Yamaha keeps the pressure...
Yamaha keeps the pressure on other motorcycles in the 600 sportbike class with its upgraded R6.
A battle is brewing among 600 sportbikes, as manufacturers roll out ever more racetrack-oriented motorcycles. The latest to toss its tuning fork in the ring is Yamaha, with a significantly upgrade to the R6, which has been hopped up for 2005.
Yamaha directed most of its attention to the suspension and engine, though lighter, larger (310 vs. 298mm last year) front brake rotors and radial-mount 4-piston calipers are also in place. New in the 2005 engine room are 40mm throttle bodies managed by revised and remapped engine-control package and backed up by reshaped intake horns and recontoured camshafts. Yamaha says that all that's worth three more ponies, putting 123 in the R6 corral. Twin ring-type fans keep them cool.
The fork and triple clamps are new. The 41mm legs are fully adjustable and clamped in place by a new cast crown and forged lower, which make things more rigid and precise up front and reposition the aluminum clip-on bars. A 120/70-ZR17 tire replaces the 120/60 used up front last year. Internal frame changes accommodate revised swingarm linkage and mounts, intended to further improve handling.
On the styling front, the dual Gatling beam 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlight features a new lens and under-cowl.
The 2005 YZF-R6 is priced at $8399 to $8499.
The following is excerpted from Yamaha's release on the bike:
We started out to give the 2005 R6 more horsepower and a new fork, and wound up engineering a nearly new motorcycle.
Staying out front in the Supersport wars takes power:
New camshafts Bigger throttle bodies Improved fuel injection Revised intake funnels... and more, result in a smoother, fatter powerband with three more horsepower at 13,000 rpm. To channel that power, a new, fully-adjustable inverted fork with 41mm tubes was added for the most precise handling possible.
It was too good a place to resist mounting powerful new 310mm front disc brakes, radial calipers and a radial master cylinder to even further exploit the R6's amazing front-end feel.
The added rigidity of the new fork led to a redesign of the main frame to accommodate new rear suspension linkage.
Engine:
Ultra-compact, lightweight, 600cc DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder puts out 123 horsepower. Competition-bred suction-piston-type fuel injection features short intake ports and a special vacuumcontrolled intake system to ensure instant throttle response all the way up to the 15,500-rpm redline. Compact slant-block engine design uses stacked gearbox shafts to create a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. Ram-Air Induction System delivers cool, high-pressure air for optimal combustion and greater horsepower at high speed. Lightweight forged pistons on carburized connecting rods for superb strength and reduced reciprocating mass. Linerless, ceramic-composite cylinder bores mean greater heat dissipation for consistent power delivery and reduced friction. Close-ratio 6-speed transmission delivers seamless power and maximum acceleration. Special three-axis gearbox design stacks input/output shafts to keep overall engine size to super-compact dimensions. Curved radiator follows the contour of the frame and bodywork for an ultra-sleek look and excellent cooling performance. Specially designed, one-piece cylinder and crankcase assembly provides superior engine rigidity and light weight. Engine is a fully stressed chassis member to allow for a super-light frame design. Compact, large-capacity clutch ensures consistent, fade-free performance. Rifle-bored camshafts with specially designed valve lifters and computer-perfected timing for reduced spinning mass and quicker acceleration. Large-capacity internal water pump and separate liquid-cooled oil cooler ensure optimal engine cooling efficiency. 4-into-2-into-1 aluminum exhaust optimizes engine performance, reduces overall weight and is tucked in high for maximum lean angle. Direct ignition coils, dual-electrode spark plugs and high-output magneto deliver extremely accurate, reliable firing.Chassis/Suspension:
Radical Deltabox IlI aluminum chassis is light, stiff, and extremely compact for razor-sharp handling. Controlled Fill die casting produces an incredibly sleek swingarm that is remarkably strong and light by pinpointing exactly where material needs to be. Pivot position and swingarm length (576mm) are optimized for great traction feel. Fully adjustable (preload, compression and rebound damping) 41mm inverted telescopic front fork with 4.7" of travel offers race-bred suspension performance with ultra-precise rider feedback. Fully adjustable (preload, compression and rebound damping) piggyback rear shock with 4.7" of travel delivers exceptional rear wheel tracking and stability. Removable CF die cast rear subframe is light and strong. Super-light five-spoke 17" wheels reduce unsprung weight; the casting technique makes the rim section light, not to mention wickedly cool-looking.Additional Features:
Durable, lightweight, aluminum clip-on bars provide optimal vibration damping Narrow 4.5-gallon fuel tank provides excellent rider ergonomics and aggressive seating position. Multi-function digital and analog instrumentation features: digital speedometer, analog tachometer, dual tripmeters with odometer, upward-counting fuel reserve meter, water temp gauge and lights for neutral, high beam, low fuel and turn signals. Dual Gatling beam 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlight features a sleek profile for superb aerodynamics and visibility. Dual LED taillight design reduces both weight and size while providing excellent visibility and a sleek profile. Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.