03 vs.05 YamahaR6

Every year is a new year giving new opportunity to be number one in the motorcycle industry. What distinguishes one maker from another? A Honda owner will argue that their bike is better than a Yamaha. A Suzuki owner will argue that their bike is better than a Kawasaki. A Harley owner won't even spend time comparing their bike to a Japanese bike. To decrease argumentative competition let's compare the same model but different years.

In 2003 Yamaha introduced their R-style fuel injection. This allowed Yamaha to climb the ladder and sit on the platform right next to Kawasaki's ZX-6R and Honda's CBR600RR. All bike models are trying to fully utilize what they have learned from the track and now let street rider's enjoy the technology. In the mid-size category competition is fierce between all of the makers which allow the riders to decide what design is best for them. Riders should not invest their hard-earned money simply into a name or a color. The riding position, the ride height, the torque, the tires, the suspension, and how it performs for one's ride style should be what is most important.

In 2005 there were little changes from the model that was introduced in 2003. Why fix what isn't broken? Although, the changes that were made were small yet significant they enhanced the R6 tremendously. Yamaha chose to release this version of the R6 to market before all of the rest. There was a gap between major changes in bike design so Yamaha thought it best to be first on the market to shine above the rest. Primarily, the inverted forks and slightly larger front tire changed how the bike rides versus the 03. The 03 model will fall into a turn without much work from the rider but while in the turn rough asphalt will make the ride rugged. The inverted forks and larger front tire make the rider work to start the turn but once the rider is in the turn their reasons for riding are rejuvenated. The bike handles any obstacles in the road and any bumps are no enemy of the 05 R6. The springs were increased and with the rear spring being increase it raised the seat height slightly. These modifications were well worth it because the 05 handles turns like a champ while the 03 holds up the Yamaha name proudly but the rider will never doubt their ability to make the turn on the 05.

The 05 does sit slightly higher than the 03 and for shorter riders that may feel a little uncomfortable. The only time this makes a huge difference is waiting at a long stop light that is hindering one's freedom. Once the bike takes off with the rider attached, the ride height does nothing but make the rider feel one with the machine. The one thing that the R6 promotes is rider oneness with the machine. The Honda gas tank feels like it pushes the rider away - not wanting to cuddle. The Kawasaki puts more force on the rider's wrists turning the relationship into more give than take. The 05 gas tank has a dip right before it levels off. This provides a cushion (as much as metal can provide) for the tuck position. While on the freeway on the 03 the rider is wrapped around the tank but for long straight rides there is pressure placed upon the chest of the rider. The rider finds themselves sitting up every now and then for a break. On the 05 the rider feels like the bike and rider are one integral unit. Without one you can not have the other. The chest rests on the tank, the knees are held close to the sides, and the arms hug the bike close. The bike responds to the rider and the rider responds to the bike. They are one through twisties, curves, and straight-aways.

Performance wise there is not much difference. Adding fuel injection in 03 was a great move for Yamaha. In 05 fuel injection is still present, with a bigger air box, and a gain of 3hp at 13,000 rpms. The major difference is in the ride. The bike yearns for the rider to push it to the limits. The rider can be confidant in the fact that the bike will handle all that the rider can dish out. The springs will absorb shock without a problem, the throttle bodies will deliver the right fuel at the right time, the brakes will stop the bike on a dime, and the tires will grip the asphalt with fierceness. Again, the differences are minute but that just proves that Yamaha technology is just getting better and better. What will they think of next?