Yamaha adds LAMS-approved FZ6R to its arsenal

Before we get a taste of the all-new FZ8 models in August, Yamaha has just released a LAMS-approved FZ6R model in Australia, a fully faired motorcycle based on the XJ series of middleweights.

Priced at $11,290 before government and delivery charges are added, the new Yammy has a certain aesthetic appeal, with its ultra-compact muffler, sharp fairing design and angular duck tail delivering a modern take on the entry-level motorcycle. "This all-new 600 is one of the coolest and most desirable models in the important LAM category," Yamaha claims.

Powered by a liquid-cooled 600cc inline four-cylinder engine, the FZ6R joins other learner-legal Yamaha motorcycles such as the XTZ660 Tenere, WR450F enduro, XVS650/A cruiser and the TMAX scooters.

Yamaha hasn't divulged specific power outputs but says the four-cylinder engine is "tuned to deliver responsive low to mid-range torque for fun, easy riding." We could take a guess and say 60hp at 8000rpm, but that would be pure speculation, so we won't.

The 600cc engine gets a number of unique components -- for instance a new cylinder head with slimmer port shapes and an updated camshaft profile to match. Yamaha reckons this helps deliver improved torque at low and mid-range engine speeds, at around 4000 to 5000rpm, while tweaks to the fuel injection mapping ensures good fuel efficiency.

Along with ceramic composite plated cylinder walls, forged aluminium pistons and a new 32-bit engine control unit, the FZ6R's engine was built to be easy to use and reliable.

With a redesigned clutch and shifter, which were added to make shifting gears and working the clutch as effortless as possible, Yamaha is serious about attracting novice riders with a bike suited to ease of operation.

Indeed, the FZ6R also has a relatively low seat height of 785mm to suit a wide range of rider sizes and a 17 litres fuel tank for extended touring.

It even features adjustable handlebars, so the bars can be moved fore or aft 20mm, plus there's a small U-shaped lockable storage compartment beneath the seat for a disc lock and a new instrument display. The latter item comprises analogue tacho, digital speedo and gauges for fuel, water coolant and air temperature.

Offered in two colours, pearl white or black, the new model is being touted a true all-rounder, and is claimed to make the rider "feel equally at home in town, on twisty back roads and on the highway," according to Yamaha.

The whole shebang is held together with a diamond-shaped tubular steel frame, while suspension is made up of 41mm diameter conventional front forks and a mono-cross rear suspension unit. Being an entry-level bike, neither suspension rig is adjustable.

Riding on 17-inch rims shod with 120/70 and 160/60 front and rear tyres respectively, the Yamaha FZ6R finds deceleration via twin 298mm discs at the front and a single 245mm disc at the rear.

Yamaha FZ6R technical highlights

Engine

• 600cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC
• Newly-developed high-compression cylinder head
• Slimmer inlet ports
• Cam profile designed for strong and linear low to mid-range torque
• One-piece cylinder and upper crankcase for good rigidity
• Bore x stroke 65.5 mm x 44.5 mm
• Lightweight forged aluminium pistons
• Four-hole two-direction fuel injection system
• 4-2-1 exhaust with midship muffler located beneath chassis
• 3-way catalyser and exhaust O2 sensor
• New inner-push type clutch for easy action
• Redesigned shift mechanism for smooth and easy gear changing