YAMAHA R6 (2006 - 2007) Review

Version: Spv

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £100

Great bike and able to keep up with the big boys and even better on twisty roads

Buying experience: Bought brand new from dealer in USA shipped over only 500 made and only for USA and Canada market still cost less than buying UK model.

Year: 2007

great

Firstly, I would like to say how high I regard Yamaha with their build quality. I get through a lot of bikes, and none of the Yamaha's I have had have disappointed, but then that is largely the case of all the big four - Yamaha just seem to have that edge. This model R6 is obviously a very good bike, well styled, very adjustable and of course quick! I am 6'1" and found the height of the seat (feet on the ground) to be slightly better than most, though when you aim a foot toward the peg, make sure you are wearing supple leathers, or you may not get there ;-) Saying that, its a sports bike so you buy one of these with a general acceptance its probably not going to be too comfortable. I would say the seat is rather un-necessarily hard though, even for a sport 600, 'plank' seems to spring to mind! When I look at this bike parked beside the other 600's, I would say it looks the most expensive and most elaborately designed of its generation, so if you are all about looks this shall scratch that itch and some. There is nothing else that really stands out to me when riding the bike, which is probably a good thing - it does everything you would expect it to without fuss or drama. The bike is always composed and complements the rider, definitely a bike worth taking on a track day too, just be careful not to spoil its good looks in the gravel...

I have had my black 2007 R6 since March and have done over 5000 miles so far. I previously rode a vfr400 nc30 and this bike was the perfect next step. Still small and great fun but with more power and sharper handing. The only reliability issues I have experienced have been minor: -Sticking Exup valve when only ridden below 8000 prm on a hot day. -Rear seat cowling rubbing on fairing, causing scuffing. Dealer replaced fairing and modified mounting points to raise cowling. -Slight splitting on front tyre, replaced by dealer. Engine - Superb. If you are looking for something to potter around town on or do lots of mid revs overtaking, look elsewhere. This needs revs and rewards the rider when you thrash it. Perfect match for the chassis. Fly-by-wire throttle is superb. Enables the rider to get on the gas much earlier than many other bikes meaning corner exit speeds are high. Chassis/handling - Epic corner speeds and so much feedback. Can get away with all sorts of slides and 'moments'. Very stable - only the biggest of bumps gives a wobble, usually just seems to be a reminder that you are holding on too tight. Ride quality is very firm, any bumps will have you kicked up out of your seat but get it on a smooth surface and its very very stable. Slipper clutch is useful and does work reasonably well in the dry. Abuse it in the wet though and you'll have the back tyre locking up. Summary - If you want something to ride 'fast' on the road, tour and ride to work on, look elsewhere. It really needs to be ridden at 8 tenths or more. If you do a few track days and are bit of a hooligan on the road, go for it, you wont regret it for a moment!

this bike is awsome i can beat most people on the big 1000cc bikes cause they cant corner that fast my bike handles so well best bike ive ever ridden

amazing bike - looks great, handles great, sounds great, great build quality - best bike I have ever had I am 49 years old - and had dozens of bikes - including R1s and GSXrs They have all been very good machines - but I am sure that this is the best of the lot. I am amazed that it is also comfortable for up to 2hrs at a time and I am 6ft tall and 17stone! tried the latest CBR 600 but still prefer the yamaha. Only comfort issue is that it is a bit 'wristy'

at 40 years old i was given one of these as a company bike.BEING AN OLD GIT i hated the look of it and i hated the digital speedo but then i rode it!!! 16K REVS , FORMULA ONE SOUND TRACK & riding everywhere flat out like a teenager with the keys to his dads car... like i said" GO TO JAIL"...

simpley in love with it

Found myself having to buy a new bike after the d******d trying to ride his busa in front of me decided to jump off . Anyway bought the new R6 and am just not happy its noisy and not in a nice way like my old micron. I also am experiencing a lot of vibration from the right hand bar bad enough to give pins n needles within thirty minutes. Handling and power wise I quite like it just dont think its as good as my 99 model.

All I heard of peeps when I was considering buying the new Yamaha R6 was that they are to small for 6ft+ (My height 6tf2") it was not till I took the bike out and compared it to the other 600s on the market, that I realised that was a load of rubbish. Its one of the tallest 600 on the market. The bike is awesomely fast and handles great at low/high speeds, throttle response with the Motogp chip is excellent. Strengths: All the new Technology that Yamaha have put on the bike and every time I take it out it never seizes to amaze me. Weaknesses: Screen is a tad low.

The new r6 is level set for other bikes to aim for. The new throttle allows for smooth acceleration out of the corners. It gives you some heart in the mouth momments when the rear spins up. Strengths: The bikes stength is it is a fab all round bike. Weaknesses: The only thing wrong with this bike is the rear seat the pillion is well sat above the rider.