EICMA 2016: Yamaha unveils the new R6

Yamaha revealed their latest offering, the YZF-R6 in Milan today. The R6 has made a comeback after 2 years of development and is set to revamp the dying segment of mid-sized sports bikes. The R6 is clearly inspired by its elder sibling, the R1.

Powered by a 599cc liquid-cooled DOHC, 4-cylinder engine, it is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The sports bike has a 43mm fully adjustable KYB suspension setup and receives an upgrade from the 310mm disc brake to a 320mm disc brake, in the front, a la the R1.

The R6 also gets a whole array of electronic driver aids such as variable traction control and three different riding modes and along with ABS as standard. Yamaha has managed to keep the weight of the R6 to a minimum with the use of a magnesium sub-frame and a newly sculpted aluminium fuel tank which helps make it more efficient. The sports bike has been provided with LED headlights, and a redesigned tail section and a split seat, all the elements from the R1.

Will it come to India? Sorry to disappoint you, but we are really not sure. But we expect Yamaha to bring in at least as a CBU, looking at the massive demand for mid-size sportsbikes in India. When and if it does, it will be up against the Triumph Daytona 675R.