Yamaha XJ6

Yamaha has focused on usability and practicality with the XJ6. The bike is a compact affair. It has a length of 2120 mm, width of 770 mm and height of 1085 mm with a ground clearance of 140 mm. The wheel base of 1440 mm along with the low seat height of 785 mm makes it very easy to handle even at low speeds. It carries much of the styling from the XJ6 Diversion which it is based on. This means the same 17” 5 spoke wheels and fat 120/70 tires in the front and 160/60 tires in the rear. Giving it an even compact appearance is the midship mounted exhaust that takes a trained eye to actually see. The headlight is also exquisitely wrapped in a compact plastic enclosure with a mid-mounted light, right under the instrument cluster. There are glossy panels working as tank extensions and a long piece extending backwards holding the pillion foot pegs. Overall the focus is on creating a practical no-nonsense design without any excess. Yes the rear seems to be lacking in any sort of design and the pillion seat is too fat. But this keeps the bike simple. Even the color choices are just two- white and race blu. Black engine components on both enhance its compact stance. Yamaha also manages to fit it with practical features like an underseat storage area and race inspired yet practical digital - analog mix instrumentation. This comes with an illuminated tachometer needle and extra-large numerals for better readability.

The XJ6 comes with a lightweight steel tubular chassis that gives it a light weight of just 206 kg with fluids. This along with telescopic front forks and linked monoshock with spring preload adjustment in the rear gives it good handling characteristics. Yamaha has gone even further by allowing 130 mm of travel on both ends. And then it comes with adjustable handlebars. Combined with the ergonomically sculpted tank and low seat height, the XJ6 is a comfortable and versatile handler – able to tackle both slow and high speed with ease. It rides over all kinds of surfaces with confidence and its handling is commuter friendly.

The real jewel and centre of attention is the engine. Coming from the FZ6 - albeit in a detuned state - it is a liquid cooled and fuel injected forward inclined parallel 4-cylinder with 4 valves and DOHC. Peak power output is rated at 77.5 PS at 10000 rpm and peak torque of 59.7 Nm is delivered at 8000 rpm. While not a very high output for the engine size, the true beauty is in how the power is delivered. The engine is sluggish to get to speed as expected but the rider has enough power at just above 3000 rpm for any occasion and in any of the 6 gears. Just twist the throttle and off you go. Overtaking becomes a cakewalk. Its versatile performance is good for city roads as well as highways. The massive 17 L fuel tank gives it good range too.

Braking is also very adequate with dual 298 mm hydraulic front discs and a single 245 mm disc in the rear. The front has a twin-piston caliper setup while the rear gets a single piston caliper. The only thing missing then is the ABS which is incidentally available in other markets.

The Yamaha XJ6 then is a class leading entry-level middle weight naked bike that is good for commuting. It has ruled many hearts since its launch with its practicality and usability. Yes, it is old but it has still got a few tricks up its sleeve.