Yamaha YZF-R6 - 2005

Yamaha announce the launch of a significantly uprated YZF-R6 for 2005, following the hugely successful introduction of the new generation YZF-R1 last season. With maximum power increased by 3 HP, and featuring new upside down front forks, revised chassis geometry and a GP-developed braking system, the new R6 exemplifies Yamaha's 'no-compromise' philosophy.

Against fierce competition, Yamaha's R-series machines have established themselves as the leaders on the street and at the race track - as witnessed by the strong performance of Team Yamaha Motor Italia rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh, and Team Yamaha Motor Germany's Kevin Curtain in the ultra-competitive 2004 WSS race series.

For 2005 the latest generation R6 benefits from a range of engine and chassis upgrades that are designed to offer today's supersport rider "best in class" performance, and in doing so they aim to re-establish Yamaha as the foremost brand in the highly competitive 600cc supersport class.

Engine

Larger diameter throttle bodies

In order to boost linear and high rpm performance, and also to improve acceleration characteristics, the 600cc in-line four cylinder engine's fuel injection system is equipped with larger diameter 40mm throttle bodies, and the ECU setting has been modified to match these changes.

Resized air funnels

To match the larger throttle bodies, the latest R6 engine is also equipped with resized air funnels on cylinders 2 and 3, while all four funnels have been reshaped for optimised air intake pulsation efficiency.

New combustion chamber surface finish

Engine performance is further enhanced by the adoption of a new surface finish on the combustion chambers, and a high-efficiency twin ring fan is used on the 2005 machine's radiator.

Chassis

The R6 chassis has undergone a major transformation for the new season, and it benefits from the investment of higher specification braking and suspension systems that are designed to deliver class-leading performance on the street and track.

Larger diameter 310mm dual front discs with radial mount calipers

New larger diameter 310mm front discs are slowed by Grand Prix developed radial mount calipers which offer accurate feedback. Disc thickness is reduced from 5mm to 4.5mm for 2005, and so in spite of the increase in disc diameter from 298mm to 310mm, the overall weight of the front discs has been reduced by 7%.

Radial pump front brake system

The front brake operating system also benefits from MotoGP developed technology, and features a radial pump type design for even higher levels of controllability.

Fully adjustable 41mm upside down front forks

Another signifiant change which is sure to be welcomed by street riders and production racers is the investment of new upside down forks. Equipped with flex resistant 41mm tubes, and offering full adjustment for preload, as well as rebound and compression damping, this high specification front suspension system delivers enhanced chassis rigidity for improved handling characteristics.

Revised chassis geometry

The adoption of the new front forks has resulted in revised chassis geometry, and caster angle is increased to 24.5 degrees, while trail is increased to 95mm. (2004 R6 model was 24 degrees caster and 86mm trail.) Furthermore, the wheelbase has been increased by 5mm to 1385mm.

New specification rear suspension

In order to optimise the handling performance benefits gained by the new front forks and revised chassis geometry, the variance ratio of the rear suspension linkage has been revised, and the rigidity of the linkage has been changed.

New front tyre

To complement the new front forks the 2005 model R6 runs with a 120/70 ZR17 front tyre, which offers improved driveability, and replaces the previous model's slightly lower profile 120/60 design. In order to accommodate the new tyre, the bike's lower cowl chin length is reduced slightly, and a longer sidestand is ?tted.

Yamaha's engineers concentrated on the three areas that really matter to the 600 supersport rider, and have raised significantly the R6's game in each one of them. With its higher performance engine, better turning characteristics and Grand Prix derived front braking system, the 2005 Yamaha YZF-R6 is ready to force its way back to the top of the 600cc supersport category.

Available colours: