Yamaha R6 Unit Spotlight

A descendant of the powerful R1, the Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle is a lower displacement version introduced in 1999. The R6 was the first 600cc four-stroke with more than 100HP right off the bat. 

This reliable sport bike underwent design updates in 2001, ’03, ’06, ’08, and 2017. The YZF-R6 has seen aesthetic changes, as well as technological advances that provide significant performance upgrades. To maintain this fantastic motorcycle, you can find all of the OEM Yamaha parts you need right here Partzilla.com. 

Evolution of the Yamaha R6

Developed as a slightly more aggressive version of its YZF600R stablemate, the R6 revs higher and produces slightly more horsepower. In 2003, the R6 came equipped with fuel injection for the first time. Then in 2006, a new engine management system was added, and the ’08 version featured a new intake system with an improved power output at high RPMs and frame configuration. 

The more recent 2017 model came with several upgrades. A new suspension design, a lighter aluminum fuel tank, and riding modes and traction control were featured on this new generation, along with a new aerodynamic fairing that changed the look of the motorcycle and decreased drag by a claimed 8 percent.

The Yamaha YZF-R6 comes with a potent power plant, boasting more than 115 HP and 45 foot-pounds of torque. Equipped with fuel injection, the R6 can achieve top speeds of over 160 miles per hour, and has an impressive 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds. Its 599cc engine also offers possibilities for upgrades, and our own John Talley shows you one possibility in the Yamaha R6 engine rebuild featured below. 

Power is transferred from a six-speed slipper clutch to a 16 front/45 rear tooth chain and sprocket combination. The engine package is controlled by a TCI transistor controlled ignition system.  

Its suspension keeps the YZF-R6 pinned to the pavement. Up front, the R6 boasts a three-way adjustable fork with 120mm of travel, and out back, it offers a four-way adjustable suspension, also with 120mm of travel. The braking system is a 2x320mm up front and a 220mm in the back, plenty to keep the 419-pound R6 under control. 

As for the parts you need for this motorcycle — whether it’s supplies to keep up with your routine maintenance or something like a Wiseco 636 piston kit — Partzilla has everything you need to keep your Yamaha YZF-R6 running at its best, on the street or on the track!