SHOOTOUT
P92
3 RD
2013 MIDDLEWEIGHT SPORTBIKE SHOOTOUT
Y
amaha made waves in the
Supersport class with its
revamped-for-2008 YZFR6. By incorporating a variable
length intake along with ride-bywire electronics, Yamaha was
able to jump ahead of the technology curve. This enhanced the
R6's pedigree, giving it a wider
spread of power that's easier to
control. Although other players
have since caught up, the 2013
R6 ($10,990) is a proven track
weapon as evident by its inclusion on 600cc race grids worldwide.
Compared to the other Japanese 600s, the Tuning Fork
machine has a much racier seating position. Its weight-forward
stance is due in part to a taller
seat and low-mounted clip-ons
which make the rider feel like
they're sitting atop the front tire.
It's hard-edged and in stark contrast to the more friendly set-ups
of many of the others. While the
R6's ergos are designed for fast
laps it was clear the cockpit isn't
for everyone—especially shorter
