2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 with revolutionary design unveiled, on sale in March 2017

4,000 units planned to be sold in North America in the first year.

The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 has been officially unveiled at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Florida, USA. The R6 has received the first major change after nine years, and enters its fifth generation.

The all-new Yamaha YZF-R6's captivating design has been derived from the 2016 Red Dot Award-winning Yamaha YZF-R1, which in turn, MotoGP followers would know, has a design inspired from the Yamaha YZR-M1. Yamaha calls the new design language "Next generation R-DNA". The newly-designed front fairing and windscreen have led to an 8% reduction in the drag coefficient.

The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 measures 2,040 mm in length, 695 mm in width and 1,150 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 1,375 mm. Its seat height is measured at 850 mm. Mechanically, the YZF-R6 hasn't received a complete makeover, the basic frame and the engine have been carried over from the outgoing model.

There's a new, slim CF magnesium die-cast rear subframe, which is approximately 200 mm narrower in width. The new seat has a gentler upward slant and provides improved seating position. The fuel tank is made of aluminum and is approximately 1.2 kg lighter compared to the outgoing steel fuel tank.

Noteworthy new features of the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 are, 43 mm KYB upside-down front fork (same as the YZF-R1's), new KYB rear suspension, newly-shaped LED position lights, 320 mm front disc brakes with radial-mount four-piston calipers and a Nissin radial-mount master cylinder (all from the YZF-R1) and ABS.

Also Read: 2017 Yamaha R15 v3.0 could get bigger diameter piston

The 599 cc liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine's maximum output and maximum torque, as well as the capabilities they provide i.e. the acceleration and top speed, are to be revealed. It will be paired to a 6-speed transmission.

The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 will be available in three colour schemes in the U.S. market: Matte Black, Team Yamaha Blue and Intensity White/Matte Silver. It has been priced at US$12,199 (INR 8,13,831.28) and will go on sale in March 2017.