2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 Review Video
Yamaha's updated middleweight sportbike in moving pictures and sound
At long last a “new” 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 is here! And in case you don’t know already, the rumors are true: Yamaha’s R6 shares the same inline-Four as the last generation R6 – but you know what, who cares? I sure didn’t as I was flogging the R6 near 16,000 revs before tapping the quickshift-enabled shifter to engage the next gear.
Yamaha calls the fourth-generation R6 a new bike based on the fact it has traction control, ABS, a revised front end, upgraded brakes, and new bodywork inspired by the R1 which Yamaha says makes the R6 the most aerodynamic production motorcycle it has ever created. Be sure to check out my First Ride Review of the 2017 Yamaha R6 to catch all the details.
While, like many of you, I would have welcomed an all-new engine inside the new R6 (say, a three-cylinder?), the four-banger Yamaha’s stuck with is no slouch around a racetrack – which is the playground the R6 is meant for. It screams up top, and even has moderate power in the midrange for a 599cc Four. Combined with the same frame as before, the pairing made a great companion to slice through the twists and turns of one of my favorite racetracks, Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California. The front end gave plenty of confidence, which was nice on this day filled with sketchy weather.
Going fast is obviously fun, but slowing down and stopping is even more important. An upgraded braking system sees bigger brakes and a new master cylinder, providing much better feel than before. When all is said and done, Yamaha has definitely made the R6 an even sharper weapon. But is it that much better than the old bike, especially considering its $12,199 price tag? Read my review and watch the video above to find out.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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"New Bike", pfft..New styling. It is unfortunate that 600 class has become so static, it used to be the most popular sportbike segment. That being said, you guys videos are real nice...can't wait for the Superbike shootout!
Nice job on the vid. Good editing, too. California, you say? Looks like Ireland!