“More of the same” is good when it’s a mid-weight success story
By Ed Maurer, Yamaha monthly

2008 YZF-R6S
Some folks would contend that “more of the same” isn’t what they want. Well, it is exactly what you want when it’s Yamaha’s 2008 YZF-R6S Sportbike, the inheritor of bragging rights that includes being deemed “Best Middleweight Streetbike” for 2005 by Cycle World Magazine and the AMA Supersport Champ of 2003.

With a curb weight in the mid-300 pound range, this honey can hit top speed in a hurry with its 600cc inline four-cylinder putting out 123 horses. Now, there are bikes with more horsepower; it’s true, but real power is measured in weight ratios. For a mid-weight bike with a power to weight ratio of 1:0.351, the R6S is definitely a contender 2008 YZF-R6Sby anybody’s measure. Tie the rear wheel to the four cylinders with its six-speed, close-ratio transmission and you have a bike that delivers seamless power to a 180/55-ZR17 rear wheel, making it not only a quick bike, but a fun ride, to boot.