Malaysian Motor Works

We already acknowledged that Yamaha have an excellence record in producing two-wheel machines. Of course, it certainly cannot be denied so far. Since its establishment in 1955, Yamaha had reached top of the world after several successes in MotoGP legends such as Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and until today, Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

In the middle of 2011, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM) has introduced middleweight sportsbike - Yamaha XJ6 Diversion. Within two years, XJ6 doing well in the local market. For me, factor of brand, four-cylinder inline engine and affordable price is the main reason of its ownership.

Recently, HLYM had gives new touches to the XJ6 Diversion. In the early introduction, XJ6 only got two colours available to be chosen - metallic blue and metallic black. Recently, XJ6 have two more colours as option. The options are white colour and the dark gray matte (Race Blu). I just love the Race Blue colour actually. The naked version already got this colour option and it will make this mid-sportsbike gain more competitive in the two-wheeler market.

In terms of the design, I did not think it could be the best attraction to the younger people. Although Kawasaki Z800 is not a direct rivals, but due to design factors, price and purchasing power, it may confuse buyer a little bit to choose. Fortunately, the model's main rival, Honda CB600 not coming into the Malaysian market. For sure if CB600 coming to the market, it would be more interesting.

I was given an opportunity to test the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion recently and I got such a lucky draw when HLYM gave me the key of XJ6 Diversion in Race Blu colour. What can i said, Race Blue Colour is more appealing compared to the white. The combination of the dark gray matte colour on the body quite matched with the rims in blue colour. It looks more visible than the previous model. Look at the mileage, the bike given just made a journey of 2 kilometres.

I did some road tests in the middle of busy city roads. This machine is very manoeuvrable, lightweight and not tiring even in low speed riding. Diversion’s clutch working smoothly and the six-speed gear handling is ease. The riding position is more of a touring style - it does not require excessive bent. My body posture just nice and comfort to grip the handlebar. It was not too arrogant when Yamaha claims this 600cc offers the best rides in the urban.

There was a little different in this new XJ6 Diversion. Besides to the addition of the body colour options, the Japanese manufacturer has changed the simple graphics on the front side fairing. Signal lens was changed from the normal colour to clear and rear seats handlebar was separated compared to the early model.

Testing the ability of this bike in highway, Diversion easily reaches speeds of 150 kilometres per hour (km/h). The engine is still convincing at that speed. The hydraulic braking system certainly matches to the power of a bike.

I squeezed the throttle aggressively, gears changed every time the rpm meter reached 10,000 rpm, and then I achieved the maximum speed of 218 km/h. At that speed, I found the engine vibration still minimum.

SKVE highway quite bumpy and dangerous if the suspension system is not functioning properly. I did not have any problem speeding at the bumpy highway even the suspension system relatively soft due to make it as best urban bike.

For me, the comfortable rides are at the speeds of around 140 to 170 km/h. It is sufficient for this middle-weight bike, and the fact, XJ6 developed in purpose of relaxing adventure and urban riding style.

In high speed, the exhaust sound is not too attractive even it got 4 cylinders. Some bikers will not enjoying enough if their bike sound too slow. No wonder why XJ6 owners doing a little modification to their exhaust system, applying aftermarket muffler such as Yoshimura, Leo Vince and some more. XJ6 Diversion has pretty good performance in cornering. When I treat Karak highway corners, I was enjoying the moment. Turn-by-turn easily beaten and there is no problem to lean while taking sharp turns. It provides good responsiveness and easy to change direction after every turn. Overall, I quite satisfied with the XJ6 performance. It has own advantages in its class. Quality and price offered at RM39, 500 (without insurance) make this bike is worth to buy.