YAMAHA YZF-R6 (2009-2010) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2010, Yamaha released the YZF-R6, a motorcycle loaded with electronics and mechanical parts directly derived from Yamaha's racing program, but also a machine intended for experienced riders who were masters at handling the explosive power and torque available at every throttle twist.

The compact and lightweight aluminum frame was a MotoGP-inspired innovation that offered optimized rigidity and light, agile handling, with the engine used as a fully stressed member of the chassis that resulted in a super-light frame design.

Also, the bike packed a lightweight, detachable magnesium rear subframe and a lightweight aluminum swingarm that used a mix of castings and pressed plates that offered optimum rigidity.

For suspension, the bike packed a fully adjustable 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with 120 mm of wheel travel on the front and a fully adjustable piggyback monocross shock absorber on the rear that offered 120 mm of wheel travel.

In the performance department, the 2010 Yamaha YZF-R6 took its thrust from an ultra-compact, lightweight engine that featured titanium valves and forged pistons that provided incredible horsepower with a red line set at 16,000 rpm.

The 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine featured the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system, which was a first for Yamaha, that delivered unmatched throttle response and improved controllability at high rpm.

As for the power figures, the bike delivered an output power of 129 hp with a peak at 14,500 rpm and 66 Nm (48 lb-ft) of torque at 11,500 rpm and converted into speed by a six-speed manual transmission that pushed the bike to a top speed of 257 kph (160 mph).