The fabulous 2001 Yamaha YZF600-R6
Written: Jan 02 '01 (Updated Apr 09 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Exhilarating engine performance, Honda S2000 handling, easy learning curve, Wow factor
Cons: Uncomfortable for two-ups and longer trips, Cigarette-pack size storage space under passenger seat, No clock
The Bottom Line: If you want great performance, looks, fit and finish, mostly for short bursts around town, you must go out and try the new YZF-R6. It should make you smile...
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| jptoo's Full Review: 2000 Yamaha YZF-R6 |
Enough has been said about this motorcycle already! But why is there so much gossip around Yamaha's best selling sport bike?
Last year at Motomondial here in Montreal (Canada), I was given the opportunity to test drive this fabulous bike on one of the greatest race tracks in the world: the Gilles Villeneuve Formula 1 Circuit.
If you have never ridden this machine before, I suggest you try to find a dealer that will let you take one out for a test drive so you can see for yourself how fun the R6 is. Light weight, short wheelbase and mean engine all combined in a great looking sport bike.
I have previously owned a YZF600, also from Yamaha, but let me tell you that this bike has nothing to do with the R6's older brother. Turn after turn, all you want to do is push the bike harder to find out how far it will go. Leaning this bike is child's play, and swinging it left and right over and over again is just as easy as it was on your first BMX. The feeling the R6 gives you is simply overwhelming!
I've just exchanged my 2000 Honda VFR800 for a brand new R6 for one simple reason: the R6 made me rediscover how fun motorcycling actually is! It's not that the VFR is not a good bike, it's just that the R6 is a lot more fun to ride around town and in the twisties. The R6 makes the VFR feel like a Goldwing because it's so light, small and nimble. I could ride around a race track much faster on the R6 than the VFR800 because it feels more balanced and it's more confidence inspiring.
Even commute driving at lower RPM's is pleasant because of the R6's light weight. The engine is strongest past 9000 RPM, but pulls sufficiently between 3-7000 RPM.
Before I purchased my new blue 2001 R6, I also have considered the much anticipated 2001 GSX-R600, which is also a great sportbike. At the dealer, simply sitting on the GSX-R600 made me want to go for the R6. Why? Because the GSX's wider fuel tank, higher foot pegs and longer reach to the bars makes the bike much less comfortable than the R6. On a racetrack, were most magazines do there testing, the GSX's riding position must be great. But if you are going to ride the bike often for city commutes as I do, you better think about it first. (FYI: I'm 5'9 and 165 pounds) Also, when looking at both bikes sitting side by side, my wife and I thought the R6 had a much more "outstanding" look than the GSX-R600. Especialy the R6's new awesome tail piece design. But hey, that's just my opinion... And by the way the blue model still stands out more than the red one.
I must give a special note to the terrific sound the engine produces, even with the stock pipe. I have heard an R6 with a Vance & Hine's slip-on pipe, and in my honest opinion it sounded too loud and too screamy. Save your money for a K&N Air Filter or even for a full pipe installation instead to let the engine breathe even more.
PS: Please don't forget to rate my opinion!
Recommended:
Yes
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jptoo
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Member: Yanick
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 2 members
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Loves life and everything it has to offer.
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