New "XJ6 Diversion" to be released as 2009 European model Designed as an Easy-handling Pleasure Sports Bike

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces the February 2009 release of two new models for the European market, the "XJ6 Diversion" and standard-equipped ABS variation model "XJ6 Diversion ABS," both of which are powered by a 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line-4, fuel injected engine mounted on a diamond type frame in a design with a "Easy-handling Pleasure Sports Bike" concept.

The XJ6 Diversion has been developed with a focus on riding enjoyment and agile mobility in everyday use expressed in the product concept of an "Easy-handling Pleasure Sports Bike." It aims to be a model that offers easy and enjoyable riding around town and pleasurable cruising, and its main target is entry-level motorcyclists. These new models join the high-performance supersport YZF-R6, introduced in Europe in 1999, and the all-rounder FZ6 launched in 2004, to offer European customers a well-rounder line-up of Yamaha models in the 600cc class.

XJ6 Diversion, XJ6 Diversion ABS

February 2009

- Dark Purpulish Blue Metallic U
- Deep Red Metallic K
- Dark Grayish Metallic G

1) New-design 600cc engine with outstanding controllability
A newly designed 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line-4 fuel injected engine is adopted. While maintaining the same proven bore x stroke spec as the existing FZ6 engine, the cylinder head, the crankcase, the intake/exhaust systems and the clutch mechanism have all been newly designed to give the engine a completely new character. The shape of the intake port is narrower than on the FZ6 engine and the diameter of the throttle body has also been reduced to 32 mm (compared to 36 mm on the FZ6). The intake/exhaust valve overlap has also been reduced compared to the FZ6 to 34 degrees, while maintaining a sufficient maximum lift to ensure outstanding performance in the low- to mid-speed range. In particular, this contributes to excellent controllability in the 4,000 to 5,000 rpm range. This provides good response in around-town riding as well as tandem riding and touring.

2) Mid-ship muffler adopted
In order to provide outstanding exhaust efficiency and a pleasing exhaust sound while also contributing to better concentration of machine mass, a 3-stage expansion type mid-ship muffler has been adopted. The short type tail pipe also contributes visually to the look of greater concentration of mass as a distinctive feature of the exterior design. Also, the more efficient use of spaces enables outfitting of a center stand as standard equipment.

3) New-design clutch and shifter
In order to achieve excellent ease of use in around-town riding, the clutch and shifter have been newly designed. The shift system is positioned on the right side of the crankcase (as opposed to the left side on the FZ6) and overall structure, including the shifter shaft, have been redesigned to give an outstanding shifting feeling. For the clutch release mechanism, an inner-push type is adopted for its smooth engaging qualities. Also, the clutch lever ratio has been changed to reduce operating load.

4) New-design diamond frame
A diamond type steel frame has been newly designed. The main pipes are a φ31.8mm gauge high-tensile steel with 2.3mm wall thickness and the design is a simple one with few points of constriction, bends and welding. The engine is mounted to the frame with rigid mounts that make it a stressed structural member of the frame that helps optimize the longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity balance of the chassis. The result is a handling character with excellent transient properties. The frame is also characterized by a good feeling of fit that contributes to a comfortable riding position and compact chassis design.

5) Styling that defines a next-generation pleasure sports bike
The body is designed to express the image of a "Pleasure Sports Bike with Easy-handling in Around-town Riding." It has design elements such as "a sense if fitting into everyday life" and "timeless value that is not swayed by the fashions of the day," both of which are qualities that could not be achieved in a model developed from a supersport model base. This styling is characterized particularly by design elements that express the presence of the frame visually and a fine sculptural balance in the rear assembly achieved by moving the rear arm bracket to the inside.