In 2008, The Japanee motorcycle manufacturer released the Yamaha YZF-R6, one of the most popular supersport-class bikes in the world that carried on the heritage of the family through the 2008 model, packed with lots of high-tech parts such as the fly-by-wire system and a MotoGP-inspired frame.
Also, it was the first production motorcycle that featured a fly-by-wire system for flawless throttle response under all conditions and the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) system first introduced on the 2007 R1 motorcycle was also part of the R6.
Some of the new features for the 2008 YZF-R6 model included the all-new frame and a new swingarm, a magnesium subframe that reduced the rear end weight for better mass balance, an upgraded fuel injection system with dual injectors for better throttle response and less engine braking, and a revised bodywork that resulted in better aerodynamic efficiency.
The 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6 had at its core a 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 129 hp with a peak at 14,500 rpm and 66 Nm (49 lb-ft) of torque available at 11,000 rpm.
The bike tipped the scale at 166 kg (366 lbs) dry weight, and with a six-speed manual transmission and a multi-plate slipper clutch, it registered a top speed of 257 kph (160 mph).
Light, powerful, and packed with years of racing knowledge, the YZF-R6 was the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle ever built at the time.