Yamaha YZF-600 R6 WGP 50th Anniversary

Fifty years after Yamaha sent its first ever GP riders to compete in the World Championships, our newest factory rider Ben Spies helped to commemorate the occasion with his maiden MotoGP win at Assen in June 2011. Riding a YZR-M1 in Yamaha's specially-designed red and white WGP 50th Anniversary livery, Spies was continuing the strong tradition of winning that has enabled Yamaha to become one of the industry's most innovative and creative manufacturers.

Ever since it made its first motorcycle, Yamaha has believed that racing improves the breed. From winning our first ever Grand Prix points at the Isle of Man TT in June 1961 through to this year's MotoGP victories by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies, every single success on the track allows our engineers and designers to develop and refine tomorrow's cutting-edge street-bikes.

Over the past fifty years Yamaha's racing programme has led to the development of some of the most innovative engine and chassis technologies -as well as the creation of the most ground-breaking race-developed models like the YZF-R1, whose crossplane crankshaft is a direct spin-off from the factory YZR-M1 racer.

To celebrate half a century of success in Grand Prix racing, Yamaha will produce a limited quantity of exclusive 'WGP 50th Anniversary' motorcycles and scooters. Based on the classic colour schemes debuted on the YZR-M1 by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies in 2011, this very special timeless livery is inspired by the famous red and white 'speedblock' design featured on Yamaha's pioneering Grand Prix racing machines.

This desirable and exclusive WGP 50th Anniversary colour scheme will be available on limited quantities of YZF-R1, YZF-R6, YZF-R125, FZ8, Aerox and TZR50 for the 2012 model year. Owners of these exclusive new WGP 50th Anniversary models will receive a special certificate of authentication, and will also receive Yamaha's 'Insider' magazine which contains the latest news, interviews and new model information.

The 2012 Yamaha R6 was born on the racetrack. It's MotoGP bred technology is tuned to give you the kind of outstanding engine and chassis performance usually reserved for professional racers. The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R6 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition is full of innovations and technology, you just won't find on the competitor's machinery.

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, to a fully adjustable suspension package, the R6 is designed to take super sport riding to a whole new level.

Innovations and technology you won’t find on any other middleweight Supersport. middleweight Supersport.

The 2012 Yamaha R6 is designed to do one thing extremely well: get around a race track in minimal time. Oh year: It's an incredible street bike too. The 2012 WorldGP Anniversary Edition celebrates Yamaha's racing heritage with Pearl White/Rapid Red livery. It includes a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank and a special numbered plate showing the production number of only 1500 units that will be produced worldwide.

Yamaha YZF-R6 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition Highlights and Key Features:

Fuel Consumption ± 17kpl/48mpg(Imp)

Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)

Optimized straight frame design

Key Features:

•World GP 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates Yamaha’s racing heritage with Pearl White/Rapid Red livery. Includes a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank and a special numbered plate showing the production number of only 1500 units that will be produced worldwide in these commemorative colors.

•Light, powerful, and bristling with knowledge gained from years of racing, the YZF-R6 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition is the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle Yamaha—or anybody else—has ever built.

•The YZF-R6 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition was the first production motorcycle with YCC-T®, Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle system—for flawless response under all conditions.

•YCC-I®, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, is used on the R6 to vary intake tract length for excellent cylinder filling and a broader powerband.

•Back torque-limiting slipper-type clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed. Close-ratio 6-speed transmission delivers seamless power and maximum acceleration.

Yamaha YZF-R6 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition Features and Benefits

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 not 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 for excellent durability.

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. 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. This ECU that controls the YCC-T 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 ensure 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 mapping 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




CHASSIS / 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 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 115mm (4.5") 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-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 DETAILS / 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

Lightweight low maintenance sealed gel-type battery

The YZF-R6 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition offers a significant level of power and performance. It is not intended for novice or inexperienced riders.

Motociclismo Review

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…

Source Motociclismo