When the current generation R6 hit the streets in the spring of 2006 it raised the bar thanks to its revolutionary design and performance. Whether you were talking about the groundbreaking electronic throttle bodies, the wild styling or its 16,500 RPM redline, the bike world was buzzing.
The R6 was released amidst some controversy though, as the centerpiece of Yamaha's marketing campaign touted the R6 as the highest-revving 600cc production bike ever made thanks to an advertised redline of 17,500 RPM. Unfortunately, riders soon found that the show was over nearly 1000 RPM lower on the dial. Despite having to "address tachometer errors," the R6 still sailed to the top of every comparo.
It was capable of high-tens at the dragstrip and even kept pace with the bigger bikes at the track. It was a true racebike with headlights, as its purpose-built riding position was merciless. Comfort wasn't in the cards but unadulterated speed was the name of the game.
The R6 enjoyed its reign at the top of the class and went relatively unchanged until it received Yamaha's YCC-I electronic throttle bodies in 2008. It was again updated in 2010 with a tweaked exhaust pipe and some ECU updates.
Despite being relatively unchanged for almost five years, the R6 is still the quintessential race replica. If you prefer the high-RPM hit and scalpel-like chassis of a racebike over the comfort and civility of a traditional streetbike, the R6 is the best game in town. Just be sure to keep it up on the tach because the fun doesn't start until 10,000 RPM.