When Yamaha's third-generation YZF-R6 middleweight rocket was launched in February we said we'd wait until we'd ridden one before drawing any conclusions. It’s been well worth the wait.
About 90% of the engine's components have been updated for 2003 with the major change in the vacuum-controlled suction piston fuel-injection system with its larger, pressurised air box, bigger throttle bodies and shorter intake ports for better charging.
There are direct ignition "stick" coils in the plug caps with iridium spark plugs, allowing the motor to rev to a giddy 15500 revs, but what's amazing is this supposedly peaky supersport motor's mid-range.
It will pull quite reasonably from about 4000rpm, strongly enough in fact, to deal with the daily grind to work and back.
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There's an unearthly wail from the air box with five figures-plus on the clock. Above 7000 there's a lot of grunt, accompanied by some vibration through the frame. It means exciting riding, especially in tight spaces, and, since there's not much engine braking available, you actually find yourself working quite hard, going from brakes to power and back again through your favourite twisties.
Despite the vacuum control on the fuel-injection system, there's a definite "slamming door" effect at small throttle openings and it's as well to get on the power as early as you can in a corner to avoid unsettling the chassis – which is no more than another excuse to exploit the surefootedness of the chassis for a little more hooliganising.
But then you crack it open and find out what this bike is really all about – with five figures plus on the clock there's an unearthly wail from the air box that'll stand your hair on end the first time you hear it and suddenly next week is a lot closer.
Quicker than it takes to say "Beam me up, Scotty", the rev counter needle is pointing straight up and the big blue-white shift light is on as you reset your concepts of space and time.
The all-new CF cast frame is assembled from just two intricate castings.
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