This is the naked version of the half-faired Yamaha XJ6 Diversion. Aside from the lack of fairing, it is exactly the same spec, but somehow it has transformed the Yamaha from sensible budget middleweight to exciting mini streetfighter. With its ‘baby Yamaha FZ-1’ looks and sit-up-and-beg riding position this is a very cheap way to get your rocks off. On top of all the fun it’ll dish out, it’s also easy to get on with, comfy and well-built too. Watch the Yamaha XJ6 video road test.
Engine
| MCN rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
This is a retuned version of the engine you’ll find in the current Yamaha FZ6, which in turn is an old-school Yamaha R6 lump. It gets a new cylinder head, softer-performance camshafts, reshaped inlet ports, new forged pistons and a one-piece crankcase and cylinder block. The motor breathes through a new fuel-injection system with smaller diameter (down 32mm from 36mm) throttle bodies and a neat underslung exhaust, featuring a three-way catalytic converter. A new clutch and gearshift design make changing gear smoother and easier than the Yamaha FZ6. All this fettling is designed to make the Yamaha XJ6 flexible and friendly to ride. Claimed power and torque is less than the FZ6 (by 20bhp and 2ftlb), but usefully delivered much lower down the rev-range (2000rpm and 1500rpm).
There’s less need to stir the six-speed gearbox to keep up with traffic than the FZ6, making town riding nice and easy. At very low speeds the throttle response is snatchy when getting on and off the gas, but as speeds increase and the engine is spinning more it’s less of a problem. Overall the motor is very smooth, friendly and has lots of power (77bhp) if you’re prepared to rev it; enough for decent wheelies.
Despite the fettling to make the engine gruntier, you can still feel its supersports DNA and it never really relaxes, it’s always busy, buzzing and you often find yourself searching for another gear when you’re already in sixth. It’s not as bad as the Yamaha FZ6’s motor and you soon get used to it, but more grunt and less revs would make the Yamaha XJ6 even better. As it is, the engine is still impressive and the new, smoother-action clutch and gearbox help the job along.
There’s less need to stir the six-speed gearbox to keep up with traffic than the FZ6, making town riding nice and easy. At very low speeds the throttle response is snatchy when getting on and off the gas, but as speeds increase and the engine is spinning more it’s less of a problem. Overall the motor is very smooth, friendly and has lots of power (77bhp) if you’re prepared to rev it; enough for decent wheelies.
Despite the fettling to make the engine gruntier, you can still feel its supersports DNA and it never really relaxes, it’s always busy, buzzing and you often find yourself searching for another gear when you’re already in sixth. It’s not as bad as the Yamaha FZ6’s motor and you soon get used to it, but more grunt and less revs would make the Yamaha XJ6 even better. As it is, the engine is still impressive and the new, smoother-action clutch and gearbox help the job along.
Ride and Handling
| MCN rating |  |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
The Yamaha XJ6 has a new tubular steel diamond type chassis, using the engine as a stressed member, to save weight and add strength. Bodywork and steel box-section steel swingarm is new and the forks are down 2mm in diameter compared with the Yamaha FZ6 to 41mm.
With its low seat and narrow fuel tank, the Yamaha XJ6 is very easy to get on and ride, short or tall, on your own or with a pillion. On the move there’s zero vibration felt from the engine and around town the XJ6 is agile and easy to navigate through traffic. The steering lock is pretty handy too.
With its low seat and narrow fuel tank, the Yamaha XJ6 is very easy to get on and ride, short or tall, on your own or with a pillion. On the move there’s zero vibration felt from the engine and around town the XJ6 is agile and easy to navigate through traffic. The steering lock is pretty handy too.
Equipment
| MCN rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating |  |
It’s not overloaded with toys, but for the price, the Yamaha XJ6 comes with a decent level of equipment. There’s a multi-function LCD dash and preload adjustment for the rear shock. Handlebars are adjustable back and forward by 20mm and Yamaha offer an ABS version for an extra £300. Accessories from the official Yamaha catalogue include crash bobbins, a centre stand, a backrest, panniers and top box, an engine guard, tank pad, tank bag and rack. Compare and buy products for the Yamaha XJ6 in the MCN Shop.
Quality and Reliability
| MCN rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
For a budget machine, the Yamaha XJ6 is well-designed, well thought-out and well-built. The paint finish is excellent and it’s solidly screwed together, although there’s a huge gap between the back of the engine and the rear shock, which you could fit a lunchbox in, which is a bit odd. Costing just £4500, it’s a lot of bike for the money and right in the budget middleweight ballpark.
Value
| MCN rating | |
|---|---|
| Owners' rating | |
The Yamaha XJ6 is a superb machine, comfy, practical and lots of fun too. It’s a lot of funky middleweight fun for little money. Find a Yamaha XJ6 for sale
Insurance
Insurance group: 12 of 17
Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now
Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now
Model History
2009 – Yamaha XJ6 launched.
Other Versions
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion (half-faired)
2011: XJ6 ABS model [£6399]
2011: XJ6 ABS model [£6399]
Specifications
| Top speed | 135 mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Max power | 77 bhp |
| Max torque | 44 ft-lb |
| Weight | 205 kg |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17.3 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
| Tank range | miles |
| Annual road tax | |
| Insurance group | 12 of 17 |
| Engine size | 600 cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | In-Line Four |
| Frame | Steel tubular diamond-type |
| Front suspension adjustment | none |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Preload |
| Front brakes | 2 x 298mm discs |
| Rear brake | 245mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 17 in |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 17 in |
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου