For 2009 the Yamaha middleweight line-up is further strengthened with the arrival of the dynamic and agile new XJ6N.

This all-new 600 is one of the coolest and most desirable models in the important naked 600 category, and is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine that is tuned to deliver responsive low to mid-range torque for fun, easy riding.

With its strong flow of smooth handling power, this cool new 600 is a genuine all rounder, designed to make the rider feel equally at home in town, on twisty back roads and on the highway.

The lightweight, slim and compact new chassis features a low seat height, making the XJ6 an ideal machine for both new and experienced riders of all ages who want a stylish middleweight that can handle just about any situation. Designed to offer high levels of response, the easily controlled XJ6 is a bike that everyone will want to ride... an all level machine rather than entry level. And the contemporary design of the new chassis and bodywork underlines its position as a capable and attractive package.

Its newly-developed FZ6-based engine, combined with the compact, rider-friendly chassis design and agile handling ensure that this new naked 600 offers a truly special ride quality. Combined with its high levels of riding enjoyment and outstanding overall performance, the new XJ6 looks set to establish itself as a real favourite with a wide range of new owners in 2009 and beyond.

Engine features
A 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine was developed with linear performance to power the nimble handling XJ series. The engine has a bore x stroke of 65.5x 44.5mm and a high compression ratio of 12.2: 1.

Maximum output is achieved at 10,000rpm and maximum torque is obtained at 9,000rpm.

Even though the same bore x stroke and compression ratio as the FZ6 have been used, this is a new power unit that optimises the entire flow from the intake of the fuel-air mixture to combustion and exhaust. The cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system and clutch and shifter have been completely redesigned, creating a power unit with an entirely new character.

And the introduction of the latest vibration analysis technology for the chassis mount has contributed to making the ride extremely comfortable, with a minimum of vibration felt by the rider.

Newly designed cylinder head
The cylinder head has the same intake and exhaust valve sizes as the FZ6.
But good flow during low valve lift is ensured by using a slimmer port shape than the FZ6. And a throttle body diameter of 32mm has been adopted (throttle body diameter for FZ6 is 36mm) in order to optimise the intake flow volume.

Newly designed cam profile
The cam profile has been updated to match the new port shape. In addition to establishing a narrow overlap setting of 34º where both the intake valve and exhaust valve are open, the maximum valve lift is 6.6mm, enable the high compression ratio and high torque characteristics to be efficiently extracted in the low and middle rpm ranges. This is an important element in achieving good throttle control in the 4000 to 5000 rpm range.

The adoption of a narrow overlap angle minimises blow-by of unburned gas, promoting superior combustion. When combined with optimal settings for the ignition system and fuel injection system, this contributes to easy handling in the low and mid rpm ranges and good fuel economy.

One piece cylinder body
A newly designed cylinder body, which is formed as one piece with the upper crankcase, has been adopted, ensuring optimum rigidity balance.
The cylinders are ceramic composite plated. Because the liner, which has a different coefficient of thermal expansion, can be omitted, superior heat dissipation is ensured.

Even though this component is large and has a complicated shape integral with the upper side, unique Yamaha high-speed plating technology has been introduced in order to enable only the required surfaces on the cylinder walls to be plated.

Forged aluminium pistons adopted
As with the FZ6, lightweight forged aluminum pistons are adopted.

Because the aluminium alloy is heated and formed under pressure without having to melt it completely as in casting, the strength of the original metallurgic matrix of the aluminium is maintained. As a result, a forged piston is stronger than a cast one and can thus be lighter, which contributes to a reduction in vibration.

Mapping optimised for fuel injection
The same type of fuel injection system as the FZ6 has been adopted to ensure superior response and good environmental performance.

Mapping has been optimised in accordance with the new engine specifications, with a focus on ease of handling in the ranges where the engine is operated. The injectors are four-hole two-direction high dynamic range type, and superior injection control is achieved with a compact 32-bit ECU.

Midship muffler with three-way catalytic converter and O2 feedback control adopted
The exhaust pipes are 4-1 4-2-1 type, and converge in a midship muffler. A three-way catalytic converter has been adopted for the compact midship muffler, which is located in the lower portion in the centre of the chassis.

Signals from an O2 sensor that detects the residual oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is fed back to the ECU in order to provide optimum fuel supply and in turn enable the catalytic converter to function effectively.

The midship muffler is a three-stage expansion type, providing good
silencing, a sweet exhaust sound and aids the overall impression of concentration of mass in the machine design.

Newly designed clutch and shifter
In order to imporve ease of operation, the clutch and shifter are newly designed. The shift system has been moved from the left side to the right side of the crankcase, and updating of the components has resulted in superior shifting. A new crankcase was adopted in order to facilitate this optimal layout.

An inner push type clutch release mechanism has been adopted to improve operating ease and achieve a strong appearance. Due to its smooth characteristics and large degree of freedom in setting the lever ratio, when the inner push type clutch is engaged, it features superior contrast, and contributes to a good feel when it is halfway engaged.

Newly designed diamond-shaped frame
XJ engineers have creates a newly designed diamond-shaped steel frame made of high-tensile pipes. The main pipes are 31.8mm in diameter and 2.3mm thick. A simple design with a minimum of bending and welds has been adopted and good rigidity around the head and pivot points. The engine is supported on four points with a rigid mount on this frame, enabling the engine to contribute to the strength of the chassis. The same level of overall chassis rigidity has been provided as for the FZ6, and lateral rigidity has been balanced at a relatively low level in order to contribute to smooth cornering performance.

The structure of this frame contributes to the low seat height, which enables a wide range of riders to reach the ground with both feet.

Easy handling dimensions
The same basic dimensions have been adopted as for the FZ6, such as the 1440 mm wheelbase and engine mounting position. In order to further enhance the smoothness of the ride and comfort, the dimensions around the front of the bike have been optimised. The XJ has a caster angle of 26° and trail of 103.5mm, contributing to the sweet feeling the rider gets when steering the bike. (For reference: FZ6 has a caster angle of 25° and trail of 97.5mm)

Inner located swingarm bracket
A steel pipe with a square section has been adopted for the swingarm, providing superior rigidity balance. A structure has been used where the bracket that supports this rear arm is located inside the swingarm, helping make the body design slimmer.

41mm inner tube adopted for front forks
A conventional type front suspension has been adopted with 41mm inner tubes. The handlebar crown that supports this is made from die-cast aluminum, and a forged steel part is used for the under bracket, providing superior cushioning performance and a good feeling with the ground around the front wheel.

The rear suspension is lightweight and contributes to the centralisation of mass, and a mono-cross suspension has been adopted to provide wheel travel higher than the shock unit stroke.

Superior road hugging performance has been achieved with optimum design damping force valves and oil channels.

Lightweight 520 chain with a minimum of friction loss
A 520 chain has been adopted for the drive chain. It features a minimum of friction loss, and a reduction in the drag load provides good transmission of power. The sprocket specifications have been optimised to match the chain (FZ6 uses 530 size). In addition, the rear axle has a smaller diameter of 17mm, reducing overall weight (FZ6 has a 28mm diameter axle).

Front/rear brakes provide superior feeling of control
The front brakes have lightweight design 45mm thick and 298mm diameter double discs. Hoses with an optimised coefficient of expansion have been adopted for this model, enhancing operating ease when initially braking. (For reference purposes: Discs are 0.5mm thinner than those used with the FZ6, resulting in total weight reduction on the two discs of about 180g).

The rear brake uses a 245mm disc, and the relationship between the pedal lever ratio and return spring force constant has been optimised, helping to generate braking force that is in proportion to the amount the pedal is depressed. Furthermore, the pads are semi-metal type, and the material has been re-examined in order to make the brakes easier to use.

Radial tyres adopted on front and rear
The front radial tyre is a 120/70R 17inch and the rear radial tyre is a 160/16R 17inch (FZ6 rear tyre is 180/55ZR 17inch).

New cast wheels adopted
Newly designed cast wheels have been adopted where the balance of specific strength and rigidity have been optimised. While they centralise the mass by means of a lightweight design, they also optimise the gyro moment around the front of the bike, and contribute to agile handling.

‘Pleasure sports’ styling
The body styling is an expression of the design goal of creating a pleasure sports model with brisk performance and easy handling.

There were three key phrases that were kept in mind in creating the styling and sculptured design. These were responsiveness, every day usability and timeless value.

In addition to working to embody the above concepts, two points were established in order to provide the XJ6 with a distinct type of appeal. 1) The visualisation of a newly designed frame and 2)

Creating a new form balance by locating the rear arm bracket on the inside.

All of these elements are realised three dimensionally.

In addition to providing excitement for the rider, this bike is designed for virtually any situation, without being limited by region or culture, season or weather, or by the road environment or other elements. It has a brand of styling that cuts a brisk and refreshing image wherever it goes.

Other features
New meter panel (provided with digital display speedometer, analog tachometer, odometer/tripmeter, fuel gauge, water coolant and air temperature gauges) Superior shine of exterior coating prevents scratches from standing out. (front fender, side covers, etc.) Aluminum foot rest bracket
U-shaped lockable storage compartment beneath seat.

For U-lock up to 300 mm in length.

Adjustable handlebar position adopted (Centre of handlebar holder is offset by 10mm to the front/rear, so the position can be changed by 20mm by rotating it 180°)

XJ6N Model Overview

• Easy-handling, dynamic and stylish new middleweight
• Rider-friendly linear power characteristics
• Slim and lightweight handling feel
• Ideal balance of controllability and performance
• Newly-developed FZ6-based 600cc engine
• Plenty of low to mid-range torque
• Compact and attractive chassis
• Contemporary bodywork design give cool, light and agile roadster look
• Outstanding levels of fun, enjoyment and performance

Engine Technical Highlights

• 600cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC
• Newly-developed high-compression cylinder head
• Slimmer inlet ports
• Cam profile designed for strong and linear low to mid-range torque
• One-piece cylinder and upper crankcase for good rigidity
• Bore x stroke 65.5 mm x 44.5 mm
• Lightweight forged aluminium pistons
• Four-hole two-direction fuel injection system
• 4-2-1 exhaust with midship muffler located beneath chassis
• 3-way catalyser and exhaust O2 sensor
• New inner-push type clutch for easy action
• Redesigned shift mechanism for smooth and easy gear changing

Chassis Technical Highlights

• Newly-designed high-tensile steel diamond-type frame
• Idealised balance of lateral rigidity for strong cornering performance
• 1440mm wheelbase
• Easy-handling caster angle of 26 degrees and 103.5mm trail
• Hexagonal slimline fuel tank with comfortable knee-grip area
• New slimline swingarm with inner bracket design
• 41mm diameter conventional front forks
• Monocross rear suspension
• 17.3 litre fuel tank capacity
• Low 785 mm seat height
• Lightweight 298 mm front discs and 245 mm rear disc, thickness 4.5mm
• 120/70-ZR17 front tyre and 160/60-ZR17 rear tyre
• Lightweight, low-drag 520 chain (FZ6 is 530)
• Newly-designed lightweight cast wheels
• Timeless new styling emphasises concentration of mass
• New multi-function instrumentation
• Adjustable handlebar position

Available colours

Extreme Yellow
Midnight Black

Accessories

Yamaha will offer a range of accessories created specifically for the XJ6, and the line-up will be available from authorised Yamaha dealers. The accessory range will include:
Aluminium rear carrier
Centre stand
Engine guard
City tank bag
Roller protectors
Tank pad
46-litre top case
Inner bag for top case
Back rest for top case

For further information contact: