#retrospective

by Tom Roderick

With news of the Yamaha R6 going the way of the dodo bird, we thought it fitting to take a look back through the Motorcycle.com archives to see all the things we’ve written about Yamaha’s mighty little sportbike. Like the R6, Motorcycle.com has gone through a few changes since its inception in 1994, but fortunately for us, we’ve (barely) been around just long enough to see the R6’s journey. What follows is a trip through time with all the R6 stories that haven’t been lost during various server changes in MO’s history.

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.

In 1999 who would have ever thought Suzuki’s unassuming SV650 would become a cult classic? The basic motorcycle, with its 645cc V-Twin, may have had components sourced from the bargain bin within the factory, but the sum of its parts was so affordable, and so enjoyable to toss around, riders all over the globe hold the bike in high regard – including MOrons like Yours Truly and Editorial Director Sean Alexander. Both of whom have owned, modified, and raced SVs.

Recently, we pit the Star Bolt C-Spec against the Suzuki Boulevard M50, in a comparison test. That test was really more an examination of two extremes of cruiserdom rather than a true head-to-head comparison. I bring this up because, as I type this, the Suzuki is currently resting at my abode. I thought nothing of it until I started digging for this week’s Church feature. As you can see from the headline, today’s retrospective is… the 2005 Suzuki M50 Boulevard! So, what has Suzuki done to the M50 in the decade since we first rode one? Not a whole lot, really. Other than a price hike from $6749 to $8599 (which is still pretty affordable, in our opinion), the Suzuki mid-size “muscle” cruiser is pretty much the same. And with that, here’s Gabe Ets-Hokin to describe exactly what that means. Also, don’t forget to visit the photo gallery for even more pics of Gabe and the pocket-size Suzuki.

This week’s Church feature continues the Yamaha R1 love I started last Sunday with the Y2K Yamaha R1  and the all-new 2015 R1 and R1M posted Friday. Here, we have the first ride review of the 2002 R1, provided to us (with a fee) from one Sir Roger Daily after another freelancer bailed and left MO high and dry. Details aside, this piece was chosen this week because of the impression it left on the author. Yamaha clearly toiled to make this bike better than before and the result was a supremely confident street bike that could also earn its keep on track. After reading this, click on the R1 and R1M link above and you’ll understand the change in direction Yamaha has made in 2015.