2009 Yamaha YZF-R6S Review

Introduction

As the whole point is to have a “previous generation model” in their lineup, Yamaha keeps the YZF-R6S virtually unchanged for 2009. Satisfying the same commuting purposes every day of the week and being capable of making a damn good impression on the track on weekends, this bike begs us to unveil some of its most, indeed unchanged, but unique features.

Behind that powerful accelerating feel is the 600cc liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine. Developing 123 horsepower, the motor is compact and uses one-piece cylinder and crankcase assembly for superior engine rigidity and light weight. Also, the cylinder bores are made out of ceramic-composite. This reduces friction, improves power at high rpm levels and convinces us that this bike hasn’t lost the magic touch of the original R6.

Further proving that is the Deltabox frame, 43mm fork and controlled-fill swingarm. Also, with five-spoke 17-inch wheels and performance braking systems on them, there’s no wonder the YZF-R6S keeps on going forever and ever.

History

1999 Yamaha YZF-R6

1999 is the year when Yamaha decided to powerfully counteract Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki in the 600cc class as an expected effect of previous year’s launch, the one of the mighty R1. Introducing the all-new (for the time) YZF-R6!

At its base was the FZR600 engine, a 599cc carbureted, liquid-cooled inline-four which after carrying on the R6 was developing 120 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 68 Nm at 11,500 rpm. The Deltabox frame also carried on and it was a big hit, just like all through the ‘90s. Color scheme was Blue and White.

Two years after the bike’s launch, nothing more but a refreshed racing look was new on this sports bike.

In 2003, Yamaha brought major technical upgrades to the already highly-evolved engine, the most important being the fuel-injection system. Now the bike could really make a point in the highly-disputed class. Color combination was Red and Black.

Colors continued to add up for the fuel-injected R6 (Gray, Black) which by this time developed 123 hp at 13,000 and 68.5 Nm at 12,000 rpm.

2005 is a very important year in this discussion, not only because the horsepower increases and the bike getting new forks, but because this is the base of the “S” model which was to be launched in 2007. Why didn’t Yamaha carried on producing the bike as it was? Because of the same reasons I mentioned when starting writing this article.

In 2006, the all-new R6 rushed on the scene in the colors of the first R1 and its first major revision came in 2008.

Competition

2008 Kawasaki ZZR600

Because Yamaha provides the YZF-R6 as an alternative for those fierce competitors such as the Honda CBR600RR, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Kawasaki ZX-6R, there is no room for the R6S to make a point here, so we’ll have to comply with the 2008 Kawasaki ZZR600.

A middleweight bike, this Kawi is indeed a suitable opponent as it features a 599cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine. The only disadvantage is that being fed through a Mikuni BDSR 36R, the ZZR isn’t as potent as the R6S, but indeed the most appropriate thing you’ll find to it.

Also, the riding position on the Kawasaki is not as sporty as on the Yamaha, and that doesn’t affect the handling performance as you would normally tend to believe. So if you’re searching for a docile middleweight, this should be it, with the condition of not getting bored of it too fast.

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