Yamaha XJ6 - Buyers guide

Yamaha has always had a surfeit of nakeds in its stable. When the XJ6 was first launched in around 2009, it shared space with the FZ series and now with the MT series. Both the FZ and the MT made the XZ look less sporty and appealing. The XJ6 is the naked version of the Diversion which itself was like the forgotten uncle in the Yamaha family tree. But the charm of the Diversion and the XJ6 lay in their practicality and versatility. This is not some race focused bike with extreme looks and exciting performance. Instead, you get a bike that is easy on the eyes, useful, predictable while also being fun. These qualities made the Yamaha XJ6 and indeed the Diversion series by extension, very novice friendly. This beginner-friendly nature has indeed carved a different sort of legacy for the XJ6 and made it a very popular as a starter bike if not as popular as the FZ or the MT series.

Yamaha made this bike easy and comfortable to use. The engine is the detuned version of the mill in the FZ6. Being detuned this means that the engine never feels strained. It is a DOHC liquid cooled and fuel injected forward inclined parallel with 4 valves per cylinder. Producing 77.5 PS at 10000 rpm and 59.7 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm, this is not exactly some firecracker of an engine. The engine will feel slow when getting to speed but you can ride around 3000 rpm all day without mucking about the gears too much. It has a 6-speed transmission that ensures smooth and ample power delivery at any revs. Overtaking manoeuvres do not take too much thought. This power delivery makes it easy to use in the city as well as on the highways. Mileage is also rated at a high 20 kmpl. The 17-litre fuel tank gives it good range too.

The chunky styling of the bike hints towards practicality and durability. The engine and indeed the rest of the bike is bulletproof. It favours steel over alloys and does not come with a lot that could go wrong. That includes the ABS which is missing from those being sold in Malaysia. There is, however, some easy to read and illuminated digital analogue mix display and an under-seat storage area.

Unlike the FZ, its focus is more on comfort than on sportiness. The smooth and refined engine, therefore, is complemented by a suspension setup that favours comfort. The seat is low at 785 mm. The tank is ergonomically sculpted and the handlebars are adjustable. This gives the rider a comfortable sit up and beg riding position. The tubular steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member which brings in the weight at just 206 kg fully loaded. The suspension in the front is telescopic but the rear gets linked monoshock with spring preload adjustment. With 130 mm of travel on both ends, this setup does well on all road conditions. It even comes with dual front disc brakes along with a single disc in the rear.

 

The bike has been on sale in the market unchanged since 2013. Despite this, it is still a very appealing prospect for anyone looking for a starter bike. There are newer bikes like the Honda CB650F and the Triumph 765 that will also do the job. But the XJ6 continues to be just as good if not better than these upstarts. A new one can be bought for little above RM 37,000. Although its future may be uncertain. Finding good examples for sale in the second-hand market is also just as viable. Being a commuter bike you must be on the lookout for crash damage and check if the bars are on straight. Being a budget bike look out for rust issues in the usual places. Suspension linkages, collector box under the motor and sliding callipers on the front should be given special attention. Minor electrical issues, rust around fasteners and chipping of the paint on the front forks can also be expected. Thankfully the exhaust downpipes are of good quality.

The XJ6 may look old, but it is still a lot of bike for the money. Not everyone wants an extreme race inspired bike to tear up the road. Some of us would just like something usable, reliable, and practical for our daily commute. For all such people, the XJ6 is still a good bet.