Speedmonkey: 2013 Yamaha Diversion and XJ6

I like the XJ6 a lot. It's bulk is carried low which makes for a sweet handling bike, it has just about enough power (76bhp) to make it feel quick and the design is top notch - albeit very much of the moment. Whether it will remain funky looking, or old fashioned, we will find out in ten or fifteen years.

Yamaha have revised the XJ6, and it's faired brother, the Diversion. Changes are relatively few and are listed below. Hopefully Yamaha will completely revise the XJ6 in the next year or two. The mid-sized naked market is growing and the quality of the competition is outstanding. Buyers are moving away from 600 and litre sportsbikes to more useable bikes like the XJ6 and Diversion. But with the Triumph Street Triple, Ducati Streetfighter and MV Brutale 675 all flashing extra bling, and a touch of exclusivity for a similar price, Yamaha needs to revolutionise the XJ6 to shift more units.

For example the Street Triple costs £350 more than the XJ6 yet has a much higher spec such as braided brake lines against the XJ6s rubber lines and a sculpted swingarm against the XJ6s girder. In the Yamaha's favour their dealers will discount the bike whereas Triumph, Ducati and MV won't but then again the Street Triple does come with 0% finance (if you ask)

This is not to say the XJ6 and Diversion aren't worth buying - because they are. They remain hugely popular with a big following and for good reason. But if they are to remain popular Yamaha really do need to add some extra goodies to the package in the future.

Yamaha XJ6 2013 changes