Yamaha XJ6 Diversion 2013 — Specifications

So, would we be bored without her? There was a time when Yamaha dealerships displayed a gaping hole between the YBR 125 and the FZ6. No more simple, affordable machine to devour tarmac without breaking the bank or pretending to be a MotoGP rider. This is the void that the new generation of the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion filled in 2009. Not a revolution, but a well-felt return to basics, a proposition that makes sense for those who have just obtained their A2 license or riders seeking simplicity.

This 2013 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F, with its small front fairing, is the road-going version of the base model. It shares everything with its naked twin, except for this windscreen which offers honest protection from the elements. The idea is clear: to offer a reliable, no-frills everyday motorcycle. At €7,499, it sits in the courtyard of accessible machines, facing competitors such as the Suzuki Bandit 650 or the Kawasaki ER-6f. Its engine, a 600 cc inline-four inherited from the FZ6 (itself derived from the ancient R6 base), has been massively reworked for this application. It has been given a more urban, more accessible character. The 78 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 59.7 Nm of torque at 6,100 rpm won’t tear your arms off, but they are there, available and linear. It is the antithesis of a high-revving sports engine: it pulls from low rpm and proves exemplary docile in the city. For a first large-displacement motorcycle or a utility bike, it’s exactly what you need.

The "no-frills" philosophy is reflected in the chassis. A classic and robust steel tubular frame replaces the aluminum Deltabox found on the more sporty siblings. A conventional 41 mm fork, a linkage monoshock, conventional caliper brakes… Nothing shines with technicality, but everything works with disarming honesty. The weight of 211 kg fully fueled is not a feather, but the bike is well-balanced and the seat height of 785 mm is reassuring. It’s a machine that inspires confidence immediately, whether weaving through traffic jams or attacking a mountain pass at a sustained pace. It won’t punish you for a trajectory error. It forgives, it accompanies. That’s its greatest strength.

But is it a bland motorcycle? It all depends on what you are looking for. If your criterion is raw sensation, the aggressiveness of a sports bike, you will be disappointed. The XJ6 Diversion, whether we’re talking about the F version or the naked, is a workhorse. It excels in everyday journeys, long trips without fatigue, accompanying a passenger without a murmur. Its 17-liter tank offers decent range. The 2013 updates, such as the improved passenger grips or the LED-illuminated dashboard, are details that improve the experience without betraying the spirit of the machine. It remains, in spirit, the worthy heir of the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion of yesteryear, those indestructible machines that are still found in number on the second-hand market.

So, who is it for? For the novice who wants a first large-displacement, reassuring and versatile motorcycle. For the experienced rider looking for a second simple and effective machine for the city or commuting. For driving schools looking for a solid mount to train future A2 license holders. This Yamaha XJ6 Diversion doesn’t make anyone dream at first glance. But after a few kilometers, you understand its charm. It’s the motorcycle that does the job, without complaining, without requiring expensive maintenance, and that always brings you home with a smile. In a world where complexity is often queen, it’s a precious virtue.