Sports Cycle

While this year’s R1 is getting plenty of attention with its magnesium wheels and MotoGP influence, we can’t help feeling sorry for the Yamaha YZF R6. Launched to much fanfare in 1999, the YZF R6 had the looks to match its impressive road and track performance. A major redesign in 2006 saw a bias to the racetrack with more revs, slicker styling and fly-by-wire throttle control. Some small updates in 2012 kept the R6 in the race but with shrinking interest in the whole supersports 600 class the R6 has dropped down the Yamaha priority list... until now. Here’s what we’d like to see a 2016 Yamaha YZF R6 Concept.

Bodywork

While there are styling cues from the latest R1, 2016 Yamaha YZF R6 Concept also takes inspiration from the rest of the Yamaha range including the R125 and latest R3. The central air intake remains the best place to force air into the airbox but smaller LED headlights reduce weight without sacrificing illumination power. No pillion provision means a lighter, smaller subframe can be used keeping the lines of the tail unit uncluttered. Come on Yamaha, you know you want to.

Chassis

Based on R1 components, our 2016 Yamaha YZF R6 Concept would use lighter versions of the swingarm, frame and forks. Identical calipers on slightly smaller discs and more traditional alloy wheels. The R6 was always pathetic at carrying passengers anyway so we haven’t even pretended anyone will sit on the back. Adjustable footpegs and handlebars come as standard to alleviate some of the discomfort that the YZF R6 has become known for.

Engine

The original YZF R6 engine was a classic design with stacks of useful mid-range grunt and a fiery top-end. The 2006 refresh was a different animal; it revved higher, peakier and made more power but in a track-focused manner. Later updates helped balance this but it remains one of the least compromising sports 600s. We’d like Yamaha to use its crossplane technology in the next 2015 Yamaha YZF R6 to give us back the midrange and a V4-like sensation. With smaller pistons and titanium parts as used in the new R1, it could reignite the 600cc market.