Yamaha's 2010 model YZF-R6 has had slight revisions to increase the mid-range power.

When it comes to Supersport racing in Australia and around the globe, Yamaha’s YZF-R6 is the absolute benchmark if you’re going to judge by race results and championship victories.

Since its inception in 1998, the R6 has improved inch by inch to become to sport-focussed sharply honed weapon that it is today, with little doubt that it’s a bike developed with track performance in mind.

In recent years there have been just minimal improvements made with slight revisions to the overall package, however each and every development has assisted the R6 in accelerating away from its rivals.

If a downright sportsbike is what you’re looking for, with no compromises left on the table, Yamaha’s YZF-R6 could be right up your alley.

DESIGN AND STYLING
Yamaha’s YZF-R6 is one of the sharpest looking bikes on the market right now, and for 2010, the adopted white sections of the lower fairing that are featured on our Yamaha Blue test bike give it a fresh two-tone look for the new year.

Although it hasn’t changed a whole bunch recently, Yamaha has hit the styling nail on the head and has stuck with it – the bike still looking as modern as it gets when you compare it with its supersport rivals.

HANDLING
Sharp is a word that we associate a lot with the YZF-R6 and that’s also the easiest way to describe its impressive handling package. Give it the slightest of input and it’ll steer where you demand, a factor that’s unmatched in the category.

But steering on target and being so nimble does have its downsides, because on bumpy roads you’ll be put offline at times and struggling to find general comfort if you’re in touring mode.

Simply put, the R6 is one of those bikes that reacts better and better the harder you ride it. If you don’t have the environment to ride it as desired, then chances are it’ll prove a slight handful at times.

Get it on smooth, open roads at speed and you’ll absolutely love its characteristics, enabling you to accelerate from turn to turn and tip into the corners exactly as you wish.

The suspension is stiffly sprung and can be harsh at times unless you’re a heavier rider, however as already explained, get it into the zone where you can ride it harder and you’ll reap the rewards.

Matched with the handling package are exceptional brakes front and rear, although the rear brake is quite touchy if you stamp on it too hard.

As far as track riding goes, you’ll be left in awe at the potential of the R6, and if you don’t have one, then chances are that you’ll be chasing the tail of somebody who does. The R6 is still the benchmark when it comes to race track performance.

The brakes and handling package on the R6 are first class, plus the white sections on the fairing of our test bike are a nice touch.

POWER
Matching the track-focussed handling of the R6 is the engine, the 599cc four-cylinder just loving to be revved to extents that you very rarely reach on the street unless you want to kiss your licence goodbye.

For 2010, Yamaha has revised the exhaust system as it’s 100mm longer, also tweaking the ECU mapping and modifying the airbox in a bid to gain more mid-range power.

Also revised for this year is the YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake funnels), which are variable to assist the bike in performing for when riding in both the low- and high-rev ranges.

You can feel a slightly stronger mid-range power boost when accelerating hard, however in most instances on the street it’s the bottom-end power that’s being used.

When applying the throttle the mapping is ultra smooth as the power comes on, and you’ll feel it accelerate smoothly before the power really surges at around 7000rpm and takes off once you blast over 10,000rpm.

While I haven’t had the pleasure of taking this particular model to the track with the latest upgrades, all indications point to it being capable of even faster lap times in the right hands for those who can extract the most out of the revisions.

It doesn’t have the bottom-end grunt of the Suzuki GSX-R600 and definitely not the torque of Triumph’s impressive three-cylinder Daytona 675, but get it singing and that top-end power will leave you awestruck as it takes off into triple digit numbers on the speedometer.

PERFORMANCE VS. PRACTICALITY
The first thing you’ll notice on the street when you climb aboard Yamaha’s YZF-R6 is your stiff neck as you reach downward to grab the low-set handlebars, with just minimal wind protection offered to boot.

In short, the R6 is most suitable for quick bursts and is one of the worst sportsbikes on the market when it comes to logging long kilometres in the saddle. You’ll be feeling the effects for days to come if you do it.

But the thing is, if you do happen to spend the majority of your time close to home on you favourite roads or even at track days doing laps, the benefit you get out of the R6 chassis and sheer thrill that you get out of the peaky engine is hard to be beat.

The instrument panel on the R6 is a cinch to use, also proving easy to read in the saddle.

CONCLUSION
If you’re looking for a series supersport bike and love living on the edge, the Yamaha YZF-R6 is the bike for you. It’s not as user friendly as some of its opponents and definitely isn’t as comfortable on the long haul, but the outright performance capabilities of the R6 are second to none.

It looks exceptional and Yamaha motorcycles have great reliability and resale value, so if track riding is in your calendar for the future, be sure to keep the R6 in mind when on the market for a new ride.

FAST FACTS
Moto Rating:
8/10 – If this was a track-only test then the R6 would almost reach perfection, however its comfort on the street somewhat spoils its excellent performance package.

Suited To:
Advanced riders – While intermediate riders could easily handle the might of the R6, it’s the advanced riders who are going to enjoy it the most and take advantage of its strong points.

Bang For Buck:
TBA

Plus Points:
+ Engine top-end
+ Sharp handling
+ Race styling

Minus Points:
– Comfort for long stints
– Bottom-end power

Sharp lines make up the bodywork of Yamaha's latest R6.