Yamaha R-6 Rossi Design

Most importantly, Yamaha did not compromise on the existing model. The YZF R-6 now has a more responsive engine that delivers 3 hp. more powerful. Changed the air supply to the second and third cylinders and the combustion chamber.

But that's not all, there is a more important novelty hidden ahead. The bike is braked by a pair of large 310mm brake discs and a radially mounted caliper grips them, further aided by a radial front brake pump. Despite the increased diameter, the front disc pair weighs 7% less than the previous model. The front fork is no longer a classic telescopic, but an inverted one.

Of course, they are fully adjustable with damping and damping speed adjustable. Greater front end rigidity has also been achieved with the larger 41mm forks, which now flex less when braking and under heavy loads. In order for the bike to work in a tuned manner, the suspension and rear shock absorber crank had to be changed due to the change in the geometry of the motorcycle. The novelty, which we enthusiastically embraced, is also a new front tire, which is now 120/70 R 17 in size and offers better handling than the previous tire, which was marked 120/60.

So, these are the main innovations that are in every R-6. For gourmets and enthusiastic fans of Valentino Rossi, Yamaha has created a limited copy of the Doctor's copy with his signature and a plate next to the sensors, engraved with a serial number and an aggressive design of the opposites of sun and moon, day and night. But the painting itself, invented by Vail and his design team, is not all that distinguishes the R-46 from the regular R-6.

It was fitted as standard with a Termignoni exhaust system, which, in addition to its sporty appearance, also delivers a great, harsh racing sound. The exhaust is road legal and can still be opened up on the race track by simply removing a small muffler. So that no one will forget to screw this insert back into place when it enters the road again! !! !! Unless you accidentally screw it in a little less than the fixing screw in the exhaust pipe and say, “Wow, accident, when did this happen? “Falls out somewhere on the way home. Do you understand the accident? !!

However, it should be noted that this bike would prefer to only ride on the race track at all times, where these restrictions are not so strict due to the loudness of the sound from the exhaust pipe. Indeed, on a closed circuit, where you know that no one is going to meet you, and where the asphalt is well gripped, this bike offers the most. It is true that he drives beautifully along a winding road in a smooth rhythm, but why take risks, because the day before, the tractor driver was rolling the asphalt with dirty wheels. This motorcycle must be handled with extreme care on the road.

However, the R-46 performs well not only in an aggressive sporty style, but also at a slightly more relaxed pace. The driving position is well metered and not too leaning forward so there is no wrist overload and no neck or wrist pain. We hope that it is already clear from afar that this is a motorcycle that is primarily intended for one passenger, the rider! It's true that it has another seat in the back, but it's actually more like a pattern, and sitting in the back is so uncomfortable that your passenger will only be friendly to the nearest buffet, and it's all pure sadism. Well, it's definitely a different story if your other half likes it. Even such exceptions are possible.

But let's get to the bottom of what is really beneficial to sitting on the R-6. Cornering. This is where the bike feels best. Calm, precise and very easy to operate, the Yamaha simply blends in with the driver.

If the predecessor had problems with the front end and steering feel, then now they definitely do not. This change is a really big step forward as it allows for later braking and more aggressive driving.

The brakes are very powerful, with a good feel for dosing the braking force on the lever itself. However, only a direct comparison test will show how good they are compared to the 600cc competitors. The gearbox is incredibly precise and fast and never let us down when changing gears. The drivetrain itself (thanks to Termignoni) is smoother as it pulls very well and continuously throughout the entire speed range without sudden and hard-to-control bumps when power is increased.

It also means a more precise and quicker ride on the racetrack, and it's gratifying that with this Yamaha, fast bikes will also be less experienced. Prior to the previous model, the powerful yet tricky block was most appreciated by riders who knew how to handle the R6 over a wide engine rev range. The new one springs to life best at 8.000 rpm and reaches maximum power at 13.000 rpm. However, the fact that adrenaline acceleration is backed up by a wonderful engine sound probably does not require special attention.

Yamaha R-46 is something special, it's not for everyone, it's just for real fans, for whom Rossi's design and signature mean something too. This is a bike for athletes and professionals who can't be satisfied with the otherwise perfectly decent R6 series.

Yes, even this one, did you notice that our test R-46 has a 0004 mark on the metal plate? Did you know that Delta Team Krško has another one with serial number 0003? But that's not all! Did you know that they also have (almost unbelievable) a P-46 with serial number 0046? Whether they are in the management of Slovenian Yamaha, closely related to the parent factory, or have very strong ties. These items are for collectors!

Yamaha R-6 Rossi Design

Test car price: 2.489.000 seats

Basic Regular Maintenance Cost: 20.000 seats

engine: 4-stroke, four-cylinder, 600 cc liquid-cooled, 3 hp at 126 rpm, electronic fuel injection

Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: 41mm inverted front adjustable fork, rear single adjustable damper

Tires: front 120/70 R 17, rear 180/55 R 17

brakes: 2 drums with a diameter of 310 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear

Wheelbase: 1.385 mm

Seat height from ground: 830 mm

Fuel tank: 17 l (3 l reserve)

Dry weight: 136 kg

Representative: Delta Command, doo, CKŽ 135a, Krško, phone: [phone]

We praise and reproach

+ design

+ simple and precise handling

+ suspension, brakes

+ Termignoni exhaust

+ engine power and torque

– Insufficient aerodynamic protection above 200 km/h

– exhaust pipe in contact with the heel

– We can’t find it in our garage

Petr Kavčič, photo: Aleš Pavletič