Yamaha XJ6 Diversion 2014 — Specifications

How to rediscover the essence of an accessible motorcycle, this gateway to the world of grand touring that has seduced so many new riders? Yamaha responded with the new generation of the XJ6 Diversion in 2009, a renaissance that fills a gap in its range after the retirement of the old XJS. This time, it arrives with a faired version, the Diversion F, and a naked version, designed for driving schools and novices. The bet is simple: offer a modern, versatile, and unpretentious Yamaha XJ6 Diversion motorcycle at a price that isn't frightening.

Technically, it opts for straightforward simplicity. We are far from the technological showcases of sportbikes. The frame is a good old steel tube diamond, the fork a conventional 41 mm, the brakes classic two-piston calipers. No Deltabox, no variable intake, no inverted fork. This philosophy allows a price of around €7600, much more affordable than the Fazer of the time, and gives it an immediate road character, far from the sometimes unlivable radicality of a hypersport. The engine is a crucial point. It derives from the FZ6 block, itself from the R6, but it has been deeply reworked for versatility. The camshafts, injection, and exhaust are optimized for low and mid-range speeds. The result is an inline four-cylinder engine of 600 cm³ delivering 78 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and a torque of 58.8 Nm at 8,500 rpm. It is supple, available, and makes this machine an efficient urban and touring motorcycle, much more characterful than the antique engine of the old XJ. A weight of 211 kg fully fueled and a seat height of 785 mm make it a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion motorcycle that is easy to grasp.

On the road, it plays its role as a good all-rounder with conviction. The wheelbase and rake are sensible, the protection from the half-fairing is judicious. It is not made to squabble, but for the pleasure of everyday riding. It competes directly with rivals such as the Kawasaki ER-6f, the Suzuki Bandit 650, or the Honda CBF 600. Its strength is this alchemy between safe road behavior and modern mechanics without complication. In 2013, Yamaha brought a few refinements: improved passenger grips, an LED dashboard, and transparent turn signals. For whom? Mainly the new license holder, the globetrotter looking for a reliable and economical machine, or those who want a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion used motorcycle without breaking the bank. It is a machine that does the job without fuss, ready for all services.

Its flaw? Some may regret the lack of technological panache, this conventional fork that "doesn't throw enough" compared to an inverted one. But it is a choice consistent with its positioning and price. ABS was an optional extra of €400, an investment often worthwhile. In short, the XJ6 Diversion F, and its S version, have fulfilled their mission: to offer a serious and pleasant entry point into the world of 600 cm³. They have proven that simplicity, when well thought out, can be a virtue. For those looking for Yamaha XJ6 Diversion accessories or a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion rearview mirror, the parts market remains active, testifying to the lasting popularity of this machine.