No, not a personal ad, I'm talking about the Yamaha R6.
If you're reading this, you've probably already done the research on the specs, so we'll just jump straight to the "Fun Factor" This thing is a blast to ride! You won't be disappointed with any of the 600 sportbikes out there, and this is no exception. You have to get the RPMs up a little for it to come alive, but when it does, hang on! You feel like you're on rails through the curves, and the bike feels very solid under heavy braking.
I've put a little over 3,000 miles on my R6 already. While not the most comfortable bike out there by any means, I have put in a couple 300 - 400 mile trips in on it. If you're planning on doing more than that in a day, I'm not sure you want this bike. But let's face it, you're probably not looking at a sportbike to tour the country on, you want to go fast and tear through some curves. Not a problem. The powerful engine will easily bring the front wheel up. Can you say "0 - 60 in about 3 seconds?" And the curves don't stand a chance. I feel very confident even when things start scraping. Be careful though! It's very easy to get over confident on this machine, and that could get you killed.
I do not recommend this to a beginner. Don't let the 600cc engine fool you, it's not very forgiving. Very light, flickable, and you can stop on a dime... but it's very easy to get yourself in trouble (and I'm not just talking about the law here either) If you're bent on making this your first machine, or even your first sportbike, please, go take an MSF course. And experience rider or newbie, c'mon people, dress for the crash! Helmet, leather, boots, gloves... all the top racers do, why don't you?
I like the digital speedometer/odometer. I also like the 2 trip meters. The low fuel light (no more "sputter.. sputter" uh-oh, time to hit reserve) is nice, but a little dim. What helps is the odometer/trip meter turns into a "Miles you've put on the reserve" meter.
I only have a few complaints about the R6. The throttle is almost TOO responsive. Even a minor movement on or off the throttle, and you feel it. It's almost too high-strung. And of course, Yamaha's infamous transmission. Not the smoothest thing in the world, but once you get used to it (along with the throttle) you may even grow to like it. When I first picked it up from the dealer, the headlights were adjusted too high. Even with out my brights on, I upset oncoming traffic at night. Once aimed corrected, they do a wonderful job of keeping the road lit up.
My only other complaint is I can't stay off it! This could begin to affect my job and social life!



Recommended: Yes