Own a 2007 Yamaha R6, I will never let it go. It's only my 2nd bike , but after them being discontinued, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Love the video man!
2006 r6 owned it for 10+ years...blacked out red levers and red rim trim, KTmoto custom headlights etc.... ill hang it up in the rafters of my garage when its all said and done!...still going strong! i will never forget about this era of the r6 so many unforgettable memories!
Dear HeroRR sir, I just made myself a gift today: I purchased a 2009 CBR600RR in Repsol fairings. It is a drop-dead gorgeous bike, with an insane sound. I wanted to tell you your videos made me realize this was the ultimate bike I've been craving for so many years. Now it's finally mine. Thank you for the passion you put into your work.
Enjoy your cbr600rr Michael. While I've never ridden one, the cbr600rr is my second choice in motorcycles. Only the zx6r surpasses it. That doesn't mean the zx6r is better, just my personal no.1 choice. My favorite cbr600rr livery is the "Graphics" livery (I believe it's an '09). The matte black with the artwork in gloss black just looks sooooo clean and beautiful to me. That is the cbr600rr i hope to have one day.
Also have the 2009 cbr600rr. This is my 4th cbr600 lol. I simply love them. My last 600 was an 07 R6, however after living with it for several months, there was no comparison being back on the cbr. So much more comfortable and a better low/mid range powerband for street riding. Plus the fuel gauge, while minor, was sorely missed on all my other bikes in between. Including the 2012 cbr1000rr.
Only old guys like me remember how insanely popular this bike was in the early 2000's. Dealers ran out of them and a new R6 was almost impossible to buy. I tried to buy one in 2003, but couldn't find one. I wound up buying a YZF 600. That was a great bike.
The R6 is definitely going to go down in history as being one of those legendary bikes that only collectors and few lucky people have. Like a rare JDM car.
As a proud owner of a 2008 R6 in the best colour (black & gold) , it’s sad to see what happened to the R6 & the whole 600cc I4 category, but I’m just blessed that I got to live through one of the best periods in motorcycling history. I just love my R6 & never parting ways with her.
This tribute is legendary for a legendary bike. My favourite 600cc of all time. Can't believe they stopped production. I was so moved I had to hot the sub button after watching this video. U just won a soul. Nice one man.
My first sport bike was a 2004 limited edition R6 about15 years ago, it cemented my love for the 600cc segment. I've owned several motorcycles sense then ranging in size but keep coming back to the middleweight sport bikes. My current daily is my 08 600rr. Long live the screaming in line 4 cylinders!
It sucks to see that they're moving away from the i4 config. I started off with a parallel twin and I could not wait to get rid of it just to have that sexy ass i4 soundtrack playing while I ride. That sound is just heavenly
I still love that 2003 version of the R6. At that time, I was graduating out of learner restrictions of UK licencing laws; and the UK was at the height of the sportsbike frenzy. Every 6 months, all the bike press ran their cycles of group tests of the sports 1000s (inc Gixxer 750 until the thou arrived), 600s, V-Twins, 750s and their "budget" siblings (Fazer 600s and 1000s, Hornet 600s & 900s, SV650/1000s). In each test, the new king immediately relegated everything else to an also-ran sportstourer. Journalists were complemented by, then replaced by, retiring racers to split the difference at 100% riding. But, by 2007(ish) folks started to notice that the rapid cycle of power up weight down was all getting a bit Emperor is wearing no clothes. Pub/bar bragging rights over stats was starting to lose against tortured wrists and screaming redlines. Then one UK bike magazine ran a blind test of 600s - they took the fairings off a bunch of models and wrapped certain parts in cardboard. On a private track, they got a bunch of everyday riders to set lap times at non-professional level speeds. The fastest bike wasn't the R6, CBR-RR, nor current ZX6R....but an FZR 600. Why? Midrange. For people not riding everywhere at the redline, older 600s were actually faster than the latest and greatest. In 2008, the final nails in the 600s supersport coffin in the UK - firstly the rolling generation of Blades, R1s, etc were much easier to ride than they had been and were only marginally more expensive....and they had that midrange power. Then the 08 crash killed the track toy market in favour of bikes with more versatility. And finally, fashion in the UK began to drift towards 1150GSs as the biking population aged.
I'm 55 years old and during the 2000s, I owned two R6's and an R1. Recently, I'm back into riding and so disheartened that I cannot buy a new R6. Although I cherished my R1, I truly miss the exhilarating and dynamic performance of the R6.
It’s the issue of emissions. Ryan F9 has a good vid on why there just viable for Companies to make anymore, especially in smaller bikes. I think it was the ZX4r vid that he did.
Great video. I bought a new 99 R6 and people absolutely loved it. Everywhere I went people would talk to me about it. Probably biased but I think that’s the best looking one.
The 2003 model when I was growing up was basically my dream bike next to the Ducati 996. I thought it was the coolest looking bike on the road, it's burned into my memory. Great video dude.
Well done sir that is the best bike spec/detail/history video I’ve ever come across, wasnt confusing, all in linear order explained well, can tell you fully researched so just well done for a great video and I normally don’t comment on stuff all the time
i was just looking for my first bike, and i was obsessed with the 06-07 R6...but i also love the Honda CBR600rr... ended up getting a 2005 CBR600rr in mint condition in all white with blacked out frame, swingarm and engine and windscreen... looks sick af lol... the Honda, i decided, has a lot less aggressive riding position and i took that into consideration for one, my age, and two, being a noob a didn't want to learn on a bike that i had to start out laying down on. that was a few months ago and I'm still super in love with the CBR! don't think I'll ever sell it.
Pretty good overview of the bike. The R6 was also originally developed in semi-rivalry with the R1, hence they didn't share that many parts or ride character. Also, Koo-knee-hee-koh Miwa is the one behind Yamaha's CP2 and CP3 engines today. Retired now though.
Non professional riders will value the looks of the bike above everything else. Up to 2016 the bike had very aggressive front fairings and generally the design was nice. Of course it's subjective but from 2017 and on it looked quite bad in my eyes. Ninja 636 2013 for example is the prettiest bike for me.
Highly insightful, I saw a few parted out R6’s on FBmarket place and I’ve been wondering what the various iterations of the R6 were throughout the years. I think ima try my hand at fixin one up
I use a 2005 R6 as my daily commuter. It’s definitely not the most practical or comfortable, but I love it so much that I just don’t have the heart to switch to anything else. There’s just something about these bikes that make them feel special.
03 R6 here, you’re right. It’s something about old school that just feels right. I feel 100% connected to my bike I don’t use electronics to help me but abs would be nice but it’s not necessary
The YZF-600 was a lackluster replacement for FZR600. The Fizzer dominated 600cc racing for the first two or three years after its release. At the 1990 Isle of Man TT, the top 5 positions were held by FZR600s in the 600cc class. While the YZF-600 had more power and a more refined suspension than the FZR600, it was also significantly heavier and arguably better suited for sport touring. The R6 was a return to the racing ethos which had inspired the original FZR series. It's a shame to see the end of the R6. I'm hoping for a return of the FZR name in an FZR400 to compete with the Ninja ZX-4RR, but I won't hold my breath.
Michael Dunlop this year getting a R6 around the IOM TT course at 130mph was of the scale, first 600 to lap at that speed, it wasn't that many years ago factory kitted 750cc were doing them lap times.
I’m a Kawasaki guy. Loved the cbr600 and the f4i too. But nothing screamed like the r6 and nothing handled as lightly and dipped over as easily. It was a great bike it’s a shame it’s gone. I’d buy one but the electric problems I see in the forum scare me away
@@Elias_g1 a lot of the problems I see involve everything from the basics like fuel pumps and stator or reg/rec problems. But I’ve seen a lot of bikes, more than I’d like to, fry their ecu completely, or have a short in the loom that causes a hard no start and and fires the ecu. The amount of guys looking for a new ecu for their R6 is what keeps me from buying one. I don’t want major electrical problems
Spring of 2005 at the age of 21 I picked up my 2005 Raven R6, I was debating between the R6 and Gixxer, I went with the R6 due to the black frame... 20 years later now at age 40 -- Im happy to say I still have my R6. Shes at 40k miles and served me well, first bike I learned how to carved the canyons with, 2nd gear clutch up wheelies, several trips from Norcal to Socal. Also the rear seat has seen many girls and most of them became my GF ! haha
Jeez! This makes me so sad. I use to win trophies with the R6. No bike is/was more RACE-READY right out of the box than the R6. Also, the R1 is also about to be discontinued, and there is no other LITER bike that is more Race Ready than the R1! I am so sad that all this about to end, but at the same time, I AM SO HAPPY THAT IT HAPPENED and I GOT TO SEE IT. I think I am going to organize a LIFE-CELEBRATION party for both the R1 and R6 within the next year. ❤
I had four R6's. I am now driving a 2010 rj15. These bikes are amazing. Handling, weight, engine, brakes and construction of the highest class. I don't like the new model.
the r6 is my dream bike, the 121hp squeezed out of 600cc is almost as mesmerizing as the sound it makes while that power is coming out of it all this thrown into the sleek look sold this bike to me when i was a kid
I own a 2000 R6 since Dec of 2022. I've been a Yamaha guy since 94'. Bought my first bike then. A FZR 600. Comparing my 6 yr younger R6 to the FZR. Both very easy to throw around. Very nimble. Easy to ride. I will keep the R6 for many years since it's now discontinued to public. Such a joy to ride. Also was great fun watching Rossi win on a Yamaha.
I really wish bike manufacturers would revise the 600cc super bike segment. It would be great if Yamaha released a R6M with the Ohlins suspension, Brembo Brakes etc.
I own a Kawasaki ZX-14 but have ridden the R6 and I think it a shame that it being discontinued. To me it was one of the best Yahama's ever made. I feel that Yahama is turnign away from its racing heritage just being run by bean counters.
In short, Yamaha was KTM'ing on the street before KTM. The 600cc epitome of 'Ready-To-Race'. Also, 6:15 - 6:30 : 2 things real quick. 1) As far as advancements go, I'd argue the single greatest advancement made on motorcycles in the past 30 years is metallurgy/chassis design. Having done more than my fair share of track-days on bikes from different eras, I've come to appreciate the astronomical advancements that were made from the late 90's to around 2006. With enough ingenuity and knowing someone with a CNC machine, you can swap entire suspension sub-assemblies into bikes that weren't designed for it from the factory. Pretty damn hard to do that with a frame. 2) As far as carburetors are concerned: yes, back in the times of the advent of Fuel Injection, it was a relief to finally not have to deal with swapping jets all the damn time. But in carb's defense, when tuned correctly those bikes rode smoothly in a way that FI (up until recently) just quite doesn't. Carburetors are fantastic at mellowing out what would have otherwise been a rather peaky powerband, and kept the overall power delivery as smooth as possible, and you could tune that smoothness yourself. Not to mention that carbs haven't remained stagnant over the past 25 years either. Companies like Lectron and SmartCarb have slowly but surely been pushing the development and capability of carburetors since then, and at this point, If they have assemblies to replace those on my Ducati, I'm more than willing to go for them. Now there's an advent of carburetors that tune based not on atmospheric conditions, but solely on differential pressure across the carb, which is a much more precise way to meter fuel, and having experienced it, the vast majority of time it's 95% of what fuel injection is with virtually none of the electronic hassle if things go wrong. In the case of Lectron and SmartCarb, tuning them is a one-time deal; just set it and forget it. They automatically adjust fuel metering because even though conditions like humidity, elevation and temp have affects on air quality, the net of those effects still boils down to a single change in differential pressure. And that's how the carbs operate.
Good info, thanks for sharing. I was more referring to motorcycling as a whole not so much racing. Once could argue disc brakes are actually the biggest leap haha. But I mostly agree with you, a well setup carb just has a certain feeling that's really hard to replicate with early model EFI.
@@HeroRR I'll agree with the brakes with one caveat: upgrading a braking system is fantastic but only if the frame can handle the additional compression and torsion loads introduced by the upgraded brakes. Gotta remember that both the triple tree and the crown of the frame need to be reinforced. I'm guessing you've seen the videos of where Motocross bikes case a jump and the front end snaps off? Same concept, different failure pattern (cyclic fatigue failure instead of catastrophic brittle fracture).
Tires guys, tires. As a boomer who grew up riding '70's and '80's "sport" bikes, I would agree that chassis advancements were BIG, and carbs weren't that big of a deal either; you sinc'd them and then road hard. That being said, anybody old enough to have ridden in the '80's knows the limitations that tires alone placed on handling. Looking back and remembering well, because I was a young ignorant street racing squid, startling or scaring ourselves because we were pushing the tires to the edge was a regular occurrence. The advancements in tire technology and rubber compounds have grown to a point that 40 years ago we would have considered the abilities and benefits offered by today's tires pure unobtainium, right up there with unicorn tears.
R7 is a gorgeous bike, but that is all. It’s slow and uncomfortable. If I am going to be uncomfortable, I at least want to be fast. Great bike for beginners though.
The engine characteristics of the r7 are nice and they do the job very well yes they aren’t the fastest greatest engines ever but they are pretty good beginner bikes that have decent torque work great on the street and look the part not everyone has the experience to jump straight on a r1 or a h2 so the r7 is more than enough for the right people
From a street legal standpoint, these bikes are still above most all riders abilities. Always thought it was silly watching guys pour money into a bike they couldn't ride to it's capabilities stock. These are still great bikes!
I'm glad to ride the 2007 R6 once, it doesn't pull like a litre bike but makes you smile everytime you bring it up to the rev limit, feel so wholesome and thrilling when you gun it while sitting on the edge of the seat, can't describe that with words, combine with a Yoshimura sound, it's like an orgasm😜 seat height almost flat with the handlebars, suprisingly comfortable for me who's 6 ft tall, the 2009 R6 is the first bike i fall in love with when i was a child, for me it's the best looking bike still.
To this day and beyond the R6 will forever be my favourite Yamaha and my favourite 600cc bike. Really miss my 2018 R6. I must've run up and down Blood Mountain a few hundred times on it.
Great vid sir 👍 Wow... the days when we got major updates every two years; now it's more like every four years - if that. Personally, I love the look of the 2005 model year bike the best. Keep up the great work.
I always wanted and still want a blue 1st gen R6 just because it looks a Transformer. They're kind hard on my wrists though. Rode my buddy's around a parking lot way back when. Wouldn't want to daily one like I did my CBR 600 F3.
Proud owner of a 2009 since new. The 17K miles have been so much fun. I am + 55 years old and it’s time for a new rider. I am leaning toward a ZX-6R. Riding position is a little less aggressive and the power band is a little wider. Thoughts or comments are welcome and appreciated!
In a way I wish I had an R6, but I only have one bike and my girl loves coming out on rides with me so my 2004 YZF600R has been a fantastic bike. Still quick as shit, to me at least, I like how it looks, and of course the two up riding ability all come together to make what I would consider a fantastic sport touring bike.
3:36 haha lol the castle, that's close to where I live in Germany, I ride there quite regularly :D Fun Fact: Strange japenese (Yakuza?) have bought the castle and do strange events there but they dont let anybody else in and have shut it down from the public completely.
My very first motorcycle at 19y old in 1999, I bought a new R6... Man was that a crazy time in my life, how many times did I dodge death.... After 10K the front wheel was still new 😂 Went for a steeringdemper asap because the twitch on gearup was dangerous
I'm honestly surprised it took Yamaha this long to phase out the R6 as a street bike. That bike is way too good on the track to be stuck to a miserable life on the streets. Would love to see more manufacturers start making track-only middleweight super-sports.
I worked in parts and accessories for a short time before covid here in Sydney, I was always thinking how mediocre and half assed the industry was, profit margins were shit across the board and things we did profit on were trash products on clearance from the suppliers. We were forced to recommend new riders trash tier riding gear bundles and it genuinely made me feel like shit. Seeing what they did to the R6 takes the cake, it just confirms my initial thoughts about the industry and shows things arent any better higher up in Japan. I just hope one day riders get the care they deserve.
They pouring all the R&D cost into the r15. That thing has got VVA(yamaha's vtec), traction control, slipper clutch, best in class performance and due to the vva best in class mileage as well. All that for a 155cc bike
@@fieryspy6414 well you did said "they pouring all the R&D cost into the r15"... I mean, speaking of street/commercial use they do make a lot other than a 155cc street bike, they have their MT, Teneré, Tracer plus the trike Niken, scrambler, scooter, FJR and some boat engine as well. i disagree on your statement. Sorry
Can someone explain to me the street legal part? Is it referring to new R6's not being street legal? Or is it saying ALL R6's no longer being street legal? Because I wanted to buy a used 2006 or so R6 and I can't tell from research whether ALL R6's are no longer street legal, or if only new ones after the discontinuation are no longer street legal...
You should critique/do a response video to yammy noob’s ZX4RR vs R7 video Imo he misses the mark in almost every way possible, not even grasping how insane it is that the best/closest comparison he could find for a 400cc bike is a 689cc one All his ZX4RR videos have missed the point though imo and it’s sad because kawisaki deserves better from us after decades of asking for this exact bike and now that it’s here ppl want to act like they can’t grasp what it is or who it’s for. 😑 This is why we can’t have nice things
April 21, 2000 it's a Friday with light rain and I'm an 18 yr old picking up my brand new blue R6...will never forget how exciting it was.
Daddies little boy
@@hexagonosaurus5848 The bike was $5,999 brand new. Easily affordable back in 2000
Own a 2007 Yamaha R6, I will never let it go. It's only my 2nd bike , but after them being discontinued, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Love the video man!
Same. I got an 07 Deep Red R6 as my first bike and fell in love w it. Will never let it go! These bikes are Legendary.
I have the yellow 08 with black flames I bought it brand new and it still looks that way.
I just got a 2011 R6 from another guy and I don't think I'm ever letting go of her. Gives me goosebumps every time I start her up.
2006 r6 owned it for 10+ years...blacked out red levers and red rim trim, KTmoto custom headlights etc.... ill hang it up in the rafters of my garage when its all said and done!...still going strong! i will never forget about this era of the r6 so many unforgettable memories!
Same here man.
Dear HeroRR sir, I just made myself a gift today: I purchased a 2009 CBR600RR in Repsol fairings. It is a drop-dead gorgeous bike, with an insane sound. I wanted to tell you your videos made me realize this was the ultimate bike I've been craving for so many years. Now it's finally mine. Thank you for the passion you put into your work.
Thank you for sharing! Enjoy the bike and be safe. Congratulations!
Repsol Honda is never not beautiful no matter the size! I used to have one in 125cc cub form!
Congratulations! I've had my 08CBR600RR for 3 years. awesome bike.
Enjoy your cbr600rr Michael. While I've never ridden one, the cbr600rr is my second choice in motorcycles. Only the zx6r surpasses it. That doesn't mean the zx6r is better, just my personal no.1 choice. My favorite cbr600rr livery is the "Graphics" livery (I believe it's an '09). The matte black with the artwork in gloss black just looks sooooo clean and beautiful to me. That is the cbr600rr i hope to have one day.
Also have the 2009 cbr600rr. This is my 4th cbr600 lol. I simply love them. My last 600 was an 07 R6, however after living with it for several months, there was no comparison being back on the cbr. So much more comfortable and a better low/mid range powerband for street riding. Plus the fuel gauge, while minor, was sorely missed on all my other bikes in between. Including the 2012 cbr1000rr.
Don't be sad that it is over.
Be happy that it happened at all.
Only old guys like me remember how insanely popular this bike was in the early 2000's. Dealers ran out of them and a new R6 was almost impossible to buy. I tried to buy one in 2003, but couldn't find one. I wound up buying a YZF 600. That was a great bike.
If rumours be true the R9 will soften the blow of missing the R6.
@@ThermicLight If that's true, then all we need is the return of the Kawasaki ZX-7R to sweeten the pot
@@jordangarrick703 - Why? They have at least updated their 600cc. Cheaper too despite the older 2023 version.
@@ThermicLightyeah but will it have an inline 4? Or will it be the mt9 with fairings, just like how the r7 is an mt7 with fairings?
The R6 is definitely going to go down in history as being one of those legendary bikes that only collectors and few lucky people have. Like a rare JDM car.
don't think it'll be rare. yamaha produced lots of r6's. especially since 08-17 is the same bike.
@@russiancommyOne day everything will be rare... the question is how long will it take?
@@russiancommyand how well you take care of it ofc
@@SammyJoeLouis low mile ones sure I agree, but my r6 even with all of its penske goodies isn't "rare" sadly lol
In the tt as well.
As a proud owner of a 2008 R6 in the best colour (black & gold) , it’s sad to see what happened to the R6 & the whole 600cc I4 category, but I’m just blessed that I got to live through one of the best periods in motorcycling history. I just love my R6 & never parting ways with her.
Wanna sell it
@@jvillain9946bro did you even read his comment ? 💀
$15K?
@@gunjitkumar I like farts
@@CokeOnDaRocks $15.5
Seriously your channel is underrated, Sir. You deserve more views for such highly detailed story videos.
Thank you so much! It's a grind, but I love doing it!
I was literally thinking this exact same thing and went to see if someone already said it. MUCH AGREED.
Agreed!
Same thoughts
This tribute is legendary for a legendary bike. My favourite 600cc of all time. Can't believe they stopped production. I was so moved I had to hot the sub button after watching this video. U just won a soul. Nice one man.
My first sport bike was a 2004 limited edition R6 about15 years ago, it cemented my love for the 600cc segment. I've owned several motorcycles sense then ranging in size but keep coming back to the middleweight sport bikes. My current daily is my 08 600rr. Long live the screaming in line 4 cylinders!
There is no fall, it was, it is and it will always be the best, the design is timeless, the way it pulls to higher revs, the way it corners, touché!
It sucks to see that they're moving away from the i4 config. I started off with a parallel twin and I could not wait to get rid of it just to have that sexy ass i4 soundtrack playing while I ride. That sound is just heavenly
I still love that 2003 version of the R6. At that time, I was graduating out of learner restrictions of UK licencing laws; and the UK was at the height of the sportsbike frenzy. Every 6 months, all the bike press ran their cycles of group tests of the sports 1000s (inc Gixxer 750 until the thou arrived), 600s, V-Twins, 750s and their "budget" siblings (Fazer 600s and 1000s, Hornet 600s & 900s, SV650/1000s). In each test, the new king immediately relegated everything else to an also-ran sportstourer. Journalists were complemented by, then replaced by, retiring racers to split the difference at 100% riding.
But, by 2007(ish) folks started to notice that the rapid cycle of power up weight down was all getting a bit Emperor is wearing no clothes. Pub/bar bragging rights over stats was starting to lose against tortured wrists and screaming redlines. Then one UK bike magazine ran a blind test of 600s - they took the fairings off a bunch of models and wrapped certain parts in cardboard. On a private track, they got a bunch of everyday riders to set lap times at non-professional level speeds. The fastest bike wasn't the R6, CBR-RR, nor current ZX6R....but an FZR 600. Why? Midrange. For people not riding everywhere at the redline, older 600s were actually faster than the latest and greatest.
In 2008, the final nails in the 600s supersport coffin in the UK - firstly the rolling generation of Blades, R1s, etc were much easier to ride than they had been and were only marginally more expensive....and they had that midrange power. Then the 08 crash killed the track toy market in favour of bikes with more versatility. And finally, fashion in the UK began to drift towards 1150GSs as the biking population aged.
Quite possibly one of the most interesting off topic bike post comments of all time!
I'm 55 years old and during the 2000s, I owned two R6's and an R1. Recently, I'm back into riding and so disheartened that I cannot buy a new R6. Although I cherished my R1, I truly miss the exhilarating and dynamic performance of the R6.
Buy a used one?
High revving inline 4 is the essence of motorcycling. Still disappointed with r7 ptwin… wtf Yamaha
I understand why they did it, but it upsets me too :(
It’s the issue of emissions. Ryan F9 has a good vid on why there just viable for Companies to make anymore, especially in smaller bikes. I think it was the ZX4r vid that he did.
Fingers crossed the R9 comes in to supersede the R6.
@@afilleduptacomotorcycles are some of tbe clesnest transportation they shoukrny even be doing emissions on these things man
My favorite japanese super sport. 08-16 design was in my opinion the best looking 600 ever built.
18-20 was my favorite gen, probably as close as we'll ever get to a European inline four 600 in both performance and looks.
I own a 2003 R6 (Gen2) and i absolutely love it! It's not the newest but it still rips. I hope the R6 will come back....
Yessss I own the same bike it’s definitely a treasure
Great video. I bought a new 99 R6 and people absolutely loved it. Everywhere I went people would talk to me about it. Probably biased but I think that’s the best looking one.
The 2003 model when I was growing up was basically my dream bike next to the Ducati 996. I thought it was the coolest looking bike on the road, it's burned into my memory. Great video dude.
I recently fulfilled that same dream and got myself a 2003 R6. Happy days!
@@tyronecastillo16got myself a 2003 Yamaha R6 in liquid silver with 19k miles
Well done sir that is the best bike spec/detail/history video I’ve ever come across, wasnt confusing, all in linear order explained well, can tell you fully researched so just well done for a great video and I normally don’t comment on stuff all the time
Thank you!
I bought the last year, all black 2020 R6. I'm not disappointed. Currently upgrading it for the track when I finally get done travelling for work.
Brother we need more of these type videos! I know there are already a few on the market but they’re incredible either way
Love Kawasaki for bringing a 2024 ZX6R so sad that Yamaha didn’t come back with an updated R6 yet
i was just looking for my first bike, and i was obsessed with the 06-07 R6...but i also love the Honda CBR600rr... ended up getting a 2005 CBR600rr in mint condition in all white with blacked out frame, swingarm and engine and windscreen... looks sick af lol... the Honda, i decided, has a lot less aggressive riding position and i took that into consideration for one, my age, and two, being a noob a didn't want to learn on a bike that i had to start out laying down on. that was a few months ago and I'm still super in love with the CBR! don't think I'll ever sell it.
Pretty good overview of the bike. The R6 was also originally developed in semi-rivalry with the R1, hence they didn't share that many parts or ride character. Also, Koo-knee-hee-koh Miwa is the one behind Yamaha's CP2 and CP3 engines today. Retired now though.
Non professional riders will value the looks of the bike above everything else.
Up to 2016 the bike had very aggressive front fairings and generally the design was nice.
Of course it's subjective but from 2017 and on it looked quite bad in my eyes.
Ninja 636 2013 for example is the prettiest bike for me.
Highly insightful, I saw a few parted out R6’s on FBmarket place and I’ve been wondering what the various iterations of the R6 were throughout the years. I think ima try my hand at fixin one up
Still dumbfounded Yamaha didn't go after the GSXR 750 market with their R7. Really nice breakdown and history 🤙
I use a 2005 R6 as my daily commuter. It’s definitely not the most practical or comfortable, but I love it so much that I just don’t have the heart to switch to anything else. There’s just something about these bikes that make them feel special.
03 R6 here, you’re right. It’s something about old school that just feels right. I feel 100% connected to my bike I don’t use electronics to help me but abs would be nice but it’s not necessary
Huge respect for making this video. Thanks so much! 🙏
The R 7 will never replace the R6!! I've never owned a R6, I own a 2022 GSXR 750. Its also a unicorn in its own right! But much respect for the R6!
6:19 I love how you pictured an injector out of a 6.0 Powerstroke diesel.
Look it’s all I had lmao
@@HeroRR🤣
The YZF-600 was a lackluster replacement for FZR600. The Fizzer dominated 600cc racing for the first two or three years after its release. At the 1990 Isle of Man TT, the top 5 positions were held by FZR600s in the 600cc class.
While the YZF-600 had more power and a more refined suspension than the FZR600, it was also significantly heavier and arguably better suited for sport touring. The R6 was a return to the racing ethos which had inspired the original FZR series. It's a shame to see the end of the R6.
I'm hoping for a return of the FZR name in an FZR400 to compete with the Ninja ZX-4RR, but I won't hold my breath.
Michael Dunlop this year getting a R6 around the IOM TT course at 130mph was of the scale, first 600 to lap at that speed, it wasn't that many years ago factory kitted 750cc were doing them lap times.
I always loved your history videos...love from Greece ❤❤
I really like these bike history vods
Damn bro you are on 🔥 with these vids recently ❤
Thank you!
don't use God's name in vain pls :(
The previous to last Gen still revved to 16,100rpm, and it’s still intoxicating to this day 🖤
I’m a Kawasaki guy. Loved the cbr600 and the f4i too. But nothing screamed like the r6 and nothing handled as lightly and dipped over as easily. It was a great bike it’s a shame it’s gone. I’d buy one but the electric problems I see in the forum scare me away
Hmm, what problems and what forums ? Can you point me ?
@@Elias_g1 a lot of the problems I see involve everything from the basics like fuel pumps and stator or reg/rec problems. But I’ve seen a lot of bikes, more than I’d like to, fry their ecu completely, or have a short in the loom that causes a hard no start and and fires the ecu. The amount of guys looking for a new ecu for their R6 is what keeps me from buying one. I don’t want major electrical problems
Spring of 2005 at the age of 21 I picked up my 2005 Raven R6, I was debating between the R6 and Gixxer, I went with the R6 due to the black frame... 20 years later now at age 40 -- Im happy to say I still have my R6. Shes at 40k miles and served me well, first bike I learned how to carved the canyons with, 2nd gear clutch up wheelies, several trips from Norcal to Socal. Also the rear seat has seen many girls and most of them became my GF ! haha
Jeez! This makes me so sad. I use to win trophies with the R6. No bike is/was more RACE-READY right out of the box than the R6. Also, the R1 is also about to be discontinued, and there is no other LITER bike that is more Race Ready than the R1! I am so sad that all this about to end, but at the same time, I AM SO HAPPY THAT IT HAPPENED and I GOT TO SEE IT. I think I am going to organize a LIFE-CELEBRATION party for both the R1 and R6 within the next year. ❤
I had four R6's. I am now driving a 2010 rj15. These bikes are amazing. Handling, weight, engine, brakes and construction of the highest class. I don't like the new model.
still have my 2011 white/red R6 since 2013, im not letting go of it ever!
the r6 is my dream bike, the 121hp squeezed out of 600cc is almost as mesmerizing as the sound it makes while that power is coming out of it all this thrown into the sleek look sold this bike to me when i was a kid
That 07 r6 is one of the best looking bikes ever
Didn’t go on TH-cam during my lunch break today and expect to hold back tears🥺
I own a 2000 R6 since Dec of 2022. I've been a Yamaha guy since 94'. Bought my first bike then. A FZR 600. Comparing my 6 yr younger R6 to the FZR. Both very easy to throw around. Very nimble. Easy to ride. I will keep the R6 for many years since it's now discontinued to public. Such a joy to ride. Also was great fun watching Rossi win on a Yamaha.
I really wish bike manufacturers would revise the 600cc super bike segment. It would be great if Yamaha released a R6M with the Ohlins suspension, Brembo Brakes etc.
I own a Kawasaki ZX-14 but have ridden the R6 and I think it a shame that it being discontinued. To me it was one of the best Yahama's ever made. I feel that Yahama is turnign away from its racing heritage just being run by bean counters.
2008 R6 is just piece of an art.
Looking to get a 08 R6 & stumbled upon this video
I'm a proud owner of an 06 RJ11 R6 , I love riding it so much!!
Big respect my RR bro.
In short, Yamaha was KTM'ing on the street before KTM. The 600cc epitome of 'Ready-To-Race'.
Also, 6:15 - 6:30 : 2 things real quick.
1) As far as advancements go, I'd argue the single greatest advancement made on motorcycles in the past 30 years is metallurgy/chassis design. Having done more than my fair share of track-days on bikes from different eras, I've come to appreciate the astronomical advancements that were made from the late 90's to around 2006. With enough ingenuity and knowing someone with a CNC machine, you can swap entire suspension sub-assemblies into bikes that weren't designed for it from the factory. Pretty damn hard to do that with a frame.
2) As far as carburetors are concerned: yes, back in the times of the advent of Fuel Injection, it was a relief to finally not have to deal with swapping jets all the damn time. But in carb's defense, when tuned correctly those bikes rode smoothly in a way that FI (up until recently) just quite doesn't. Carburetors are fantastic at mellowing out what would have otherwise been a rather peaky powerband, and kept the overall power delivery as smooth as possible, and you could tune that smoothness yourself. Not to mention that carbs haven't remained stagnant over the past 25 years either. Companies like Lectron and SmartCarb have slowly but surely been pushing the development and capability of carburetors since then, and at this point, If they have assemblies to replace those on my Ducati, I'm more than willing to go for them. Now there's an advent of carburetors that tune based not on atmospheric conditions, but solely on differential pressure across the carb, which is a much more precise way to meter fuel, and having experienced it, the vast majority of time it's 95% of what fuel injection is with virtually none of the electronic hassle if things go wrong. In the case of Lectron and SmartCarb, tuning them is a one-time deal; just set it and forget it. They automatically adjust fuel metering because even though conditions like humidity, elevation and temp have affects on air quality, the net of those effects still boils down to a single change in differential pressure. And that's how the carbs operate.
Good info, thanks for sharing. I was more referring to motorcycling as a whole not so much racing. Once could argue disc brakes are actually the biggest leap haha. But I mostly agree with you, a well setup carb just has a certain feeling that's really hard to replicate with early model EFI.
@@HeroRR I'll agree with the brakes with one caveat: upgrading a braking system is fantastic but only if the frame can handle the additional compression and torsion loads introduced by the upgraded brakes. Gotta remember that both the triple tree and the crown of the frame need to be reinforced. I'm guessing you've seen the videos of where Motocross bikes case a jump and the front end snaps off? Same concept, different failure pattern (cyclic fatigue failure instead of catastrophic brittle fracture).
Tires guys, tires. As a boomer who grew up riding '70's and '80's "sport" bikes, I would agree that chassis advancements were BIG, and carbs weren't that big of a deal either; you sinc'd them and then road hard. That being said, anybody old enough to have ridden in the '80's knows the limitations that tires alone placed on handling. Looking back and remembering well, because I was a young ignorant street racing squid, startling or scaring ourselves because we were pushing the tires to the edge was a regular occurrence. The advancements in tire technology and rubber compounds have grown to a point that 40 years ago we would have considered the abilities and benefits offered by today's tires pure unobtainium, right up there with unicorn tears.
i have an 08 r6 and a 17 r6 and i love both of them. cant see myself ever getting rid of them
2008 Cadmium yellow With black Flames was my first bike ever. That thing was incredible and by today’s standards still is
As a fellow anniversary edition owner, I concur. I ride it every chance I get, and I am 55 yr old.
own a 2008 rj15, got 60k km now and its still running great
Will never get rid of my 00' R6. So glad to possess such a beauty
R7 is a glorified MT07 with fairings...
And you must have never ridden a CP2 such a perfect engine
@@jaket7716 Yeah it’s a good engine, not R worthy tho…
Yeah, that's the point😂
R7 is a gorgeous bike, but that is all. It’s slow and uncomfortable. If I am going to be uncomfortable, I at least want to be fast. Great bike for beginners though.
The engine characteristics of the r7 are nice and they do the job very well yes they aren’t the fastest greatest engines ever but they are pretty good beginner bikes that have decent torque work great on the street and look the part not everyone has the experience to jump straight on a r1 or a h2 so the r7 is more than enough for the right people
I'm a die hard Honda fanatic, but the r6 eb5 has always caught my eye and I'm looking forward to get one in the next month.
Well done! Another awesome video! I used to also have an R6 track bike. Long gone now though
The R6 is alive and well. The "2023 R6 RACE" just lives at the race track now.
I love my 2008 r6 so much, it will never get sold.
Yamaha has always made fantastic looking bikes
From a street legal standpoint, these bikes are still above most all riders abilities. Always thought it was silly watching guys pour money into a bike they couldn't ride to it's capabilities stock. These are still great bikes!
I'm glad to ride the 2007 R6 once, it doesn't pull like a litre bike but makes you smile everytime you bring it up to the rev limit, feel so wholesome and thrilling when you gun it while sitting on the edge of the seat, can't describe that with words, combine with a Yoshimura sound, it's like an orgasm😜 seat height almost flat with the handlebars, suprisingly comfortable for me who's 6 ft tall, the 2009 R6 is the first bike i fall in love with when i was a child, for me it's the best looking bike still.
To this day and beyond the R6 will forever be my favourite Yamaha and my favourite 600cc bike. Really miss my 2018 R6. I must've run up and down Blood Mountain a few hundred times on it.
I had that very 1989 FZR600. What fun and so good looking in those colors.
Great vid sir 👍
Wow... the days when we got major updates every two years; now it's more like every four years - if that.
Personally, I love the look of the 2005 model year bike the best.
Keep up the great work.
I noticed the same thing :( Thanks!
My track day bike is an 06 R6 and it's still an absolute joy to ride.
I really appreciate about your information towards bike history.. good job with good info...
Love your work bro 🔥
As a proud owner of the Yzf600R thundercat I’m just happy to see one in the vid
I always wanted and still want a blue 1st gen R6 just because it looks a Transformer. They're kind hard on my wrists though. Rode my buddy's around a parking lot way back when. Wouldn't want to daily one like I did my CBR 600 F3.
Another really cool video Hero. ❤
i am 17 with a 3rd gen r6, i love it so much
Amazing video, keep up the good work!
Proud owner of a 2009 since new. The 17K miles have been so much fun. I am + 55 years old and it’s time for a new rider. I am leaning toward a ZX-6R. Riding position is a little less aggressive and the power band is a little wider. Thoughts or comments are welcome and appreciated!
This is off topic but I've been looking for the instrumental you've been using as your background music. Anyone know the name?
In a way I wish I had an R6, but I only have one bike and my girl loves coming out on rides with me so my 2004 YZF600R has been a fantastic bike. Still quick as shit, to me at least, I like how it looks, and of course the two up riding ability all come together to make what I would consider a fantastic sport touring bike.
You need to make this a series different bike every week really enjoyed this keep it up 👍🏻
I wanted to buy early fuel injection model. Something like 03-04, but those prices are through the roof. 6-7k for a 20 years old bike.
I bought a 03 R6 with 19k miles for just about 4k, came almost fully modified I don’t think anything came stock but it was definitely worth it
In case some of you do not know yet. Historically Yamaha has lied to the customers countless times about their bikes performances.
The R6 is such a phenomenal race bike. Too bad it's been discontinued.
I bought a 05' raven edition brand new off the stealership floor. Put 10 years and 50k miles on her before upgrading. R6, solid machine.
I had an 07 and a 2013. I miss them both
I really enjoy your documentary videos
3:36 haha lol the castle, that's close to where I live in Germany, I ride there quite regularly :D Fun Fact: Strange japenese (Yakuza?) have bought the castle and do strange events there but they dont let anybody else in and have shut it down from the public completely.
I got my 2016 r6❤ I love the front end design
A few riders are still using built R6's in MotoAmerica
My very first motorcycle at 19y old in 1999, I bought a new R6... Man was that a crazy time in my life, how many times did I dodge death.... After 10K the front wheel was still new 😂 Went for a steeringdemper asap because the twitch on gearup was dangerous
I'm honestly surprised it took Yamaha this long to phase out the R6 as a street bike. That bike is way too good on the track to be stuck to a miserable life on the streets. Would love to see more manufacturers start making track-only middleweight super-sports.
This makes me miss my old R6.
Can you please make a video on the 2023 CBR 650R ? would be interesting to see your perspective.
This is right up my alley! Team blue, baby. Leggo!
I worked in parts and accessories for a short time before covid here in Sydney, I was always thinking how mediocre and half assed the industry was, profit margins were shit across the board and things we did profit on were trash products on clearance from the suppliers. We were forced to recommend new riders trash tier riding gear bundles and it genuinely made me feel like shit. Seeing what they did to the R6 takes the cake, it just confirms my initial thoughts about the industry and shows things arent any better higher up in Japan. I just hope one day riders get the care they deserve.
They pouring all the R&D cost into the r15. That thing has got VVA(yamaha's vtec), traction control, slipper clutch, best in class performance and due to the vva best in class mileage as well. All that for a 155cc bike
The cost to made R15 is so tiny, i can barely notice when it sit next to MotoGP logo, the real money-grabbing scheme
@@chronophobic ofc moto gp chugging the most budget. Im talking about the street bikes.
@@fieryspy6414 well you did said "they pouring all the R&D cost into the r15"... I mean, speaking of street/commercial use they do make a lot other than a 155cc street bike, they have their MT, Teneré, Tracer plus the trike Niken, scrambler, scooter, FJR and some boat engine as well. i disagree on your statement. Sorry
@@chronophobic nah man the mt/r15 engine way advanced than alla dem
@@fieryspy6414 that's a shallow insight, but good for you if you thought so!
Can someone explain to me the street legal part? Is it referring to new R6's not being street legal? Or is it saying ALL R6's no longer being street legal? Because I wanted to buy a used 2006 or so R6 and I can't tell from research whether ALL R6's are no longer street legal, or if only new ones after the discontinuation are no longer street legal...
Im just lucky to own R6 even Im not a good rider i love my this bike with all my heart.
05 is the best looking one change my mind, it looks like a supra made into a motorcycle, its perfect
You should critique/do a response video to yammy noob’s ZX4RR vs R7 video
Imo he misses the mark in almost every way possible, not even grasping how insane it is that the best/closest comparison he could find for a 400cc bike is a 689cc one
All his ZX4RR videos have missed the point though imo and it’s sad because kawisaki deserves better from us after decades of asking for this exact bike and now that it’s here ppl want to act like they can’t grasp what it is or who it’s for. 😑
This is why we can’t have nice things
hate that guy he’s such a tool
I’m so mixed on wether to sell my 17 R6 because the market value is so over priced for a Yamaha R6 right now
Ive owned 2 r6s...loved them both.