YZF-R6 (2003 - 2004) review
IN 2003 600s took a step forward with a new ultra-sporty breed appearing rather than the all-round bikes they'd always been. This almost caught Yamaha on the hop - they were erring to the slightly more user-friendly end of the supersport 600 spectrum, but the heavily revised R6 managed to combine both
elements better than any other. Trouble was, it was always about 0.01% slower round race tracks than the ZX-6R, CBR600RR and GSX-R600 and looked similar to the previous year's model, so was unfairly ignored.
IN 2003 600s took a step forward with a new ultra-sporty breed appearing rather than the all-round bikes they'd always been. This almost caught Yamaha on the hop - they were erring to the slightly more user-friendly end of the supersport 600 spectrum, but the heavily revised R6 managed to combine both
elements better than any other. Trouble was, it was always about 0.01% slower round race tracks than the ZX-6R, CBR600RR and GSX-R600 and looked similar to the previous year's model, so was unfairly ignored.
The reality was that the 2003-'04 R6 was - and still is - an immensely usable and useful tool, both on the road and track. While revvy, its motor proved far more flexible than the increasingly race-focused CBR600RR's, and almost (but not quite) as strong as the 636cc ZX-6R's. Suspension is a touch on the firm side for road use - the rear shock is stiffly sprung, kicking lighter riders out of the seat but working particularly well for those carrying a bit of excess baggage around the midriff. Brakes are okay, not exceptional, and benefit from braided hoses - but if a previous owner has fitted some check they're routed properly and not fouling anywhere.
Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/nialls-spin-yamaha-yzf-r6/14362.html#ixzz11NatmL7k
IN 2003 600s took a step forward with a new ultra-sporty breed appearing rather than the all-round bikes they'd always been. This almost caught Yamaha on the hop - they were erring to the slightly more user-friendly end of the supersport 600 spectrum, but the heavily revised R6 managed to combine both
elements better than any other. Trouble was, it was always about 0.01% slower round race tracks than the ZX-6R, CBR600RR and GSX-R600 and looked similar to the previous year's model, so was unfairly ignored.
The reality was that the 2003-'04 R6 was - and still is - an immensely usable and useful tool, both on the road and track. While revvy, its motor proved far more flexible than the increasingly race-focused CBR600RR's, and almost (but not quite) as strong as the 636cc ZX-6R's. Suspension is a touch on the firm side for road use - the rear shock is stiffly sprung, kicking lighter riders out of the seat but working particularly well for those carrying a bit of excess baggage around the midriff. Brakes are okay, not exceptional, and benefit from braided hoses - but if a previous owner has fitted some check they're routed properly and not fouling anywhere.
Read more: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/nialls-spin-yamaha-yzf-r6/14362.html#ixzz11NatmL7k
