
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
Engine technical overview
New 2008 R6 chassis features
Chassis technical overview
| 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