2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 Revealed; Inspired By The New YZF-R1

Besides the new R1-inspired styling, the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 gets a host of new components and features.

Yamaha has finally unveiled the much-awaited new iteration of its middleweight supersport, the 2017 YZF-R6. Interestingly, the new version of the bike looks much inspired by the bigger 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1, especially the fuel tank and the front fairing.

The company introduced the new R1 in 2015 with a completely new design that made it stand apart from the crowd. Now, it is trying to use the same strategy with the 2017 R6. The new fairing gets full-LED lighting, along with the integrated turn signals and the daytime-running lights. The new aluminium fuel tank looks more aggressive and the R1-inspired tail section further complements the overall styling.

Powering the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 is the same 599cc, inline-four engine that powers its predecessor, but it is Euro-4 compliant now. The company hasn't revealed the power and torque figures yet, however, we can expect a noticeable performance boost from the updated motor. Along with the lightweight magnesium engine covers and a compact 6-speed transmission, the engine gets titanium valves and a race-tested variable intake system. The bike gets slipper clutch as a standard fitment, while an electronic quick-shifter for clutchless full-throttle upshifts is available as optional extra.

Another blessing the new Yamaha R6 gets from its elder sibling is the set of advanced KYB 43mm inverted forks at the front, offering exceptional adjustability, with all adjustments at the top of the fork. Moreover, it gets a 25mm axle shaft, further boosting rigidity and wheel control, and providing a more planted ride experience. The new R6 also uses the same dual 320mm front rotors with four-piston radial-mount calipers which are found on the R1. Along with a 220mm rear disc brake, the bike also gets a new ABS system for both the front and the rear ends.

The updated electronic package of the new Yamaha R6 includes the ‘Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle’ ride-by-wire system, 6-level traction control system and three-stage engine level selection system. The company hasn't mentioned of any IMU system, so we believe they might be using wheel-speed sensors to operate the traction control. Even after using a host of lightweight components and parts, the additional technologies has increased the weight of the bike by around a kilogram. However, we expect that it will be compensated with the increased power and torque figures, which most probably give a better performance on the bike. 

Yamaha has announced to offer the 2017 R6 in three colour options -- Matte Black, Team Yamaha Blue, and Intensity White/Matte Silver -- and the bike has been priced at $12,199 (around INR 8.14 lakh) internationally. Yamaha is not selling the YZF-R6 in the Indian market and we can't say that the new model will be available here as well, thanks to our weird importing laws.