Yamaha XJ6NL

In mid-2013, Yamaha Motor Australia released the LAMS-approved naked version of the FZ6R -- the XJ6NL. Based on the XJ series of middleweights, it sports the big-bike feel and looks, while being nimble and unintimidating to ride -- exactly what a LAMS bike should be.

In the latest evolution of the model, Yamaha has made some pretty significant upgrades to the motorcycle with the most notable being a whopping 40 per cent power increase out of the YZF-R6-inspired inline 600cc four-cylinder engine. Peak power is 47.6hp a 10,000rpm. This mill, melded with a full-size frame, decent suspension and a big-bike brake package make the XJ6NL a great all-rounder, whether it be in the twisties or on the commute to work.

There are two models on sale: the standard and the SP model, the latter the focus of this review. Both models are almost identical but if you choose the SP you receive a dual seat instead of the single, and also a carbonised sticker set.

YAMAHA XJ6NL/SP IN BIKE SHOWROOM

The engine has a bore and stroke of 65.5 x 44.5mm and runs a compression ratio of 12.2:1. Yamaha has incorporated its latest vibration reduction technology into the engine mounts -- all I can say is that it works. Even cruising at highway speeds with the needle approaching 6500rpm in top gear there is no hint of vibration in the feet or the bum, and you can still make out what is happening behind you in the mirrors.

Like any high-revving in-line four-cylinder engine, torque is not the talking point, making the need to tap dance up and down the gearbox a regular occurrence. The XJ6NL powerplant reiterates this character but thanks to an overlap setting where both intake valve and exhaust valve are open, it allows the engine to produce more torque in the low and middle rpm ranges; exactly where you want it.

Twist the light and extremely short throttle and the bike accelerates with a purpose, while at 4000rpm a very nice, unintimidating powerband kicks in. It pulls as hard as a LAMS bike can to 7000rpm before tapering off before the 10,000rpm limit. However, keeping the revs between 4000-7000rpm is where you get the most out of the engine.

You and the gearbox will be on a first name basis in no time at all and, thanks to the ultra-smooth six-speed unit and the remarkably light clutch action, you are assured the friendship will blossom. Gear selection is positive with a strong engagement and there are no signs of clunkiness. Neutral is also extremely easy to find.

The engine is housed in a full-size diamond-shaped steel frame made of high-tensile pipes. At 182cm I had no problems fitting on it and didn’t feel cramped one bit. Up front there’s a non-adjustable telescopic fork with 130mm of travel, while the rear is suspended by a monoshock with the same amount of travel.

The seat height is 785mm, which can also be reduced by a further 20mm. Both the rider and pillion seats are plush and comfortable and you will have no problems clocking up big miles before your bum gives out.  The passenger also has a grab rail.

Handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring in slow-speed maneuvers such as lane filtering, which will become a major selling point come July 1, 2014when it is legalised in NSW. Even though the XJ6NL tips the scale at a modest 205kg wet, the majority of that weight is low and centralised, which disguises the weight quite well. The audio from the pipe offers an ear-pleasing burble on the over-run.

The wide handlebar, which can be adjusted by rotating it through its clamp, makes initial tip-in effortless. The bike holds a line throughout the entire corner and isn’t unsettled by the typical bumps on most Australian roads. Sure you can push its handling to the limit, but to do that will see you north of the speed limit.

The brake package fitted to the XJ6NL is fantastic for a learner motorcycle. Up front you have dual 298mm discs clamped by two-piston calipers, while a single-piston caliper pinches the rear 245mm disc. Feel through the four-way adjustable front brake lever is strong and predictable and hauls the bike up with authority. The rear offers great feel as well and helps keep the bike under control in slow-speed riding. One thing that it does miss out on is anti-lock braking, which would be a valuable addition.

At $9799 rideaway for the standard model and an extra $200 for the SP model it may seem like a fair bit of money for a LAMS bike, but if it wasn’t for the engine restriction -- which is out of Yamaha’s control -- I guarantee people wouldn’t even notice the price other than thinking it is good-bang-for-ya-buck.

You get a motorcycle built in Japan, the suspension and brakes are good quality and its aggressive styling makes it look tough and menacing. If you are just starting out and want a bike that has the potential to provide satisfaction after you have received your full license then the XJ6NL is definitely worth a look.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 48hp (36kW) at 10,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: Not given
Economy: 4.2 litres/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Diamond, steel
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable, 130mm travel
Rear suspension: Monoshock, 130mm travel
Front brakes: Dual 298mm discs with twin-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 245mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax BT021 -- 120/70-17 front, 160/60-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 205kg
Rake: 26 degrees
Trail: 103mm
Seat height: 785mm (adjustable)
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Fuel capacity: 17 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $9999 (standard $9799)
Colour: Racing Blu, Special Edition White
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres