With the 10th year anniversary of the R-series, Yamaha invited the European press for a special press launch event to Japan where Yamaha’s class-leading new Yamaha YZF-R6, now fitted with YCC-I variable intake (which was introduced on last years Yamaha YZF-R1), was unveiled. The media were full of praise for the machine, especially its improved handling package and increased mid to high range torque. When Yamaha unleashed the very first Yamaha YZF-R1 in 1998 the bike didn’t just rewrite the rules for supersport performance, it tore them up and wrote its own.

The launch was a comprehensive two-center event, starting off with a visit to Iwata where Yamaha’s headquarter is based to see not only a functioning factory production line but also Yamaha’s unique Communication Plaza building, dedicated to the company’s history of technology and innovation.