2008 Yamaha YZF-R6 first test report

MCN Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin has just ridden the new 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6 at Sugo in Japan. The full report will be in this the October 24 issue of MCN but here’s what he’s had to say:

“The new 2008 Yamaha R6 may look virtually unchanged from the 2007 motorcycle, but underneath those subtly modified fairing panels there are big changes. The chassis boasts a wealth of changes both to its suspension and geometry as inspired by its Yamaha World Supersport racing cousin to make it a sharper-still handler and the engine now boasts the YCC-I variable length inlet trumpets as first seen on the 2007 Yamaha R1.”

• Check out the video of the Yamaha R6 launch here

“The result is extra midrange, extra power (2bhp more than before) and sharper handling – and yes, you certainly can tell. Yamaha set out to enhance and improve what was already, arguably, the most supersports and track-orientated of the 600 class, and though not massively different, it should be enough to make Honda, Kawasaki et al sweat in next year’s paddocks.”

• Take a tour round the Yamaha Museum here