2006 Yamaha YZF-R6 Shootout Photo Gallery

Photos of the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R6 Track Shootout. 2006 Supersport Shootout IV Track

In a track test, determining which mount is the most race ready is a significant factor. Straight out of the box, the Suzuki and Yamaha tied for the top position. Not a surprising result when you look at the AMA Supersport championship standing.

A fairly high tailsection is balanced by moderately low bars. In use, the chassis feels stiff and tight in a solid and reassuring way.

Don displays the Yamaha's amble cornering abilities. The R6 excelled at both low- and high-speed cornering, taking the top place in both categories.

The experienced Becklin got a time on the R6 that tied for his quickest overall, while it went second-quick for grizzled race veteran Roberti.

The Yamaha R6 went around in last place for Hutch and fourth for BC.

The 2006 Yamaha R6 looks like its hauling ass, even while standing still.

The R6's braking system is as up to date as it gets, with radial this and that, etc, and most of us praised its firm brake lever and strong, controllable power that yielded a high score.

The cockpit of the R6 is very racy, with a minuscule windscreen and easy to read gauges that feature a large tach mounted front and center.

The nimble R6 handles corners with aplomb, provided you have it in the ten-figure rev range.

The R6 only really gets into the meat of its powerband at 13,000 revs, so a fast rider will want to keep it there as long as possible. The resulting frequent high-rpm downshifts make its slipper clutch practically a necessity.

Countering the R6's supreme handling is a motor that makes getting around a racetrack quickly a real effort.

The nimble R6 handles corners with aplomb, provided you have it in the ten-figure rev range.

The high-revving (though not as high as advertised) Yamaha is a purpose-built track weapon, but will have to stew over its second-place finish in our 2006 track shootout.

In mid-range power, the sleek Yamaha doesn't measure up.

The Yamaha possesses a track-friendly transmission, made even more forgiving by its slipper clutch. Becklin (above) used the screamer to good effect, cutting a lap on it that tied the Triumph for his best during the test.