Solid rain on Monday, not great conditions to try out my latest sampling, the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion – unfortunately not available in Canada for 2009 – on the world’s most slippery white lines, nice meter-wide ones too!


This new-for-2009 machine uses a slightly down-level R6 power train, re-engineered to increase torque and smoothness at city-level revs, say 2,000 to 6,000 rpm, at the inevitable expense of seldom used all-out power at the top of the rev range. This dressed up version of the European Fazer is a comfortable, easy-to-ride machine in town as well as on country roads and for longer distance cruising – all for a reasonable entry level price for a mid-size bike.

The Yamaha trademark has long been the smoothness of their in-line fours, and this variant is undoubtedly the most turbine like ever. Combine this with a willingness to rev upon demand, and you get a seamless flow of torque and power whenever you need it – you hardly know that the little motor is working for you.

Ergos according to my “110 Rating Scale” (110 being my weight in kg!) are “Softened Café Racer”, or “Slightly Compressed Standard”, take your pick. Either way, anyone under 1.75 m and 87 kg will fit perfectly, for urban and highway riding as well as for the occasional track day, where the easy-to-ride machine will be particularly enjoyable for novice and amateur riders.

Off to Austria now, with the next report on line Friday.


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Euro Trip - June 5, 6, 7, Paris
Euro Trip - June 4, Paris
Euro Trip - June 3, Paris
Euro Trip - Six bikes and the Erzberg Rodeo




Photo Credit : Marc Cantin