2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 Specifications

Name: 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6
Brand: Yamaha

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 Overview

Yamaha YZF 600 R6 is a sport motorcycle, displacing 599 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.1:1. On the performance side, it delivers 94.9 kW @ 14500 rpm of peak power and 65.8 Nm @ 11000 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 256.9 km/h. On the road, the 2008 YZF 600 R6 tips the scales at 188 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1380 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 6.6 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. The full 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 compared with other bikes in the Sport category

We checked the recorded figures for the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 against up to 1607 bikes in the Sport category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

Only 50 of the other 1606 bikes in the Sport category have a taller seat height than the 850 mm of the YZF 600 R6.
With 530 W/kg, the YZF 600 R6 has the joint 184th highest power-to-weight ratio of 727 bikes in the Sport category, 37% above the category average of 385 W/kg.
Top speed of 257 km/h is higher than that of 633 of the other 879 bikes in the Sport category.
Narrowing the field to the 625 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 850 mm is taller than that of 596 of the other 624.

Versus the 2007 model

Compared with the 2007 model, peak power increased from 93.4 kW to 99.6 kW (+6.2 kW) and peak torque climbed from 59.4 Nm to 69.1 Nm (+9.7 Nm). Displacement and top speed are unchanged.

2008 YZF 600 R6 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 94.9 kW @ 14500 rpm and 65.8 Nm @ 11000 rpm of torque on tap, the YZF 600 R6 is no slouch for its class.
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 850 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

YZF 600 R6's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.

Fuelling & injector care

The fuel injectionwith YCC-T and YCC-I on the YZF 600 R6 needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from 2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The YZF 600 R6's suspension runs 41 mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, separate high & low-speed compression damping, rebound damping at the front. The rear uses Fully adjustable link Monocross, 4-way adjustable. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The YZF 600 R6 uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Deltabox aluminium frame with revised rigidity balance, the YZF 600 R6's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

YZF 600 R6 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 with its 599 cc sport, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 18 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy YZF 600 R6 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the YZF 600 R6's 599 cc four stroke, transverse four cylinder, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 13.1:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Fuel system care

Fuel injection on the YZF 600 R6 needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.

2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 have?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 uses a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 599 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 has a factory-quoted top speed of 256.9 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 weigh?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 weighs 188 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 make?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 produces 94.9 kW @ 14500 rpm of power and 65.8 Nm @ 11000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.

Is the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 has a seat height of 850 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 have?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 uses 2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 use?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 have?

The 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Yamaha YZF 600 R6 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha YZF 600 R6 was produced across 11 model years (2006-2020). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2006	2007	2008	2010	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Max Power	125.3 hp / 93.4 kW @ @14500 rpm	125.3 hp / 93.4 kW @ @14500 rpm	94.9 kW / 129 hp @ 14500 rpm	94.9 kW / 129 hp @ 14500 rpm	94.9 kW / 129 hp @ 14500 rpm	123.7 hp / 91 kW @ 14500 rpm	94.9 kW / 129 hp @ 14500 rpm	87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm	87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm	87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm	87.1 kW / 116.7 hp @ 14500 rpm
Wet Weight	-	-	188 kg / 413.6 lb	189 kg / 415.8 lbs.	189 kg / 415.8 lbs.	189 kg / 415.8 lbs.	189 kg / 415.8 lbs.	190 kg / 419 lbs	190 kg / 419 lbs	190 kg / 419 lbs	190 kg / 419 lbs
Dry Weight	162 kg / 357 lbs (single seat 161 kg)	162 kg / 357 lbs (single seat 161 kg)	166 kg / 366 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Top Speed	255.1 km/h	255.1 km/h	256.9 km/h	256.9 km/h	256.9 km/h	256.9 km/h	256.9 km/h	-	-	-	-
Fuel Capacity	17 Litres / 4.5 gal	17 Litres / 4.5 gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17.5 Liters / 3.7 gal	17.5 Liters / 3.7 gal	17.5 Liters / 3.7 gal	17.5 Liters / 3.7 gal	17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17.5 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wheelbase	1380 mm / 53.4 in	1380 mm / 53.4 in	1380 mm / 54.3 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in	1375 mm / 54.1 in
Brakes - Front	2x 310mm floating discs	2x 310mm floating discs	2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

94.9 kW / 129 hp @ 14500 rpm

Torque

65.8 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 11000 rpm

Top Speed

256.9 km/h

Weight

188 kg / 413.6 lb

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Full 2008 Yamaha YZF 600 R6 Specifications

Year 2008

Make Model Yamaha YZF 600 R6

Seat Height 850 mm / 33.5 in

Wheelbase 1380 mm / 54.3 in

Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in

Height 1090 mm / 43.1in

Length 2040 mm / 80.3in

Width 700 mm / 27.6 in

Dry Weight 166 kg / 366 lbs

Fuel Capacity 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Wet Weight 188 kg / 413.6 lb

Top Speed 256.9 km/h

Max Power 94.9 kW / 129 hp @ 14500 rpm

Max Power 99.6 kW / 135 hp @ 14500 rpm

Max Torque 65.8 Nm / 48.5 lb-ft @ 11000 rpm

Max Torque 69.1 Nm / 50.9 lb-ft @ 11000 rpm

Standing Start ¼ Mile 11.6 sec

Displacement 599 cc / 36.5 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke 67 x 42.5 mm

Compression Ratio 13.1:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Consumption 19.3 km/lit

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

Ignition TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)

Lubrication Wet sump

Starter Electric

Clutch Multi-plate slipper clutch

Final Drive #525 O-ring chain

Gear Ratios 1st 31/12 (2.583) / 2nd 32/16 (2.000) / 3rd 30/18 (1.667) / 4th 26/18 (1.444) / 5th 27/21 (1.286) / 6th 23/20 (1.150)

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Deltabox aluminium frame with revised rigidity balance

Suspension - Front 41 mm inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, separate high & low-speed compression damping, rebound damping

Suspension - Rear Fully adjustable link Monocross, 4-way adjustable

Rake 24°

Trail 97mm / 3.8 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 120 mm / 4.7 in

Brakes - Front 2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17

Tyres - Rear 180/55 ZR17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.