Yamaha is virtually alone in offering a 600-class contender that meets the latest Euro4 emissions rules and the newly-released power figure for the 2017 R6 shows one reason why.
Other firms have deserted the 600cc supersport market – like Honda – or continue to offer old, non-Euro4 machines under derogation rules (Kawasaki and Suzuki). The reason is that it’s expensive to redevelop engines to meet Euro4 emissions limits without reducing their power.
Ever since it revealed its 2017 R6 last year, there’s been a question mark over the bike’s performance figures. While Yamaha was happy to talk about the new bike’s improved aerodynamics, its new ABS brakes, its R1-derived suspension and its weight-saving aluminium tank, a wall of silence greeted queries about power.
Yamaha was clear that there weren’t any mechanical changes to the engine compared to last year’s bike, and both it and the main chassis are carried over largely unaltered.
Now, as the bike’s riding launch gets underway, it’s been revealed that the power figure is indeed lower than the previous model’s.
At 87.1kW (118.4PS, 116.8bhp), the new bike’s power is down around 5% compared to the 2016 model, which made a claimed 91kW (123.7PS, 122bhp). And Yamaha’s 2008-2009 R6 made more still at 94.9kW (129PS, 127.3bhp). Peak power remains at 14,500rpm, as before.
Torque is also down compared to its predecessor, with a peak of 61.7Nm at 10,500rpm compared to 65.7Nm at the same engine speed for last year’s bike.
It’s not the end of the world by any means. The new machine’s superior suspension, smarter engine electronics, ABS brakes and traction control will clearly make it a better overall proposition than its predecessor. It’s just when it comes to barroom banter that the diminished outright power might make a difference.
Given the fact that the engine is basically the same as the old model, it’s clear that the power is still in there. No doubt aftermarket exhausts and chips will soon claw back that showroom-spec loss.
However, that will add cost, and having bought a 2017 R6 you might not have much money to spare. At a UK price of £10,999 it costs £1000 more than an ABS-kitted Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 and £2000 more than a Suzuki GSX-R600. Even an exotic MV Agusta F3 675 is fractionally cheaper at £10,800. Triumph’s Daytona 675 is £1399 less at £9600 and the ‘R’ version is still cheaper than the Yamaha at £10,950.
Keep an eye out for our test to discover whether it earns that price tag.
