2011 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Riding Impression

People who don’t understand how exciting streetbike riding can be tend to get a worried look that says, “Relax, buddy,” when I attempt to describe that experience to them, especially when the motorcycle I’m trying to depict is the edgy, radically angular, 16,000-rpm-revving Yamaha YZF-R6. It might not be the absolute fastest (it’s close enough) or the most well-rounded 600 supersport (not even close), but those are the things that make the R6 such a sick streetbike; it’s an attention whore that demands involvement.

Yamaha’s Chip Controlled (YCC-T)  ride-by-wire throttle system with electronically controlled variable-length intake tracts (for a broader powerband) works to smooth out most of the dips and valleys from the high strung 599cc inline-Four, as well as reduce engine braking at high revs—another good idea that’s mechanically aided by a back-torque-limiting slipper clutch.

Lean forward into the racy riding position and you’ll see  a programmable shift light and big analog tachometer right where they belong: front and center. At six grand, a cleverly placed R6 logo serves as a good reference for where the engine needs to be spinning to get away from a standstill with a bogless launch. The rev limiter doesn’t begin to cut in ’til 10,000 rpm later.

Fully adjustable suspension can be tailored to soak up imperfect streets or firmed up for track days. The 41mm fork provides great feel from the Dunlop Qualifier’s contact patch—and helped me avoid an incident brought on by a truck spilling transmission fluid right in front of me. That steep swingarm angle doesn’t hurt when it comes to sudden midcorner corrections, either. Little pressure is required on the scalpel-thin front brake lever to stop the 394-pound-dry R6 in its tracks.

For $10,690 ($200 more for Candy Red/Raven), you’re looking at a competitive racer, trackday-tool or 40-mpg canyon-carving commuter. Not to mention one of the edgiest things you can ride on all sorts of courses that aren’t exactly closed.