#R6

Next week (Wednesday, to be exact) I’ll be riding the new, 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 (look for my review Friday). Now, because we’ve already featured the 1999 R6 in a past Church feature, this week we fast forward to the second-generation R6, which our own John Burns got the chance to ride in late 2002. A sharper tool than the original R6 as far as racetrack chops go, after reading this piece stay tuned to my review of the 2017 model to compare and contrast. Something tells me the two models will be very similar in many ways…

At EICMA 2016, Yamaha’s YZF-R6 made its European debut. No big whoop for those of us in the U.S., since we already saw the new Yamaha at the bike’s world debut last month at AIMExpo. Of course, the Europeans had to have the last laugh, and today at EICMA Yamaha announced it would be returning to the World Supersport championship as a factory effort in 2017, and debuted the WSS-spec R6, too.

The announcement of the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 – with new electronics but the same ‘ol engine – should be considered a jolt of excitement for the supersport world. While it’s a little disappointing to not see any engine upgrades for 2017, the fact the bike is getting any updates at all is a positive sign. And if you’re a little let down by the new R6 like I am, at least the updated appearance of the Yamaha is stunning.

The biggest news out of this year’s AIMExpo is the world premiere of the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6. With a proven track record in MotoAmerica and World Supersport racing, the R6 gains new aerodynamic styling inspired by the R1 as well as the superbike’s KYB fork and brakes. The new R6 also receives selectable ride modes, traction control, ABS, a lighter aluminum tank and a magnesium subframe.

Yamaha revealed a new YZF-R6, adding new engine modes, traction control, ABS and a front suspension system derived from the YZF-R1. The most successful 600cc supersport in AMA Road Racing history also receives new styling including an aerodynamic fairing, lighter aluminum fuel tank and all-LED lighting.

This morning, Yamaha published a new “R World” teaser video on its website and social media channels. The company’s official press release says it’s “alluding to an upcoming new motorcycle introduction.” Read between the lines – watch the video – and it seems pretty clear to us: this is the new YZF-R6.

What’s the first thing motorcyclists look for when modifying their bike? More power. So, when we got an email claiming a 1 to 4 horsepower increase from Sprint Filter air cleaners, we decided to check it out. Our test mule would be my beloved 2003 Yamaha R6 that is still – as far as the fuel and exhaust systems are concerned – basically stock. (In the interest of full disclosure, it does have a set of Factory Pro Velocity Stacks that I’d forgotten about until I opened the airbox.) What better way to finally get my 13-year-old 600 to the dyno to see how it compares to current generation sporting hardware?

Rafal Pasierbek (a.k.a. Stunter13) has been stunt riding for a decade now, winning a Polish freestyle championship in his first try in 2005. Things can go wrong for even the most seasoned stunt riders, but Stunter13’s experience and agility helped him make this save after his bike got away from him.