Yamaha's Diversion F
In 2009, Yamaha revived the XJ6 name with a naked ‘N’ and half-faired ‘Diversion’. A year later, in a real nobrainer, the fully frocked Diversion F arrived. We took out a 2012 version, fitted with Oxford Hot-Grips. The F is essentially the same bike as the other two in the range: a 600cc four-stroke borrowed (in retuned state) from the 2003 R6 which puts out 78hp/57kW @ 10,000rpm with 59.7Nm/44.03lb-ft @ 8500rpm. It is housed in an aluminium die-cast, diamond-shaped frame. Braking is via two 298mm two-piston front discs and a single 245mm single-piston rear, with ABS as standard. It also has centre-stand as standard (unusual these days, but very practical).
The ergonomics are spot on. I swung a leg over and felt instantly at home. Despite the sporty look, you sit quite upright, although there is space on the saddle to slide back when cracking on. The pegs are centrally located and the bars rise gently, making for a comfortable riding position.
At low revs, the Divvy feels ‘fluffy’, for lack of a better word. Remember the engine (albeit in retuned state) was donated from an R6 and when you get it decently into the midrange it is more rewarding. The power delivery feels linear; open the throttle and speed builds at a rapid rate with no fuss. The clutch is a little heavier than I’m used to from a Yamaha, but the box is slick.
There is plenty of ground clearance, aided by the tiny under-slung exhaust. Leaning over, I looked down, saw lots of room and nudged it a bit more. Over it tipped, happy to go that bit further. It holds an accurate line once over and is happy to flick from one side to the other.
I very much liked the brakes. They have more than enough power to stop the Diversion, but with bags of feel. The fairing and screen also did a good job of deflecting wind.
The Diversion F likes smooth tarmac. I took it over some poorer surfaces and it wasn’t happy. Nothing major, but the suspension shows its budget nature on the rougher stuff.
There are niggles caused by the Hot-Grips. The throttle grip lacks sensitivity (though you soon get used to it) and the cables prevent easy access to the horn and make indicating left-turns awkward.
Someone who has a longer commute on major A roads would appreciate what the F has to offer.
The previous three owners clearly took care of this bike. The tyres will need changing at some point but there is still plenty of life yet, otherwise nothing of note to report.
The dealer wants £3999 for a 2012 bike with just 9732 miles recorded (pre-test). This price looks about right. There are a reasonable smattering of Diversion Fs available at dealers, ranging from a 2010 model with 38,000 miles recorded for sale at £2675, up to a 2014 example with 13,915 miles available for £4995. There’s also a 2013 one with just under 500 miles on the clock available at £4699.