when you are. Confidence,
agility, performance and most importantly fun.
Track ready. Street smart.
The 2011 Yamaha R6 is designed to do one thing extremely well: get around a race
track in minimal time. It's about a screaming, 15,000 rpm plus fuel injected
four cylinder engine in a taut chassis that lets it snap from upright to full
lean instantly. Oh year: It's a great street bike too.
The R6 is a showcase of Yamaha's latest sport bike technologies.
From the YCC-T fly by wire throttle to the MotoGP inspired straight frame
design, to Yamaha's exclusive electronically variable intake stacks, the R6 is
designed to take super sport riding to a whole new level.
Yamaha YZF-R6 model Features
Fuel Consumption * 17kpl/48mpg(Imp)
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
Optimized straight frame design
ENGINE
Ultra-compact, lightweight, short stroke, 599cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled,
in-line four-cylinder with lightweight titanium valves produces incredible
horsepower. Redline is set at an amazing 16,000rpm.
67mm bore and 42.5mm stroke provide a fast revving powerplant. Engine width is
minimized thanks to Yamaha's special casting technologies and "liner less"
cylinder design.
Compact "pent roof" cylinder head design features ultra lightweight titanium
valves for both intake and exhaust. The intake valve angle is 11.5 degrees and
the exhaust is 12.25 degress. The intake valves are 27mm in diameter while the
exhaust valves are 23mm.
Single intake valve springs reduce weight and "friction" for optimum high rpm
performance. The valve retainers are made of lightweight aluminum.
High flow intake and exhaust ports allow more fuel in and more exhaust out for
great power delivery at all rpms.
Lightweight magnesium cylinder head cover and case covers reduce weight.
Separate cylinder block (the cylinder is no longer part of the upper crankcase)
design utilizes ceramic composite plated "liner less" cylinder bores. The
ceramic coating is sprayed directly on the aluminum block. The benefits are
greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery, reduced frictional power
loss, reduced oil consumption and since there are no heavy liners, reduced
weight too.
Lightweight forged pistons feature thin top rings for great high rpm power. The
pistons are secured by lightweight tapered type piston pins. The lightweight
design means fast engine response.
Lightweight crankshaft features 31mm bearing journals. The inertial crank mass
has been optimized for excellent throttle response and impressive acceleration.
The crank journal bearings feature special oil holes that increase the supply of
oil.
High lift / high performance, hollow, side-driven camshafts provide arm
stretching power and strong acceleration.
Automatic semi-hydraulic type cam chain tensioner reduces mechanical noise and
maintenance.
Mikuni fuel injection system with 41mm throttle bodies features twin injectors
(primary & secondary). This type of twin injector system is also found on our
MotoGP M1 machine and the latest generation R1. Each of the injectors utilizes
12 spray holes to maximize the atomization process. The secondary injectors,
located inside the airbox, begin to function at mid rpms (6,000 to 7,000rpm)
thru to redline. This system is lighter and simpler than the sub motor driven
secondary valve type FI system. Special short intake tracts allow for higher
rpms and improved power.
The F.I. system features separate TPS (throttle position sensor) and APS
(accelerator position sensor) sensors.
Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T) is another 1st for Yamaha. This system
electronically controls the throttle valves for outstanding response and
improved controllability at high rpms. The system features Throttle Position
Sensor (TPS) and D.C. motor driven throttle valves. The YCC-T system
electronically controls the throttle valves for outstanding response and
improved controllability at all rpms. The YCC-T is used to provide even more
control of the intake air volume for a smoother torque character. The YCC-T
features 3 - ECU's inside the main ECU to control ignition, fuel injection and
the YCC-T. This special ECU is capable of responding to changes at a speed of
1000th of a second.
YCC-I or Yamaha's Chip Controlled Intake system means the intake funnels /
stacks vary in length between 2 pre-set positions depending on engine rpms. The
transition rpm is approximately 13,700 rpms. An electronic servo motor varies
the funnels. The revolutionary YCC-I provides the best of both worlds …solid low
rpm torque and power combined with an amazing high rpm rush. It takes only 0.3
of a second for the funnels to move from the tall to the short position.
Yamaha's exclusive YCC-I electric-control servo motor-driven variable intake
funnel system is a world's 1st on a production motorcycle and works in
conjunction with Yamaha's fly-by-wire technology and FI systems.
7.6 litre air box utilizes a high flow viscous paper type air filter.
Ram Air Induction System with centrally located intake duct delivers cool,
high-pressure air "force-fed" into the intake tract for optimal combustion and
greater horsepower at higher speeds. This design provides straight induction
from the central fairing duct to the airbox without a lot of bends or turns.
Close ratio 6-speed transmission delivers seamless power delivery and maximum
acceleration. Gear widths, splines and engagement dogs have been optimized to
handle the R6's power. The shift drum and shifting mechanism are located on the
right side of the cases for smooth shifting feel under power. The gears use flat
contact-type engagement dogs for positive shifting and great durability.
The "Tri-Axis" or stacked transmission design creates a more compact engine
front to back that allows for optimum engine placement in the "sweet spot" of
the frame for optimized weight distribution and incredible handling.
Slipper or back limiter clutch assembly reduces rear wheel hop when making hard
down shifts or under hard braking. Key benefit is reduced lap times and smoother
control when participating in either a race or track day. This clutch uses 9
paper based friction plates and 8 steel plates, plus 6 coil-type clutch springs.
The oil lubrication system has been optimized to reduce frictional loses caused
by "oil drag". It features a "two side" oil pump. There is a separate
liquid-cooled oil cooler to insure consistent engine temperatures for maximum
performance and extended service life.
High capacity cooling system features a curved radiator with dual ring-type fans
for excellent engine cooling efficiency. The ring-type fan offers more airflow
than a conventional type fan.
Direct ignition coils, iridium dual electrode spark plugs and high-output
magneto deliver reliable, super strong spark. With this system, the ignition
coils are integrated into the plug caps, significantly reducing weight.
"Mid Ship" 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust maximizes engine performance. The header pipe
diameter and length have been optimized for excellent flow. There are three,
3-way honeycomb catalyziers with an oxygen sensor in the system to reduce
harmful HC & CO exhaust emissions. The oxygen sensor provides feedback to the
ECU so it can adjust for the optimum fuel/air mixture. The "mid ship" MotoGP
style, lightweight titanium muffler is located below the engine to central mass
and lower the center of gravity for great handling.
The exhaust system also features Yamaha's EXUP System (Exhaust Ultimate Power
Valve) utilizing a titanium body and butterfly valves that prevent the "blow
back" phenomenon caused by "valve overlap". This design reduces weight and
maximizes cornering clearance. The EXUP system eliminates "flat spots" in the
power band and reduces emissions too. This is a 1st on a 600cc supersport
machine.
High powered 32 bit electronic control unit actually contains three ECUs inside
the main ECU to control the FI system, the YCC-T system and the ignition system.
Air Injection System (AIS) injects fresh air into the exhaust ports to fully
burn any unburnt fuel in order to reduce harmful CO & HC exhaust emissions
SUSPENSION
Compact, lightweight aluminum Deltabox frame offers an optimized total rigidity
balance for incredibly light and agile handling. This frame is a MotoGP inspired
innovation that Yamaha calls a "straight frame concept". This means the top
spars of the frame lie as close to possible to the frame's torsional axis (the
line connecting the head pipe to the swingarm pivot point). The ram air duct
passes through the frame at the head pipe for a straight ram air effect too. A
mix of revised mold castings and pressed aluminum plates make up the frame. The
engine is a fully stressed chassis member allowing for a super-light frame
design.
Lightweight, detachable magnesium rear subframe. The detachable design allows
rear shock access and is less costly if the unit is "looped out".
Lightweight, aluminum "gull wing" type swingarm uses a mix of castings and
pressed plates for optimum rigidity. The swingarm pivot position has been
optimized to reduce the "squat" tendencies caused by drive chain reaction to
hard throttle openings.
Key chassis geometry figures include: 1380mm wheelbase, 24 degree caster angle,
97mm of trail and a 52.5% front and 47.5% rear weight balance. The maximum lean
angle is a knee scraping 57 degrees.
Fully adjustable 41mm inverted front fork provides 120mm (4.7") of wheel travel
and offers incredible suspension performance with ultra-precise feedback.
Adjustments include: 5-way spring preload, 4-way high speed compression damping,
20-way low speed compression damping and 25-way rebound damping. The inverted
design not only reduces unsprung weight but also increases the rigidity of the
fork. The range of adjustments allows the rider to tune suspension to match
riding style and conditions.
Upper triple clamp features a 30mm offset for precise handing and great steering
feel. The lightweight aluminum clip-ons are mounted below the triple clamp.
Fully adjustable Monocross link rear suspension utilizes a piggyback-style shock
providing 120mm (4.7") of wheel travel. Shock adjustments include: 9-steps of
spring preload adjustability, 4-way high speed compression damping, 20-way low
speed compression damping and 18-way rebound damping adjustability. The piggy
back design helps to keep the shock oil cool for more consistent damping.
Radial mount, monoblock, 4-piston calipers squeeze large 310mm dual front discs.
The radial mounting design helps to reduce caliper distortion for improved
braking performance with excellent control and good lever feedback. The disc
carriers are made from aluminium for reduced weight while the sinter metal pads
provide incredible stopping power.
Brembo radial pump master cylinder features a 16mm piston. The radial design
allows for more powerful braking and improved lever feedback. The lever is
adjustable for various hand sizes.
Light weight 220mm rear disc brake is squeezed by a single-piston caliper
Lightweight five-spoke 17" wheels reduce unsprung weight by making hub and
spokes a single structural unit. A special casting technique makes the rim
section substantially lighter and stronger.
Ultra-sleek "new edge form" bodywork features a sharp front profile with
centrally located Ram Air duct, engine-revealing side cowlings and ultra-sleek
tail section. There are special side fairing intake ducts to allow cool air to
circulate around the engine, fuel tank and frame areas. "Minimalism" and "mass
forward" movement are two words that best describe this design body.
17.5-litre fuel tank provides excellent rider ergonomics and an aggressive
riding position. The reserve portion of the tank is 3.5 Litres. The tank
features a front tank cover like the R1 and an internal electric fuel pump.
Separate rider and passenger seats. An optional rear seat cowl is available.
Dual 55 watt H7 "cat eye" headlights. These lights not only cast a bright beam
of light, but also feature a sleek profile for superb aerodynamics.
Compact race inspired multi-function digital and analog instrumentation with
adjustable back lighting. Features: analog tach, digital speedometer, dual
tripmeters, low fuel warning light, fuel tripmeter, and clock. There is also a
programmable shift light and stop watch/lap timer that is controlled by the LHS
handlebar mounted switch gear.
Single lens LED taillight provides excellent visibility, extended service life
and uses less power than conventional bulbs.
Immobilizer ignition system is designed to reduce the possibility of "ride away"
theft. This system must recognize the "coded ignition key" in order for the unit
to start. If the immobilizer ignition does not recognize the key (or a theft's
screwdriver or other type of "jimmy tool") the bike will not start even if the
ignition is turned or forced into the on position. If the system does not
recognize the correct coded ignition key, the ignition system and starter will
not function.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Adjustable front brake lever
Special 525 lightweight O-ring chain is used to reduce weight
Steering lock
Lightweight aluminum side stand and chain adjusters