Yamaha Announces A New YZF-R6 For 2017

The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 isn't a middle of the road middleweight, it's a hard hitting, chiseled machine ready rule the streets, strips, and raceways. On the track or the street, the YZF-R6 was already one of the most advanced and successful supersport machines ever built. For 2017, radical new styling wraps up an even more intelligent racing machine, complete with ABS brakes, new suspension and new electronic rider aids.

The Yamaha YZF-R6's pedigree stands tall amongst it's competition, having won more AMA middleweight races and championships than any other 600cc sportbike. Already one of the most nimble machines in the supersport class, for 2017 the new R6 brings additional mass-centralization along with updated suspension, for improved front-end feedback and greater cornering confidence. With a class-leading, high-revving four-cylinder, 599cc DOHC liquid-cooled four-cylinder powerplant at its heart, the R6 already screams across the start/finish line ahead of the pack, however, for 2017, the addition of traction control and D-Modes allows the rider to extract even more performance from the potent engine.

Some of the highlights for the 2017 model include:

- A sleek new fairings that help boost aerodynamic efficiency. The front 'face' and bodywork reduces aerodynamic drag by 8 percent, achieving the highest level of aerodynamic efficiency of any production Yamaha in history, and improving top speed on the racetrack. The cross-layered fairing design also ensures excellent airflow to cool the engine with minimal drag.

All-LED lighting and integrated front turn signals. The front LED turn signals are integrated into the mirrors for a sleeker style, while the rear LED taillight is ultra-compact to match the narrow new R1-style tail section with stepped seat.

-A new aluminum fuel tank that shaves more than 2.5 pounds compared to an equivalent steel tank, lowering the bike's center of gravity while improving rider ergonomics. The graceful curves of aluminum are accentuated by hand-welded craftsmanship for a truly beautiful finalized part.

Thanks to the ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T®), the 2017 YZF-R6 integrates a range of electronic rider aids to give the rider even more control, including selectable D-Mode engine response with three settings. D-Mode allows the rider to choose the optimum engine character for their riding situation and preferences. The rider can choose from three throttle valve control maps (Standard Mode, "A" Mode, and "B" Mode) for different throttle response characteristics at the push of a button.

-A Traction Control System (TCS) assists the rider in managing traction on various road conditions by quickly modulating throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel volume. On the R6, the advanced system is designed to operate and intervene extremely smoothly, for minimal disruption to forward drive, and unlike many TC systems, is capable of adapting to changing tire diameter and grip caused by tire wear. The YZF-R6 TCS includes six modes (plus off) to suit various road conditions and rider preferences.

An accessory electronic quick-shifter enables the rider to make clutch-less full-throttle upshifts.

-The same KYB 43mm inverted front fork as the YZF-R1, tuned to suit the unique characteristics of the R6. The new fork also uses the R1's large 25mm axle shaft, further boosting rigidity and wheel control. A new KYB rear shock provides a massive range of adjustment as well. The piggyback shock design features four-way preload and damping adjustability for effective wheel control across a wide variety of conditions.

-Larger 320mm (increased from 310mm) front disc brakes, matched to radial-mount four-piston calipers and a Nissin® radial-mount master cylinder, all right off the R1, for exceptional braking power.

-New ABS to ensure braking control across less than ideal road conditions.

-A new combination analog and digital LCD instrument package that displays a huge range of information, including a programmable shift light, fuel economy, dual trip meters with miles-on-reserve function, and indicators for the new electronic rider aids, including TCS and D-Mode.

-An all-new magnesium subframe removes weight from the rear of the motorcycle for increased mass centralization, while the redesigned seat-now flatter and 20mm narrower at the front-makes it easier to reach the ground and gives riders more room to maneuver during aggressive racetrack riding.

The new Yamaha YZf-R6 will arrive in dealerships starting March 2017 and will be available in Intensity White/Matte Silver, Matte Raven Black, and Team Yamaha Blue carrying an MSRP of $12,199.

Chaparral Motorsports in an authorized Yamaha dealer.