Yamaha XJ6 600 Naked 2009 — Specifications

We all remember that first large displacement, that accessible machine that opened the road for us. Yamaha, with its 2009 XJ6 Naked, attempted to awaken this memory by modernizing the recipe. The idea was simple: to fill the gap left by the disappearance of the old XJs and offer an alternative less aggressive than the FZ6, at a contained price of around 6000 euros. A bet on simplicity and versatility in a market then overrun with streetfighters resembling superbikes.

Visually, it plays the card of presence without excess. It borrows its gaze from the FZ1, with that aggressive headlight topped with a light signature, and adopts a flowing rear end that cleverly hides the exhaust pipe under the engine. It has presence, that's undeniable. But alongside a mischievous ER-6n or a Bandit 650 with a more robust look, it displays a more poised, almost wise character. It is a motorcycle that does not seek aesthetic brawls, it simply affirms its own clean and technical line.

The heart of the beast is an inline four-cylinder engine derived from that of the FZ6, itself from the 2003 R6. But here, everything has been reworked for flexibility and ease of use. The 78 horsepower at 10000 rpm and the 60 Nm of torque at 8500 rpm are not figures that stifle, but they promise a progressive and usable power curve. Compared to the Kawasaki's twin-cylinder or the Suzuki's four, it offers this linearity and sound that charm the multi-cylinder engines. It is housed in a simple and robust steel diamond frame, associated with a conventional 41 mm fork and a single shock absorber. The braking, with two front discs, is honest without being sporty. At 205 kg fully fueled, it's not a featherweight, but its ergonomics with a 78.5 cm seat height make it accessible.

This is where the experienced rider may be slightly disappointed. This search for accessibility comes at the expense of bite. The deliberately stable geometry, with a long wheelbase, and the basic suspension make it a very safe, predictable, but not very exciting machine. It forgives everything, but does not encourage excesses. It is the antithesis of the playful streetfighter. On the other hand, for the novice or the rider looking for a reliable and comfortable machine for the city and short trips, it is a winning formula. The 17-liter fuel tank and upright riding position make it a convincing urban touring machine.

The 2009 Yamaha XJ6 Naked is therefore an honest motorcycle. It does not make you dream with fiery performance or a track chassis, but it fulfills its mission with remarkable efficiency. It is the ideal machine for those looking for a reassuring first large displacement, a convenient daily commuter, or a reliable base without fuss. Faced with the competition, it relies on maturity and serenity rather than immediate fun. An assumed choice, which will find its audience among those who prioritize substance over form.