2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 Launched Internationally With Updates

The Yamaha YZF-R6 is one of the most popular middleweight supersport motorcycles in the world and has been crowned the World SuperSport champion on four occasions with different teams. It had been nine long years since Yamaha gave any major updates to the R6. But finally, Yamaha has launched the updated YZF-R6 at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida, USA.

(2017 Yamaha YZF-R6: Front Fairing)

Be it looks or performance, Yamaha promises that the new generation R6 betters its predecessor in all departments. The new R6 gets a slew of updates in the form of a new 6-level traction control system that can be switched off along with the D-Mode system with 3 riding modes and an optional quick-shifter that works only while upshifting. There is an updated ABS system at work too. The suspension at both ends is new too, where the front-end gets 43mm KYB forks with 119.38mm of travel and the rear too gets a KYB Piggyback unit which has the same travel. These can be adjusted as well.

(2017 Yamaha YZF-R6: Instrument Console)

The other updates are the new 320mm disc brake upfront and a newly designed aluminium fuel-tank. The front fairing is styled similarly to the current gen YZF-R1, in tune with Yamaha's R-DNA design language. Yamaha claims that there is an 8 per cent increase in aerodynamic efficiency with the new front fairing. The headlamps and the indicators are LED lamps, which again, are inspired from the new R1. The rear sub-frame is new too and is made of magnesium, which makes the seating position different than that of the previous gen R6.

(2017 Yamaha YZF-R6: Rear)

The 599cc parallel twin engine is unchanged and we tried hard to get the specific power and torque output, but Yamaha does not want to divulge that information. Rumours are that the R6 produces anything between 100-120bhp at the rear wheel. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission. The chassis too remains untouched. . The deliveries for the Yamaha YZF-R6 begin in March 2017.

Yamaha has never offered the previous generation R6 in the Indian market, owing to the lukewarm response to middleweight supersports in the Indian superbike market. It is unlikely that Yamaha will be launching the 2017 R6 in India as well.