TIMMY’S TAKE
When I first started out racing on 600cc machines in 2015, the Yamaha R6 was always the biggest rival, but I didn’t get to swing my leg over one until 2018 when I raced the latest generation R6 for half a season. Chassis and engine-wise, it was a big step forward over the ZX-6R I’d been riding previously, but other than some aesthetic and ergonomic changes to the tank, cowling, seat unit and handlebar electronics, the new R6 was very much based on the 2015 beauty, such as this very tidy example.
It was nice to finally tick the box and have a ride on this highly celebrated model and performance-wise it did not disappoint, although road-riding comfort was certainly not the strong point. It’s clear this bike was designed with race track intentions and the riding position epitomises that. I felt I was sitting on top of the bike, rather than ‘in’ the bike, with my upper body forwards and over the front with the weight in my arms, which actually made my elbows ache after a short while. But when it came to cornering, I felt at one with the machine, connected to the front and with a good feeling for the grip level and what was going on underneath me. To put it bluntly, it’d be great for a quick thrash around your favourite roads, but not a bike you’d want to take touring.
The bike is super lightweight and easy to flick from left to right, and it felt narrow between my legs, which gave a good sense of control and being in command. Nimble maybe, but when it came to braking, I’d have to pull this bike up (pardon the pun). The front brake really wasn't great and it was the first thing I noticed as we set off into our ride. I thought the brakes might clean up and improve as we went but that wasn’t the case, so I suggest a good bleed up, and some new brake pads would help the matter. Thankfully, the rear brake was more than up for the job, so much so that I had to be careful with the lack of rear ABS.
I really did miss the gear indicator though – you don’t realise how much you look at what gear you are in until you don’t have one, especially with a 600 because they rely on being in the right gear at all times to keep them singing. When it is in the right gear, it is so much fun and responsive, but when it’s not, it’s fairly sluggish. I’ve got to be completely honest though, and out of the three bikes on test, this had the least amount of character and didn't stand out in any particular area; it did everything okay, but nothing exceptional… rather bland, if I’m truthful.
I’d like to end by complementing this eight-year-old machine on its looks (it’s even older if you date it back to the model release in 2009). It still looks the part even against modern-day machinery and the sharp angles and focused design has aged very well.