YAMAHA XJ6 DIVERSION (2009 - on) Review

Version: S

Year: 2009

Good all round first big bike. It has enough pull to overtake comfortably. Low seat height which is beneficial for someone of my height 5ft 2inch. Comfortable seating position and for age not the ugliest bike out there. Cornering is smooth and for the brakes, they’ve never let me down. Not a sudden sharp stop but enough to get you stopped if that makes senseVibration on handle bar can be much after a couple of hours to a half day out. Shifting can be a pain as you find yourself reaching for another gear but your already maxed. And the exhaust, well what and ugly part sound like a hairdryer and looks like an army tank. But don’t let that throw you off as you can buy a sports exhaust to replace it which does make it sound a little nicer.But all in all a good first bike

Buying experience: Brought from dealer. paid around £2900

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £300

Probably one of the most boring motorbikes in Yamaha's stable. It's an amazing commuter, and you can cover thousands of km on it, with no fatigue, and can be as fast as the fast guys - if you really want to be. The engine is silky smooth, and flat. But - why-oh-why is it SO heavy and weak? Give me 10-20 more HP (not a problem with this motor) and 10-15 KG less weight (again - not a problem) and it will be the perfect sport-tourer.

Year: 2011

Will last forever but has faults!

Buying experience: £3000 with 8000 miles on the dial 18 months ago. It's now for 14000 (mostly commuting miles). Cheap as chips for a do it all commuter that will tour and get a bit wild if pushed

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £500

Excellent 1st bike with all the power you really need when starting out

Buying experience: Bought from a local Yamaha dealer. used them for my last 3 bikes so happy

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £600

Fantastic bike for a new rider (I myself first picking it up with an A2 regulated throttle restrictor.) Even with a restrictor, this bike has plenty of poke to keep up with the masses. Mid range acceleration is phenomenal, and it can quite happily chug along in top gear at 30mph. Lots of genuine and third party accessories, so if you are like me and you want a truly "unique" ride, it's possible. Only downside I found for this bike is the fuel sensor - claiming to be in need of petrol 50 miles to early (and even then there's enough for 30 miles!) I ride my XJ6s very tamely - as such I average roughly 40MPG. If you twist the throttle/go over 6,000RPM you'll be lucky to get 30MPG. Done 40,000miles on this bike, intend to do another ten and potentially get a newer, naked version (XJ6n)

Buying experience: Bought my XJ6s privately from South London. (Very naughtily rode it back to South Wales unrestricted) I paid 2,700 in 2013.

The XJ-6 is the first big bike I've owned, but not the first I've tried. I've fooled around on the Hornet, CBF600R, ER-5, MT-03, Thunderace and a few others. The Yamaha XJ-6 Diversion is a damn good motorcycle. I have the semi-faired edition without ABS in dark metallic blu. Ever since the first few miles it's never failed to impress me. It's not perfect but it does a lot of things right. Yamaha made a great deal of effort with the design. It's primarily a commuter with a bit of sports touring thrown in. Almost every aspect has been optimised for a reliable everyday bike: * Main stand so it's easy to lube the chain, brim the tank when filling over long distances etc. * Enough under seat storage to carry essentials: cable ties, wet wipes for cleaning visor/fairing, towel for if it rains and a slot at the back for a can of Yamalube chain spray. * Provision for fitting a top back and panniers, probably a tank bag too. I have a 46L Yamaha branded Givi top box to store helmet, shopping or clothes when travelling. * The mirrors fold in on the stalks, and the stalks fold towards the screen. Should the bike be dropped the mirrors are less likely to snap off. * The engine is a detuned R6/Fazer derivative, Yamaha chose a proven design and refined it for this particular use. As a result after 6,000 miles of riding the oil/brake fluid levels were still nearly at maximum. The coolant only really needs topping up every 1,500 miles or so - surprisingly low maintenance. Top speed was sacrificed for more torque across the rev range with a close ratio gearbox to match this approach. This means despite only 77BHP and weighing around 210KG the bike is surprisingly quick. It's as if there are two torque bands, the first below 5K for sensible riding/short shifting, the second 6K and up when you want to accelerate hard. I think you could wheelie this thing in second gear but I'm not skilled enough to try! * The display is uncluttered. Big MPH readout, two trip meters in addition to odometer and a simple yet effective fuel trip warning which counts up when you're low, meaning you need to gas up within about 40 miles before you burn through the reserve. * The bike has hazard warning lights/full beam flash, something not all bikes have at this price. * Crash bungs on the handlebars and crash bars on the bottom are effective. I've dropped the bike twice at low speeds with no fairing damage. * The seat is fairly comfortable for 50-100 mile stretches but for more than that something gel based might be a better option, i.e. for touring 200+ miles a day. * Tank range is above average for this kind of bike, based on my observations using premium fuel (Esso Supreme Unleaded): including dipping into reserve I average 150-200 miles. If I rode more economically I could get more, but where's the fun in that? Now to list some of the negative aspects before delving back into the positives to close: * The speedometer overestimates by about 5-10%. Although this is good for avoiding tickets from Johnny Law it’s annoying. * The engine is revvy even at low speeds, meaning if you may short shift to keep it manageable at low speeds. Upside - because it's making a fair old noise people will hear you as high revs when filtering can act as a warning. * I don't like the parking light mode. I once flattened the battery by over twisting the key when engaging the steering lock - lights were on all day at work. Electric starter means you can't go when the battery is flat without jumping from another battery or similar. * It's not a particularly good looking bike but this isn't really something you notice when you're sitting on it. * The gearbox is a bit notchy. The shift from first to second can be clunky plus it's too easy to find neutral when you don't want it yet not get neutral when you're trying to park. Second to third and upwards is smoother, but overall it requires a gentle touch/finesse especially with a pllion. I knock it into false neutral a little more often than I'd like too. The gearbox is the only major weakness on the bike. Anyway, back to the good stuff. For the weight and size this is a surprisingly nimble bike, get it up to a decent speed and it handles beautifully, naturally wants to lean into corners with you and flatters the way you ride in a way that's satisfying. I have Maxxis Diamond Supermaxx tyres which replaced the original Bridgestone BT-021s and the increased grip/slightly more pronounced understeer encourages me to lean to the strips where possible. Brakes even without ABS are very effective, I do go easy on the back one though, if it's used in anger it unsettles the bike. It's easy to take a pillion - the provision for a second person isn't an afterthought like it is on certain sports bikes, it's been considered so it's not a tiny rear seat with the passenger two foot higher than the rider. It doesn't vibrate heavily through the bars and pegs until you're well over a ton when solo riding, I like this as an indication that you're going fast and need to pay as much attention as possible to the road. Overall this is a brilliant introduction to the world of big bikes and would suit anyone looking for something affordable, reliable and capable of long distances with ease - a practical motorcycle with some fun further up the rev range if you don't mind pinning the throttle. It always puts a smile on my face, and I can't imagine getting rid of mine any time soon, not for a couple of years and some 50,000 more miles. I don't know how it compares to the original 90s Diversion but it stands on it's own as a great machine - it may be a little middle of the road but how many people want to be riding a 1000cc high maintenance/cost sportsbike everywhere anyway? I'd rather have something that works on a day to day basis. I’m genuinely impressed with this bike. It might impress you too.

I have many bikes over the year but old age catches up with you so I got an XJ6. At the end of the day it is a great little bike for knocking about on or even going for a blast with the lads. Although I'm blitzed on the straights I keep them honest on the bends, saying that my only gripe is the suspension nearly gives up when I'm hanging off it but hey ho it is a "budget" bike. A bit of preload on the front forks would have been great. Bike for beginers or long term bikers either way. Overall I'm pretty well pleased with the bike and so is my back!

Found this bike as a bargain 6 months ago loaded with all the extras you could ever need and 7,000miles later i'm glad I did. As i'm young and only held a full licence for 3 years the insurance companies see me as a high risk so my dream R6 was to costly to insure so the xj was the only option. Absolutly brilliant for commuting, never misses a beat and does it in comfort, I love the GP inspired exhaust, and highly rate the OE Bridgestone 021. add a top box and soft luggage and it'll take you round Europe and back (with a gel seat), very pleased I didn't opt for something sportier as this bike is the perfect blend of tight corners and a workhorse for £4000.

This is my second XJ6 (the first got written off in sept 10, after 1-year/10000miles; smidsy'd). I have had it for 6 months now/5500miles. I do not commute on it, it is purely for pleasure. They are great value £4000 on 24months 0% yam deal, less per months than some 600 hondas were over 60months!!! Awesome bike, okay power is not it's strength, but like the first one I did 2600miles in Europe (this year in 9 days) and it will stick hours at 80/90 on the m'way/autobahn. Also handle pretty well, bumpy surfaces only unsettle it with full luggage under heavy braking. The brakes can also get a little overloaded under repeated heavy turns, riding down an alpine pass is fun as a result; due to the decent spread of torque and user-friendly drive you can also mix it with heavier, more powerful kit. lots of accessories now - the germans, italians and french love it, also the ameicans have it as the FZ6R and really love it. Tyres as standard (bt021s and dunlop qualifiers) are pretty rubbish - yam should fit better rubber. Both of mine have been geared-up to make them less busy on fast roads. Need to get a tail-tidy and braided hoses. As an experienced rider (past bikes zx6r, tdm850, fzr1000) I think this bike is a little gem.

I have this as a courtesy bike and must say I'm impressed, I commute about 70 miles a day and I find this bike perfect for the job it's quick enough for my liking, comfortable and handles well, my own bike is a 1990 CBR 600 and although the CBR obviously has more power the Diversion is better on the road as the power comes in a lot lower in the rev range and as for the looks compared to my 1993 Divvie that I had a year ago there is no comparison in fact the only problem I have with this bike is that Yamaha shouldn't have called it a Diversion as it's nothing like the Diversion of old. Everyone who has seen it always asks what it is and how its much better looking than the old one.

Bought mine -an ex demo, with 600 miles on and at a good discount. Looks good handles well, but with everything set up for me, it is still the most uncomfortable bike I;ve ever riden. The seat is si thin backside is numb after 20 miles, arms and hands are numb after 30 miles. I have a Kawasaki er6-f and I can ride that 200 miles in one go and not have any problems. I really wish I had given the Diversion a longer test ride-and I never would have bought it.

Bought mine new in March and got a great discount. Easy running in period and cheap first service. Now the engine is run in, opening up shows that this is a bike that can better most, if not all, of the other all rounders out there. The engine is strong and pulls well, even two up. Its easy to handle in all conditions. OK, its not going to worry riders on sportier machines but thats not what it was made for. As a first big bike or an affordable, reliable commuter that will get the job done, you won't get better. I'm was originally thinking of swapping it after a year but I like it too much!

bought mine 2 weeks ago and only covered 600 miles.restricted to 33bhp at the moment as i am still on restricted license.A lot quicker than my cg though.As some others have mentioned it could do with another gear as the engine always sounds busy and i also keep trying for the 7th gear.I have had it up to 7000 revs after just having it serviced and don'feel any vibration at all yet.took it on a 190 mile run at the weekend and worked the mileage out at 59.3mpg,mainly motorway and 2 up so i thought that was good.clocks are easy to read and it is a comfortable ride.As a newby to the big bike world i can't compare it to anything else but as a first big bike i would say they are fantastic,and would recomend them to other people.

I bought the new Divvie to replace my GSX650F in March 10. I have now covered about 1100 miles and comments so far. Good Bits It's light and very Manoeuvrable Throttle response is Brilliant no on-off stutter or delay at all. Love the underslung exhaust it makes a pleasant noise but more importantly doesn't get in the way - the monstrosity on the GSX650F was a pain. Handles nicely and grips well on the Roadsmarts it was supplied with although the ride is a bit choppy. Good instruments - can see the clock at the same time as the odo. The headlight is good despite only having a single H4 bulb, however is does have a left dip pattern which means masking if you want to go on the continent. Fuel consumption so far 55-60mpg. Bad Bits The worst Vibration - it is pretty vibey just like the old Divvie I had. Around 6500rpm is the worst this is 70 - 75 mph. Build quality - it hasn't seen salt although has been used in the rain and some fasteners are already showing signs of corrosion. Keeping it clean isn't going to be easy, I have fitted a Fender Extenda to try and help keep the Engine clean. The plastics especially the top fairing are a bit Flimsy. That's it, good in parts but I think so far the GSX650F was better.

I covered about 5000 miles on the bike in all weathers. It's a great bike, really good value for money and ideal for commuters. The handlebars can vibrate a bit at about 6000rpm but it's not a problem if you wear thick gloves.

I covered about 5000 miles on the bike in all weathers. It's a great bike, really good value for money and ideal for commuters. The handlebars can vibrate a bit at about 6000rpm but it's not a problem if you wear thick gloves.

I have just purchased this bike following passing my test. I am new to having a bike albeit something I have always wanted to do. I tried many bikes over a few weeks and always came back to this bike. I agree with the review especially about the point that I am sometimes looking for another gear when already in top, however once the bike is run in and speed can be increased this might not be so noticable. This is a fantastic first bike or a bike for experience riders great to ride with smooth gear change good balance. The bike is brilliant to ride as well as being great fun I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.