10th year anniversary of the Yamaha R-series

With the 10th year anniversary of the R-series, Yamaha invited the European press for a special press launch event to Japan where Yamaha's class-leading new Yamaha YZF-R6, now fitted with YCC-I variable intake (which was introduced on last years Yamaha YZF-R1), was unveiled. The media were full of praise for the machine, especially its improved handling package and increased mid to high range torque. When Yamaha unleashed the very first Yamaha YZF-R1 in 1998 the bike didn't just rewrite the rules for supersport performance, it tore them up and wrote its own.

The launch was a comprehensive two-center event, starting off with a visit to Iwata where Yamaha's headquarter is based to see not only a functioning factory production line but also Yamaha's unique Communication Plaza building, dedicated to the company's history of technology and innovation.

A short hop by air to the northern city of Sendai was the precursor to extensive track time on the new R6, at the former WSB and WSS circuit of Sportsland Sugo - Yamaha's very own top class racing facility.

There the journalists experienced the full benefits of Yamaha's GENICH philosophy, which uses sophisticated electronic control technologies to strengthen the communication between man and machine, heightening the overall riding experience.

Such is the freshness of the latest R-series Yamaha's that it is often astonishing to think that it all started off a decade ago. It is doubly surprising that the idea behind the brothers-in-R's is ten years old when you consider that an endless programme of improvement has kept Yamaha's outstanding Supersport machines nothing less than laser sharp, positioned right out on the tip of the leading edge. Forever young, but with a pedigree second to none.

To remind yourself of the seamless evolution and continuing dominance of the Yamaha YZF-R1 and the Yamaha YZF-R6. The Yamaha YZF-R6 is packed with tech from our world championship race programmes to take your riding excitement to the extreme. The Yamaha YZF-R6 enhances man-machine connection, giving you the confidence to exploit your skills. You get track-developed electronics: YCC-T chip-controlled throttle for ultimate acceleration and YCC-I electronically controlled variable intake funnels for bigger power and torque. Plus a race-developed chassis spec for razor-sharp handling.