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Guy Allen12 Dec 2007
NEWS

2008 R6 now available

Exotic specs for supsersport

The 2008 Yamaha R6 has landed, boasting a complete make-over that reveals some exotic stats – for example a sky-high 13.1:1 compression ration, up from 12.8:1 on the previous model.

Numerous design changes have gone into the powerplant, including variable length intakes, right down to a new camchain tensioner.

The end result is a claimed 135 horses at 14,500 and 69.1 Nm of torque at 11,000, with both figures including ram-air effect.

That’s pushing a package that claims to weigh 166 kilos dry.

The chassis has also come in for a make-over claiming a front weight bias of a little over 52 per cent, with the rider seat and handlebars both pushed forward a little.

A significant amount of weight – almost half a kilo – has been saved with the adoption of a magnesium alloy material for the rear subframe (a first for the maker), though the company has elected to beef up the front brake discs with a slightly thicker material.

Pricing is keen at $15,499 plus ORC, which the firm points out is a little less than for the previous model.

The manufacturer’s brag sheet is below.

New 2008 R6 engine features

  1. Addition of YCC-I* electronically-controlled variable intake funnels *Yamaha Chip-Controlled Intake
  2. New high-compression 13.1:1 pistons ('07 model = 12.8:1)
  3. Revised settings for YCC-T and fuel injection
  4. New shape airbox
  5. Uprated con-rod bearings and valve springs
  6. Modified semi-hydraulic cam chain tensioner
  7. 30% larger diameter torque-boosting exhaust connector pipe
  8. Reshaped rear muffler section

Engine technical overview

  1. 4-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC 600cc in-line 4-cylinder 4-valve
  2. Bore x stroke 67 x 42.5mm
  3. Maximum power 135bhp at 14,500 rpm with direct air intake
  4. Equivalent to over 200bhp per litre
  5. Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
  6. Slipper clutch
  7. Titanium EXUP - Exhaust Ultimate Powervalve
  8. Air Intake System with straight induction
  9. Lightweight titanium inlet and exhaust valves
  10. Aluminium valve retainers
  11. Magnesium head and crankcase covers
  12. Close ratio 6-speed transmission
  13. Compact 3-axis shaft layout
  14. Race-developed fuel injection system with secondary injector
  15. Titanium 'midship' muffler with O2 sensor
  16. Compact rare-earth type AC magneto

New 2008 R6 chassis features

  1. Newly-designed Deltabox frame with revised strength and rigidity balance
  2. Modified front fork outer tubes and lower triple clamp
  3. Revised fork offset
  4. Lightweight magnesium subframe
  5. Lightweight rear suspension compression adjuster bracket
  6. New swinging arm with rebalanced strength and rigidity relationship
  7. Lower and more forward riding position
  8. Thicker front disc brakes ('08=5mm; '07=4.5mm)
  9. Redesigned minimalist mass-forward bodywork

Chassis technical overview

  1. 'Straight frame' Deltabox concept, with steering head, swinging arm pivot and rear axle on one plane
  2. Fully-adjustable 41mm upside-down forks with 2-way compression damping
  3. Fully-adjustable rear shock absorber with 2-way compression damping
  4. Dual 310mm diameter front discs with radial mount calipers

SPECIFICATIONS - 2008 YAMAHA YZF-R6
 
ENGINE
Type: Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward inclined, parallel 4-cylinder, 16-valves, D0HC
Displacement: 599 cc
Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 42.5 mm
Compression ratio: 13.1:1
 
Maximum power:
With direct air induction: 135bhp @ 14,500 rpm
Without air induction: 129bhp @ 14,500 rpm
 
Maximum torque:
With direct air induction: 69.1 Nm @ 11,000 rpm
Without air induction: 65.8 Nm @ 11,000 rpm
 
Lubrication: Wet sump
Fuel System: Fuel injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system: TCI
Starter system: Electric
Transmission: Constant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission: Chain
Fuel tank capacity: 17.3 L
Oil tank capacity: 3.4 L
 
CHASSIS
Aluminium die-cast Deltabox
Front suspension: Telescopic forks
Front travel: 115 mm
Rear suspension: Swingarm (link suspension)
Rear travel: 120 mm
Front brake: Dual discs, Ø 310 mm
Rear brake: Single disc, Ø 210 mm
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyre: 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
 
DIMENSIONS
Length: 2040 mm
Width: 705 mm
Height: 1100 mm
Seat height: 850 mm
Wheel base: 1380 mm
Min ground clear: 130 mm
Dry weight: 166 kg
 
OTHER:
Colours: Competition White; Graphite; Yamaha Blue
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kms, parts and labour
RRP (inc GST): $15,499

Link: Yamaha-Motor.com.au

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Written byGuy Allen
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