That Same 'Ol Feeling
It's a shame this test has such a negative undertone, because the R6 is undoubtedly a fine motorcycle (one need only look at its AMA and World Supersport racing results to see the Yamaha's potential). But it's difficult not to feel a little disappointed with the '10 model's lack of top end performance. Granted, all it takes is an aftermarket exhaust and piggyback fuel computer to fix this issue, but you have to wonder if that will be enough to deal with the competition if they are similarly equipped. Let's hope Yamaha is able to find the lost power in '11.
2010 YAMAHA YZF-R6
| 2010 YAMAHA YZF-R6 |
| TEST NOTES |
| + |
More midrange grunt compared to last year |
| + |
Telepathic chassis |
| - |
Engine still lacks compared to '08 model |
| - |
Brakes can feel numb at the limit |
| x |
It's a definite step in the right direction,
but the rest of the competition is starting
to leapfrog ahead |
| SUGGESTED SUSPENSION SETTINGS |
| FRONT |
Spring preload—4 lines showing; rebound damping—19 clicks out from full stiff; high-speed compression damping—2.5 turns out from full stiff; low-speed compression damping—17 turns out from full stiff; ride height—2 lines showing on fork tube |
| REAR |
Spring preload—position 4 of 8; rebound damping—15 clicks out from full stiff; high-speed compression damping—4 turns out from full stiff; low-speed compression damping—15 clicks out from full stiff |
2010 Yamaha YZF-R6
MSRP: $10,490
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, transverse inline four, 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 599cc
Bore x stroke: 67 x 42.5mm
Compression ratio: 13.1:1
Induction: Mikuni EFI with YCC-T, YCC-I, 41mm throttle bodies, 2 injectors/cyl.
Transmission: 6-speed
Chassis
Front suspension: 41mm Showa inverted fork, 4.7 in. travel; adjustments for spring preload, rebound damping, high-and low-speed compression damping
Rear suspension: Single Soqi shock absorber, 5.1 in. travel; adjustments for spring preload, rebound damping, high-and low-speed compression damping
Front brake: Dual 310mm floating discs; radial-mount 4-piston calipers
Rear brake: 220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Front wheel: 3.50 x 17 in., cast aluminum alloy
Rear wheel: 5.50 x 17 in., cast aluminum alloy
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier PTM
Rear tire: 180/55ZR-17 Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier PTM
Rake/trail: 24.0 deg./3.8 in. (97mm)
Wheelbase: 54.3 in. (1380mm)
Seat height: 33.5 in. (850mm)
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. (17.0L)
Weight: 435 lb. (197.3 kg) wet; 408 lb. (185.1 kg) dry
Instruments: Analog tachometer, LCD display panel for digital speedometer, coolant temp, clock, odometer/dual tripmeter, lap time; warning lights for oil pressure, neutral, high beam, EFI malfunction, turn signals, shift point
Performance
Quarter-mile: 10.83 sec. @ 128.8 mph
Top speed: 159.8 mph
Roll-ons: 60-80 mph/4.04 sec.; 80-100 mph/4.21 sec.
Fuel consumption: 30-36 mpg, 35 mpg avg.