The '08 Yamaha R6 is basically a brand new machine, it gets upgrades ala the R1 and other technologies from Yamaha's various racing programs. image by thanks, yamaha

The '08 Yamaha YZF-R6 announced earlier today looks like the next step in Supersport evolution. The bike boasts a new frame and several radical engine upgrades, which together bring about a machine Yamaha calls "... the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle Yamaha -- or anybody else --has ever built."

Compression ratio on the '08 Yamaha R6 has been boosted to 13.1 to 1 and it gets "upgraded" fuel injection mapping which complement the new compression ratio for "great throttle response and reduced engine braking". That and over 50 other tweaks have been performed to reduce friction internally. The R6 now has a variable intake (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake/YCC-I) system like the R1—but because the R6 spins like nothing else, Yamaha says the effects of the YCC-I system are even more pronounced.

Super modern electronics, zonking fast engine, and did we mention a magnesium subframe? image thanks, yamaha

The '08 R6 gets new suspension -- new tubes up front and swingarm out back. Riding position is now canted forward to help on corner turn-in, and the front brake discs are thicker, too.

And there's new bodywork for "greater aerodynamic efficiency".

Here's something we think is really cool ... quick release license plate and lap timer on the handlebar. Instant trackday bike.

The price is $9599 and they will be released in November. The yellow version is $9799 and comes in December.

Here's the spec sheet:

Model - YZFR6XL; YZFR6XB; YZFR6XS; YZFR6XY

Engine - 599cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder;DOHC, 16 titanium valves

Bore x stroke - 67.0 x 42.5mm

Compression ratio - 13.1:1

Carburetion - Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I

Ignition - TCI

Transmission - 6-speed; multiplate slipper clutch

Final drive - Chain

Front suspension - 41mm inverted fork; 4-way adjustable,
4.7-in travel

A new take on the traditional yellow and black Yamaha. image by thanks, yamaha

Rear suspension- Single shock; 4-way adjustable,
4.7-in travel

Front brakes - Dual 310mm floating disc; radial-mount
4-piston calipers

Rear brakes - 220mm disc; single-piston caliper

Front tire -120/70-ZR17

Rear tire - 180/55-ZR17

L x W x H - 80.3 x 27.6 x 43.3 in

Seat Height - 33.5 in

Wheelbase - 54.3 in

Rake - 24.0 degrees

Trail - 3.8 in

Fuel capacity - 4.6 gal

Dry Weight -366 lb

Color - Team Yamaha Blue/White; Raven;
Liquid Silver; Cadmium Yellow w/Flames