The Yamaha YZF-R6 is a legendary sport bike that has been immensely popular since its debut in 1999.
With its aggressive look and aerodynamic features, the R6 bears all the characteristics of Yamaha’s thoroughbred R-Series.
In this article we’ll cover the most commonly asked questions about the R6
Table of Contents
Is the Yamaha R6 Comfortable?
The Yamaha R6 is not comfortable due to its high pegs, low handlebars, and seating position. Comfort has been sacrificed for performance and optimum aerodynamics, forcing the rider to adopt a bent-over riding position. Some owners report wrist discomfort at lower speeds.
Sports bikes are built with speed and performance in mind and this comes at the expense of comfort.
Riding an R6 will position your upper body to be leaned in, your knees tucked forward, and your arms bent and stretched out – this position for long rides can be particularly uncomfortable.
You may also experience backache and sore wrists in slow traffic, or cramps in your calves until you get used to the half race seating position and build up the correct muscle groups to cope with it.
The aggressive bent over riding stance the rider is forced to adopt takes some getting used to but over time most owners do become accustomed to the ergonomics, however it will never be the most comfortable ride.
If comfort is a key priority for you we would suggest looking into bikes with a more upright seating position, many of these come with state-of-the-art engines and components which used to be exclusive to sports bikes.
Why is the R6 so expensive?
The Yamaha R6 is so expensive due to its excellent build quality. Components are top of the range and the bike itself is built to the highest of standards, this is reflected in the bike’s performance and reliability.
- The R6 is a powerful, high-performance bike that uses state-of-the-art components and electronic aids, and is widely regarded as one of the best 600 cc sportbikes.
- Yamaha has built a solid reputation for itself and is world-renowned as the most reliable bike manufacturer on the planet (with Honda coming in a close second).
With this in mind, it’s easier to understand why Yamaha commands such a hefty price-tags for the R6.
If you’re on a tight budget consider buying a used bike, and avoid bikes that have had a hard track life.
Is the Yamaha R6 hard to ride?
Operating a Yamaha R6 can be slightly challenging, however by no means hard to ride. The 600cc engine produces a huge amount of power and is fitted to a lightweight, aerodynamic frame so it’s best to take things slowly whilst getting to grips with the bike.
First time riders of the R6 should take it slow and steady whilst they familiarize themselves with the bike and resist the temptation to drive over the speed limit, save that for the track.
Related: 11 Common Problems With the Yamaha R6 (Solution Guide)
What does the R in R6 stand for?
The R in Yamaha R6 stands for “Racing.” Although the R1 is street legal, the bike’s frame, engine, riding position, and handling were all designed to be race-track ready.
Over the years, in advertisements and on message boards, motorcycle enthusiasts have presented constant banter and proposals about what the R in R6 means.
Still, most of the Sportsbike’s use an R in their name to signify that, while you can enjoy the bike on city-streets legally, Yamaha intended this bike for the racetrack.
What is the Differences Between an R6 and R1?
The main difference between the Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R6 is engine size, the R6 has a 600cc engine whilst the R1 has a 1000cc engine, therefore the R1 is faster than the R6 and has greater acceleration. The R1 is also more expensive, heavier and has a much lower and slimmer seat compared to the R6.
Both bikes are incredibly powerful supersport machines, however the R1 is on another level.
The powered-down R6 has a mean and lean 600 cc motor, meaning it can be more fun in town as you’ll be able to cycle up and down the gears much more rapidly when off the track.
The R6 has a wet weight (filled with fuel and fluids) of 430 lb (200kg), whilst the R1 has a wet weight of 448 lb (203.6 kg).
Is Yamaha R6 Reliable?
The R6 is one of the most reliable sports bikes available today. It’s well built using high-caliber parts, designed by world-class engineers, and has countless testimonies of satisfied owners.
Yamaha produces beautifully engineered and highly functional machines and the R6 is no different, problems associated with this bike are usually due to being ridden too hard and not looked after properly.
Reliability is ultimately comes down to the owner, this means regular maintenance, keeping the bike topped up with fluids and changing tires when needed.
Related: Yamaha R1: 12 most common questions and why the Yamaha R1 is not a good starter bike
Is the Yamaha R6 Fast?
The Yamaha R6 is very fast. It has a top speed of around 160 mph, and depending on model, year has horsepower ranging from 100 hp to 116.8 hp fitted to a lightweight aerodynamic frame.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that because it has a smaller engine than the R1 that this bike lacks power – the R6 is a track racing sports bike and is incredibly quick.
Is the Yamaha R6 Automatic?
No, the Yamaha R6 is not automatic, it has a manual 6-speed transmission. A manual transmission gives a trained and acclimated rider more control over acceleration, braking, and cornering.
A manual transmission gives the rider the ability to downshift immediately and then crank up the throttle to build the RPMs in a lower gear.
Once you’ve built up the RPMs, you can shift back into top gear, and the RPMs will stay boosted.
Shifting also requires more focus, ensuring that the rider is engaged safely in this powerful machine’s operation.
Is the Yamaha R6 a Good starter Bike?
The Yamaha R6 is not a good choice for a starter bike; a lightweight aluminum frame and high-powered superbike racing motor make this a lot to handle for an inexperienced rider.
Although its not out of the question, the R6 is not the best starter bike. For new riders the slightly smaller R3 would be a much safer option to learn on.
How much is a Yamaha R6? (New and Second Hand)
A brand-new Yamaha R6 costs $12,200. Depending on the condition, a used one, on average, costs around $5000.
How Many Miles Can a Yamaha R6 Last?
If well maintained, a Yamaha R6’s motor can last well over 100,000 miles.
Many factors play into the life of a motor.
General, routine maintenance is one factor. A well-kept motor is going to last much longer than one that isn’t.
Another factor is how aggressive you ride the bike.
If the motorcycle pushed to its limits on track twice a month isn’t going to stand the test of time like a bike you use for commuting around town at a more reasonable speed.
The harder you push a motor, the more high-maintenance it’ll be s it ages.
What does YZF Stand for in Yamaha?
The “Y” stands for Yamaha, the “Z” stands for racing, and the “F” stands for Four-Stroke.
Yamaha is a Japanese company, and some of the creative decisions behind vehicle acronyms get lost in translation.
Sometimes, old acronyms become iconic, and the brands continue to use them to pay homage to their old models.
YZF is an example of an acronym that’s been around for a long time, updated with new models to fit the current bike line-up, but never wholly amended, as it’s become recognizable.
Does The Yamaha R6 Have a Gear Indicator?
Yes, the Yamaha R6 comes stock with a gear indicator.
A gear indicator is a display feature that shows the rider what gear you’re in.
A gear indicator connects directly to your bike’s wiring.
It uses electric signals being transported through the wiring to figure out which gear is currently selected.
It then pings a signal back to the display, letting the rider know which gear is in use.
Does The Yamaha R6 Have a Quick Shifter?
The Yamaha R6 comes stock with a quick shifter, allowing faster upshifts by reducing the need to throttle down or pull the clutch in. A quick shifter also reduces clutch and transmission wear and tear.
To go along with the quick shifter, Yamaha has optimized the R6’s gear widths, splines & engagement dogs.
The R6’s gears use flat contact-type engagement dogs for smooth shifting and lasting durability.
Does The Yamaha R6 Have a Steering Damper?
No, the R6 doesn’t come with a Steering Damper because Yamaha designed the bike’s geometry and ergonomics to compensate for the wobble without one, keeping the bike lightweight.
However, a damper can be easily installed and can be helpful, especially for riding on bumpy roads.
Does The Yamaha R6 Have a fuel Gauge?
The Yamaha R6 does not come stock with a fuel gauge. The R6 is a stripped-down, high-performance, high-quality, bare-boned track bike.
You may also be interested in our article: Are Yamaha Motorcycles Any Good?
