Yamaha YZF-R6

For a supersports machine that’s as easy to ride to the shops as it is round Donington Park, the 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6 comes close to spot-on. Launched as a rearguard action while the factory prepared their dinky, ride-by-wire hottie, this newer version of the Yamaha YZF-R6 comes with toys like radial brakes and is seriously underrated.

YZF-R6 Review

The '08 Yamaha YZF-R6 comes with better mid-range than previous models and it spins up more quickly, too, thanks to bigger throttle bodies and an improved engine map. The Yamaha YZF-R6's 16v, DOHC motor is just as frenetic as ever, but around town there’s loads more flexibility than before. The Yamaha YZF-R6 gearbox is as stiff as ever, though.

Thanks to the upside-down forks, stiffer chassis and radial brakes the Yamaha YZF-R6's handling is better than ever. The Yamaha YZF-R6's suspension works very well, with plenty of adjustment available to help you dial in your riding style. It’s not too cramped, but anyone over six foot tall is going to struggle to stay comfortable for long on the Yamaha YZF-R6 and the low screen is rubbish at distance work.

There’s an ignition-based immobiliser, programmable shift light and radial brakes and master cylinder as standard. A steering damper would make a better first buy for your Yamaha YZF-R6 than any race pipe.

Yamaha’s build quality is very good, and with a massive 6000 miles between services you’ll spend more time (and less money) riding the Yamaha YZF-R6 than servicing it.