Yamaha XJ6n: Motorcycle review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- A review on a Yamaha XJ6n we recently sold, the new owner asked me to review it. A 2010 model with 3,000 miles on the clock. The Exhaust is from J A C Exhausts, wigwam lane, Hucknall, Nottingham
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Just picked up one as a winter commuter, 1 owner, 6k and full service history 2009. It’s a great little bike, very easy to ride and quite fun when you want to enjoy some B roads. Can’t really go wrong with these. I did my test on this many years ago and always remembered what a fun little bike it was..
I was looking for a 600cc bike as a first bike and I tested the Kawa z650, SV 650 but the moment I tested an XJ6n I fell in love right away. Called the owner that night itself to buy it. Very happy with my purchase
I love the XJ6. I learned to ride on it and now i am saving up for one.
Just bought mine, hopefully it'll be ready for this Saturday..... can't wait!
So would I if the reviewer hadn't asked...but the reviewer DID ask and the buyer was very excited to see it on TH-cam and loved the review...and clutchless shifting doesn't harm the gearbox if done correctly.
Hi, I used to have a honda 250 cbr many years ago. Gave up riding for about 15 years. Seeing yr review and specially hearing the music of that bike persuade me to get me this same Yamaha model, which I just did and very happy with the decision. Thanks for this great review.
Cheers from Chile
Great video. Just passed Mod 2 today. Looking at to get a 2012 xj6 tomorrow. Thank you again for inspiring me to learn after having driven a car for years.
Did my test on one of these. They are great bikes with an excellent power delivery.
i love your bike reviews you can tell you have had many many years of riding and your very honest about the bikes
I am getting the xj6n on Saturday. I haven't rode bikes for 25 years. So excited about coming back. Question is the bike is very clean UK bike. I am living in Ireland so we are kilometers not miles. Can the speedometer be changed from miles to kilometers by pressing buttons or do I have to get it done professionally? Great view..... Roll on Saturday 😁
Thank you. A couple of people have mentioned this now and I agree, just because it's a second a lap slower, doesn't mean it's rubbish.
Just passed for my exam today, will be picking up my XJ6 by the end of the week! cannot wait!!
Love this review, nice and simple. Absolutely love the bike as well, resuming my lessons next week on this bike. I've driven it for 4 hours or so, and I fell in love with it after one hour, looks ferocious and difficult to drive, but when you get on it, it's just so simple and smooth and lovely! I'm gonna start saving money already!
I will be learning on this bike next year when im eligible to enroll for the full license. I just obtained my mid tier license recently.
If I close my eyes & listen to the sound, I could swear that you were driving a sports car!
I ride the XJ600N. And I must say, everything you have said about the newer brother, applies to the older one too. They are cracking bikes.
Just had my first lesson on one of these. I loved it. Ive actually bought a MT03 but wouldnt hesitate to buy this and it really looks nice in the the flesh. It scared the life out of me a couple of times today but im a complete novice. Mod 1 tomorrow.
Just bought a used Diversion model. My only regret is I waited too long to buy a new one - with Yamaha stopping production.
You gave good advice about keeping it in a high gear.
wow thankyou so much, as iv always wanted one of these, and your comments have made my day, iv got to test very soon and this will be my firest upgrade bike from my 125.
Passed Mod 2 last week after no lessons, and brushed up by watching your videos, so cheers Russ! Got a brand new XJ6 coming on Sat!! Wish I'd factored in the jump to Group 12 insurance though... DOH!
I'm doing my full A licence soon, I will be either on one of these or the MT-07, can't wait
Thanks For this cracking review russ as I've been out on my direct access day one on this today. From a ybr 125 it's an orgasm on wheels!
The new everyman bike to replace the ageing suzy bandit I wonder?
Anyway keep up the Good work, it's now a toss up between this and an sv650s upon graduation!
The 4 cylinder engine is so much smoother and crisper than the twin engine of the ER6. Linz used to have an ER6 and we agreed the lumpyness below 3k rpm wasn't very nice. After having ridden both, the XJ would easily be my choice. (just my opinion though)
i also just bought one and i'm very happy with it. i'm doing the driver license with it.
Thanks for the feedback.People advising a 250 either own one and need to justify it or don't know how a "bigger bike" really feels(more planted, less effort and buzzy)One of my pet hates is unqualified people giving their opinions when they haven't ridden both bikes Another is they've just started biking and suddenly think they're an instructor and giving out wrong or innacurate advice or they've been riding wrong for years but because they haven't had an accident they assume it's correct.
im getting one of those soon 2013 model , cant deal with one 125 xmax grrr sounds is absolutely heaven , it does 200 km/h easily
Have just bought one of these thanks to your review,well impressed, keep up the good work..
I've been training for my A2 on one of these. Lovely engine, nice ride. Apparently quite cheap to insure as well.
Good little review. Did my das on one of these back in 2010 and really liked it. Just bought myself a 2012 street triple R.. Would be verrrry interested in seeing/hearing your thoughts on those if you ever get your hands on one at the shop. Great videos. Think I've watched them all now, and as a relatively new rider, I've picked up a lot of good advice, so thanks.
I might get my hands on one to sell in the shop then review it. Watch this space.
LOVE that exhaust - Love that bike !
Just arrived to my country week a go. Can't wait to bring one home next month.
I test road one of these along with the Honda NC700X. The Yam is a great little bike (my current bike is an old XJ900 DIvvy) but I went for the Honda as it's an all new bike with phenomenal fuel economy and 8000 mile service intervals.
I'd like to add that I've been a avid follower of your vids since I learned to ride last year. I passed my test a year ago and have done 18,000 miles since then, mostly commuting, and I still look forward to your hints and tips on improving my riding. Cheers!
Russ, get your hands on a GSX650F. I thought the XJ6 was smooth till I rode the Suzuki! So smooth even in first with no clutch through traffic! Wasn't ready to be that impressed with a cheap old Bandit with a fairing!
Oh and thanks for all the vids, found lots of them very helpful, especially the one on smooth gear changes! Keep up the good work!!
not sure if you still answer questions on this vid, but how would this bike be after moving from a 125cc? looking into other mt-07/09 style bike options. cheers mate, enjoying the training videos.
You'll love it. So easy to ride. ☺
great review, I like that you mention vibrations when you review bikes.
Yes, good review, this is much more like the bandit or old Yam Fazer 600 in character - liquid cooling so more power can be extracted without the engine or the mudguard melting. I have the old XJ600N a Y2K model, just finished correcting the carbs from the over-lean setup imposed in vain effort to pass emissions before fuel injection took over. Shocking that so many reviewers and riders are feeling the need to watch out for dodgy low-down or transitional fuelling problems/power delivery on injection systems. Now, in 2015, a decade at least has passed since just about everything became fuel injection, and still the issue hangs over the engines, that afflicted early adopters like BMW on their early boxer twin fuel-injected bikes. In proper tune, my old XJ600N Divvie-like machine, is acceptable on motorways, top-notch on A-roads and over 60mpg usually, replaced exhausts with 4-into-2 stainless, 500gbp but unavoidable as originals rotted. Lastly, yes, after just 5 minutes, that exhaust drone is a bore! I like my quiet exhausts, conventionally-powered motorcycles are noisy enough in practice, you can't deafen everyone all the time, in hope of avoiding one incident at some random time.
i have a 2009 model she is lovely, the engine underwent more than a de-tune it has different cam profiles and throttle bodies for a smoother and wider power band 80bhp but slightly more useable than the more peaky fazer/R6 engine
couple that with engine being used as a stressed member ... its a lovely balanced bike
Thanks for this. I'm looking to get one on Monday and this was a great review and video!
i'm glad you would recommend this as a first time bike. I'm in love. much better than the nc700s by the looks of it.
I am buying one of these and this review really helped. Thanks dude
Nice video im getting one this week just sold my gixxer now getting a 2010 xj6n ;)
Lovely, I just wanted to ask the same question :)
I've also been riding a 125 for a few years now, and it's time for something bigger.
I was thinking about the XJ6, and your review just made me want it even more :p
Hi Russ, excellent review as allways. I just have a quick question for you, do you think the bike would suit a tall person, i`m 6ft 5 and wondered if it would be suitable. Many thank Mark
Russ, assuming the scenario is an experienced rider, how do you choose what size of bike to get? does it depend on what roads you use (apart from budget)?
@xrs1600 Glad you enjoyed it, let me know when you do the walk round. Russ
What exhaust is this by the way? Awesome review also!
What a sound,it's like the best music in the world.Thank you for the review:)
I love it just as I love my Yamaha. I wouldn't trade that gurgling backfiring sound for anything.
This was my learner bike! :)
Fond memories of riding it.
Currently own a GPX 600 r with a set of custom streetfighter handlebars.
Nice riding position but still nice and sporty. Sold the diversion xj600 since I pretty much hated it after riding the GPX so I made a trade.
But still have a soft spot for the modern xj6.
Love the sound of the engine. I ride a slightly earlier XJ650. I have ride a 1982 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim. Its an inline 4 that used to be Yamaha's flagship bike back in the early 80s. A very fast bike for its time and the forerunner of the inline 4s that Yamaha is famous for today. I had a 1978 XS650 before the XJ and you are right about the vertical twin being having a lot of torque and being very jumpy with it at low rpms. Still the seat in the pant feel of that torque was a great feeling.
Got the faired version, great bike. Man I need to get that exhaust can, it sounds amazing!
That does sound fantastic, I took my test on the old XJ600 Diversion........safe to say it was noting like this!
in your opinion,which one do you think is better?
The old "divvie" was a steady plodder, did the job but not very exciting, this one looks like loads more fun.
Thanks for the great video review Russ! I'm quite partial to the XJ6 range myself too... In fact, IF I pass my Mod 2 test tomorrow (which btw, I'd like to thank you doubly so, as some of your other videos have been great to watch and learn from re: riding safely to test standards), I'm hoping to trade up to the fully faired variant of this bike, the XJ6 Diversion F :-) So your compliments to this bike are pleasing to hear. Wish me luck!
Hello, great video as ever! Do you think that the half faired version of this bike would be too heavy for somebody buying their first "big bike"? (211kg). Thank you in advance
@gpzDave Thanks Dave. It does sound great doesn't it? Made me smile.
@cowtipper84 J A C Exhausts, wigwam lane, Hucknall, Nottingham 0115 9635556
Have to agree with everything you said in this review. The xj6 is a perfect bike for anyone looking for an easy going, good looking bike thats not a missile on wheels!! Was that an ixil exhaust on that bike? I'm looking at buying one for my xj6.
Nice sound on the bike!!! Looking at test riding one of those once I pass my test.
Just sold a GSR but didn't get the chance to ride it. The guy who bought it loves it, and it may be a little cheaper than the XJ6n.
i used to own a 2004 hornet 600 but sold it last year. with spring now coming up I was looking at the xj6n as my next bike. do u happen to know what the major not so obvious differences are between the 2 bikes? like handling and braking. Also, any idea if the xj6 is seating position lower than that of the hornet? thanks a ton and keep up the excellent work
Wonderful review! Do you recommend the xj6 over a sv650/gladius? :D
That's a good question. I'm a big fan of V engines so it's a tough one. Both superb bikes, try and ride them both, see how you get on. ☺
Just bought one today, traded in the Range Rover ;)
Enjoyed the review. Nice one.
Thanks, it's an excellent bike. All the best for tomorrow. Russ
This sort of review is of far more use than the egomaniac, barrel chested ones that certain (weekly) bike magazines publish, usually denigrating anything less than an R1 for being lacking power. You're also quite right about the exhaust note, it's not quite in keeping. Ride safe!
Thank you for this video. Loved it! Been looking for a starter bike e it seems to be the one.
hi there great video as always just wondering about the weight of this bike , can the mass of the motorcycles be a problem, for example this bike weighs 200-205 kg is it balanced. many thanks
It feels nicely balanced, an easy bike to ride.
yeah cheers, its just because ive completed my mod 1 and under going mod 2 training at the moment for my A2 licence but I still have no clue what bike I want to get I want a affordable, have ok power for when I get the restrictor off and weight under 200 kg can you please help me and give me a few bikes in mind that are great first restricted A2 licence bike.
Very informative matey.
It's a lovely bike indeedy. If I was in the market, as they say this would be one I would look at but it's a bit to similar to what I ride, although much newer ;)
Great review!
I passed!! :-D Zero faults too! I really do think your videos helped me, so again thank you very much for your altruistic TH-cam contributions. ;-)
Oh, I see, well done then! I know it's not harmful if done right, but for whatever reason I have always had this feeling that it's not something you are supposed to do. I have done it a couple of times on my bike, and it worked out just fine, but I felt really guilty afterwards. Again, nice little review though. Seems like a good bike for getting started on bigger bikes and going on longer trips with
@cashstore1 I agree. Will recommend putting the Baffle back in (It'll still sound great)
Oh man the inline-4 sounds amazing.
Nice review that mate. There are just so many 600/650's out there I don't know what I want when I pass my test
This is the bike I'm doing my test on. Very sweet easy to ride my only problem is that after an hour or so it give me chronic back ache.
Hey how much is the insurance costing you for XJ6 its listed as a cheep insurer i have 3 years no claims so im hoping that it wont be high also did you get the naked or the F ? if you dont mind me asking
I've been doing a lot of research in to which 6n I should get after passing my DAS and the ER6n and this are the two I've settled on. I'll obviously have to try them first but they're both on an even par at the moment.
I'm 6'4 so the ER6n seems like the logical choice, and it is beautiful, but there's something about Yamaha that pushes the right buttons.
Although, I can't quite put my finger on what it is.
Cheers for the video. :)
Hey I have a question how many ccm have the Yamaha xj6 and is it good for beginners ?
Splendid review and a great bike. Was on my short list. Plumped for the SV instead. Happy with it (for now lol).
+1 sub.
Can't get over that noise
@spike4178 The fairing is the only difference I can think of, unless someone else knows?
Someone once told me "the most dangerous part of a motorcycle is the nut that holds the handlebars" If you're sensible and respectful you should be ok. All the best with it. :-)
You really can't go wrong with the yamaha ybr 125 or Honda cg125. They're great all rounders.
Great bikes these, I've got the Diversion which is exactly the same bike with some extra plastics, good halfway house between the N and the full blown F. Despite, being the same bike, the difference the fairing makes to how the bike seems is surprising.
Found it very comfy. If it was bad I'd definately have mentioned it.
Correct but in this case "Dual" means 2 DIRECTIONS of traffic with a separating barrier or reservation. There could be 1 or 7 lanes, if it's not separated it's a single carriageway. A lot of motorists get this wrong, easily done. :-)
I meant something like the B king or the naked versions etc. They're not necessarily safer per se but as you rightly say, they're more planted than 250s and different power delivery to say a GSXR1000 or fireblade
Great bike, i moved onto this and would definitely recommend to anyone....Nice review by the way, i haven't seen many for this bike around...
what us fitted on that xj6n, I have never heard another xj6 sound like that please give me details if you know
Which year ER6 did Linz have? They retuned the engine in the '09 and beyond models to make it smoother in the lower ranges - makes it a bit more friendly for commuting speeds!
Nice video 👍
In your opionion is this bike any good for taller folk with long legs ?
+Jim Harrison I couldn't answer that, best just try one. Good luck.
Hi.I own xj6n.I am 6.3 It is feel very comfortable for me.
Vitalij Thanks for the update, I was about to ask if it's ok for taller riders. I'm planning to purchase one, I'm 6'3" tall and I don't know if it's comfortable for daily commuting 1-2 hours a day
I have an xj6, I need ti know what that exhaust brand is called please, thanks great video
Funnily enough, I have a 2009 one in the shop. If I don't do a review cos of the crap weather, take my word for it, they're great, buy one!
@Timo93NYC Only a couple of horse power really, if anything at all. My Tuono V4 seems to breath and respond better with the exhaust on but to me personally, the best bit is the sound. Best check readings for your actual bike as this varies.
What can as that on the bike? Sounds incredible.
great video. lovely bike. looking to get one
Not long passed my test and have been looking at this bike , FZ6-n, or an GSR not sure which is the best option ?
As for the geezer below; I'd let my ex bike instructor out on any bike I owned, he's a very very skilled rider. Ex-Police biker, too. I don't see the problem with letting Rus have a go, having seen him ride the Pan in the snow, I think he can handle a budget naked.
Nice bike all the same, but I want my Hornet back :( Be interested to see what you'd think of it, Rus. If you ever get chance to review one, I'd be genuinely interested to see a video :)
I'm about to order the xj6n or the half faired xj6 diversion. I prefer the naked one looks, but I don't know how annoying the wind is, and at which speed starts to become unbearable. thanx for the nice review
Hey Russ. I got to ride a demo US faired version of this bike FZ6R on the weekend. It was so smooth as you said (shifting, power, brakes, suspension), I was more comfortable on it in the one 30 minute ride than my own bike.
I feel a little bit cheated by all the advice out there to get a 250 as a starter (not from you, Russ!) ;)
Excellent, well done you!!!!!! :-D Zero faults is incredible, nice one.
@Timo93NYC As far as I know... an Exhaust pipe doesn't actually change the power by THAT much to make the bike illegal... its purely there to give you a better appearance and sound of the bike... It does give you a boost of I think 10% on average...
at least thats the performance difference I see on my Varadero... literally 10% extra top speed...
That bike sounds AMAZING!