Back down on the motorway and Rob had benevolently offered me the Kawasaki back. It was only after I tucked in behind my tank bag and noticed the reserve light I could see why. Thirty-five worrying kilometres later (this is France, don’t forget – nothing’s ever open) and we pulled in for gas before the R6 had even gone onto reserve, the latter taking a smidge over 13.5litres to the Kawasaki’s 15litres. But it’s a small price to pay for what is unquestionably the most accomplished, complete and comprehensive 600 ever built. Only riders who can really use horsepower need any more.

Specifications  -  2005 Yamaha YZF-R6

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

• Bore x Stroke: 65.5 x 44.5mm

• Compression Ratio: 12.4:1

• Induction: EFI with 40mm throttle bodies

• Ignition: Digital CDI

• Gearbox: Six speed

• Front Suspension: Fully adjustable 41mm inverted forks

• Rear Suspension: Full adjustable single shock

• Front Brakes: Dual 310mm discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers

• Rear Brake: 220mm disc with single piston caliper

• Tyres: 120/70ZR17 (F), 180/55ZR17 (R)

• Length x Width x Height: 2024 x 691 x 1090mm

• Wheelbase: 1379mm

• Rake / Trail: 24.0° / 86mm

• Seat Height: 820mm

• Dry Weight: 162kg

• Fuel Capacity: 17 litres

Specifications  -  2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R

• Engine: 636cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line, four-cylinder

• Bore x Stroke: 68 x 43.8mm

• Compression Ratio: 12.9:1

• Induction: EFI with 4 x 38mm oval throttle bodies

• Ignition: Digital

• Gearbox: Six speed with back torque limiting clutch

• Front Suspension: Fully adjustable 41mm inverted telescopic forks

• Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable single Showa shock

• Front Brakes: 300mm discs, radial mounted four-piston calipers

• Rear Brake: 220mm single disc

• Tyres: 120/65ZR17 (F), 180/55ZR17 (R)

• Length x Width x Height: 2025 x 720 x 1110mm

• Wheelbase: 1400mm

• Rake / Trail: 24.5° / 95mm

• Seat Height: 825mm

• Dry Weight: 161kg

• Fuel Capacity: 17 litres