Yamaha are introducing an all new YZF-R6 supersport contender for 2006 that is sure to have all of the Tuning Fork brigade salivating with anticipation over the arrival of the new machine.

An all new engine features a bigger bore (67mm v 65.5mm) and shorter stroke (42.5mm v 44.5mm) compared to the previous model with a higher 12.8:1 compression ratio suggesting a much more highly strung top end rip snorter than before with the 2006 R6 rumoured to have a stratospheric 17500rpm redline.

As you would expect, the gearbox ratios have been changed to suit the new engine with first gear being now much taller (2.583 v 2.846) with a much smaller gap to second gear and all the remaining cogs geared shorter than before. The chain is now a #532 pitch.

The tubes on the 43mm inverted forks are now gold in colour and offer greater adjustment with separate circuits for both high and low speed compression damping along with the normal ranges of rebound and preload adjustments. The rear shock also benefits from low and high speed compression circuits for 2006. Details are still sketchy with Yamaha coy on the changes made to the frame and swingarm but it is clear from the pictures we have obtained that the swingarm is very different on the new model which is a feature that will be welcomed by Yamaha’s supersport racers who have struggled with the previous item when under the rigors of racing.

No weight figures have been revealed for the new machine but in physical dimensions the new machine is slightly shorter in overall height and length with a slight increase in overall width and seat height. The new machine rolls on an identical wheelbase to the previous model but has slightly more trail while offering a small decrease in rake.

The brake components used on the previous model appear to be carried over on the new machine which also utilises radially mounted forged four-piston calipers clamping on 310mm disc rotors.

Striking new bodywork completes the transformation and is sure to revitalise the fortunes of the YZF-R6 in the sales charts with a much more modern and aggressive stance than the somewhat staid 2005 model. An interesting feature of the 2006 model is the short side exit exhaust system that resembles the systems seen on some of the latest MotoGP machines.

All up the new YZF-R6 looks to be a quantum leap forward for Yamaha’s Supersport weapon with changes that both the marketplace and Yamaha’s race teams will gladly receive and appreciate.

SPECS - 2006 Yamaha YZF-R6

• Engine: 600cc, four cylinder, liquid cooled, four stroke, 16-valve

• Bore x Stroke: 67 x 42.5mm

• Compression: 12.8:1

• Induction: Fuel injection

• Starter: Electric

• Transmission: Six speed
  1st gear – 2.583 (2.846 on 2005 bike)
  2nd gear – 2.000 (1.947 on 2005 bike)
  3rd gear – 1.667 (1.556 on 2005 bike)
  4th gear – 1.444 (1.333 on 2005 bike)
  5th gear – 1.286 (1.190 on 2005 bike)
  6th gear – 1.150 (1.083 on 2005 bike)

• Final Drive: Chain

• Wheelbase: 1,385mm

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 2,040 X 700 X 1100mm

• Trail / Rake – 96.5mm / 24-degrees

• Seat Height: 851mm

• Dry Weight: TBC

• Fuel Capacity: 17 litres

• Tyres: Front _ 120/70-17; Rear _ 180/55-17

• Suspension: Front _ 41mm fully adjustable inverted forks; Rear _ Fully adjustable single shock

• Brakes: Front _ 310mm dual disc, radial four-piston calipers; Rear _ 210mm single disc

• Price: TBC

• Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres