The new Yamaha YZF-R6->ke1937 has the looks to match any sports bike on the market, but more than its personable profile, the bike also has the performance to back it up. It's no secret that the sports bike market is one of the most competitive in the industry, and automakers need to mind their p's and q's to ensure that their product delivers the goods.

For Yamaha->ke301, the challenge was to make a bike that's light, powerful, and boasts of technological features that ensure that the YZF-R6 becomes the sports bike of choice for the market.

In terms of design, the bike carries plenty of features that riders would want on their bikes, including an aggressive and sporty design that underlies the bike's long and storied history; a built-in lap timer that's controlled by a right-handlebar switch; and a multi-function digital and analog instrumentation that features a programmable shift light, a digital speedometer, an analog tachometer, dual tripmeters with miles-on-reserve function, an odometer, a water temp gauge, and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals. Finally, Yamaha used a casting technique for the bike's five-spoke 17-inch wheels that make the rims not only light and strong, but also wickedly cool.

Inside the YZF-R6's MotoGP-inspired Deltabox aluminum frame lies a powerful 599cc DOHC 16-valve, liquid-cooled titanium-valved four-cylinder engine that's considered as the most advanced production 600cc engine on the market. The YZF-R6 is also distinguished as being the first production motorcycle with the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle system, ensuring flawless engine response under all conditions.

In a market that features plenty of other options, the Yamaha YZF-R6 is as good a choice as you can make.

Find out more about the Yamaha YZF-R6 after the jump.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Yamaha YZF-R6
  • Engine/Motor: DOHC 16-valve, liquid-cooled titanium-valved four-cylinder engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

- Compact, lightweight 67mm x 42.5mm, 599cc DOHC 16-valve,

liquid-cooled titanium-valved four-cylinder has a compression

ratio of 13.1:1, for great response. Domed pistons with valve

cutouts produce a compact combustion chamber.

-Fuel injection mapping for the YCC-T—Yamaha Chip Controlled

Throttle dual-injector system complements the high compression

ratio for great throttle response and reduced engine braking.

-YCC-I—Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake electronically varies

intake tract length for a broader powerband.

-A magnesium subframe removes weight from the rear of the

motorcycle for increased mass centralization.

-YCC-T uses a powerful ECU and multiple sensors to provide

perfect, smooth engine response and optimal power whenever

the throttle is twisted under all conditions.

-Twin-injector fuel injection: shower-type injectors above each

intake funnel help achieve optimum fuel atomization at high rpm.

-Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates

braking and downshifting from high speed. Close-ratio

six-speed transmission delivers seamless power and

maximum acceleration.

-GP-style titanium muffler contributes to mass centralization and

contains EXUP for a broad powerband, and 02 sensor for spot-on

injection and emissions compliance.

-Linerless, direct-plated ceramic-composite cylinder bores

mean greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and

reduced friction.

-Cool magnesium valve and engine covers are light and stylish.

-Direct-ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and high-output

magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing.

Chassis and Suspension

-Deltabox aluminum frame incorporates GP thinking in

terms of engine positioning and rigidity for the ultimate

in 600-class handling.

-The lightweight swingarm pivots high in the frame, for increased

anti-squat effect and mid-corner stability. TZ-type chain

adjusters ease rear tire changes.

-Four-way adjustable (preload, high-speed compression,

low-speed compression and rebound damping) inverted fork with

41mm tubes increases freedom in setting up for street or track

use; soak up the bumps and resist bottoming when braking.

-Four-way adjustable (preload, high-speed compression,

low-speed compression and rebound damping) piggyback rear

shock delivers exceptional rear wheel tracking and stability.

-Dual 310mm front disc brakes use forged one-piece radial-mount

calipers and radial-pump front master cylinder with adjustable

lever for astounding braking power and feel.

-The casting technique for the five-spoke 17-inch wheels makes

the rims light and strong, not to mention wickedly cool-looking.

-Removable rear shock spacer and adjustable fork ride

height allows the rider to tailor the ride position for the best

fit and comfort.

Pricing

-$11,390 (World GP 50th Anniversary Edition - Pearl White/Rapid Red) Available from January 2012

-$11,090 (Pearl White/Candy Red) Available from October 2011

-$10,890 (Raven) Available from October 2011

-$10,890 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from October 2011

Specifications

Model

YZFR6BL; YZFR6BB; YZFR6BGP; YZFR6BW

Engine Type

599cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder;

DOHC, 16 titanium valves

Bore x Stroke

67.0 x 42.5mm

Compression Ratio

13.1:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I

Ignition

TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

6-speed; multiplate slipper clutch

Final Drive

O-ring chain

Suspension/Front

41mm inverted fork; 4-way adjustable,

4.5-in travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock; 4-way adjustable,

4.7-in travel

Brakes/Front

Dual 310mm floating disc; radial-mount

4-piston calipers

Brake/Rear

220mm disc; single-piston caliper

Tire/Front

120/70-ZR17

Tire/Rear

180/55-ZR17

L x W x H

80.3 x 27.8 x 43.1 in

Seat Height

33.5 in

Wheelbase

54.1 in

Rake (Caster Angle)

24.0°

Trail

3.8 in

Fuel Capacity

4.5 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

40 mpg

Wet Weight

417 lb

Color

Team Yamaha Blue/White;


Pearl White/Candy Red; Raven; 50th

Anniversary Pearl White/Rapid Red


Quotes

Visor Down ---- "The R1 is unlikely to get big changes before the 600 has been launched, but could get minor styling or technical updates just to keep it fresh, particularly if Suzuki and Honda both offer new models in the class"

Power Specs ---- "Engine and chassis specs on the Yamaha R6 is a perfect blend because Yamaha has a very good chassis on each motorcycle product"

Best Motorcycle ---- "According to the information about the 2012 Yamaha R6 Review which I got from various reliable sources, that the 2012 Yamaha R6 Specs will use the new engine specs. If that Yamaha will use the new specs on the motorcycle, then the most likely price for 2012 Yamaha R6 will also be more expensive."