yamaha XJ6 Diversion

One of the laziest new bike developments for 2010, the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F is simply a standard Diversion with a full fairing and ABS. It’s a similarly easy to ride all-rounder that’s practical as a day-to-day bike, but it’s a bit more stylish than the half-faired bike.

Engine

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Owners' rating

The engine was used in the 2003 YZF-R6 once upon a time – so it has a slightly peculiar feeling of a willingness to rev, but it never seems to take off at the top end. The power curve is very flat which makes it unintimidating for new riders or on wet days. Response below 3000rpm is a bit fluffy, but above that it’ll drive cleanly in any gear, making overtaking easy. Not rocket ship fast, but it’s quick enough for this sort of bike. 

Ride and Handling

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Owners' rating

Competent and unthreatening with a distinct budget feel. It can be ridden quite quickly, but is also reassuring in the wet and well-balanced at low speed. The cheap suspension is OK riding solo, but hard riding or taking a pillion highlights the slightly crude damping.

Equipment

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Owners' rating

Good for a simple middleweight – ABS brakes as standard, a decent underseat cubby hole, centrestand and pillion grab rails are useful, practical touches. The digital dash is comprehensive, the mirrors work well and it’s comfy enough too.

Quality and Reliability

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Owners' rating

Packing 25bhp less than the engine was originally designed to handle, it’s massively under stressed. Expect no problems there. Finish is OK, but the fussy detail is harder to clean than some rivals, and like any bike you’ll need to keep it clean during winter to prevent corrosion taking hold. Yamaha brakes are historically prone to corroding and seizing.

Value

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Owners' rating

A year ago this would have got a higher rating, but Yamaha’s 2010 pricing seems to be more greatly affected by the pound/yen exchange rate, leaving the £6499 XJ6 Diversion F looking pricey next to rivals. A good bike, but there’s equally good bikes for less.

Insurance

Insurance group: 10

Model History

2009: New model, introduced in USA only as FZ6R.
2010: Introduced to Europe as XJ6 Diversion F. Changes limited to colour options, name and one-piece seat instead of two-piece.

Other Versions

Yamaha XJ6 Diversion: Technically identical except for no ABS option and half-fairing only. Arguably a better buy at £800 less.

Specifications

Top speed	125mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	78bhp
Torque	44ftlb
Weight	222kg
Seat height	785mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	45mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	10

Engine size	599cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled, 16v inline four-cylinder. Six gears
Frame	Tubular steel diamond
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	298mm twin discs, two-piston sliding calipers with ABS
Rear brake	245mm disc, single-piston caliper, ABS
Front tyre size	120/70-17
Rear tyre size	160/60-17