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The Yamaha has revealed an updated version of its XJ6 including its faired Diversion and Diversion F versions for the European market. The XJ6 models were first introduced in Europe in 2009 as the latest member of Yamaha‘s XJ series and a replacement for the FZ6 as a middleweight all-arounder.
In recent years however, Yamaha Motor USA decided to keep the slightly sportier FZ6R in its lineup and pass on the XJ6 models. Yamaha has yet to announce the FZ6R for 2013, though it was included in a recent Environmental Protection Agency spreadsheet.
The updates to the XJ6 are mostly cosmetic however, with new side panels and headlight design the most noticeable differences. Other updates include a grippier seat surface, new passenger grab handles, transparent turn signals and backlit LED display.
The 2013 XJ6 is similar to the 2012 model. It is still powered by a liquid-cooled fuel-injected 600cc inline-four engine with the same bore and stroke as the FZ6 engine. The FZ6 engine is already a re-tuned version of the YZF-R6 engine, and the XJ6 version has been tweaked even more for more useable torque. According to Yamaha, the XJ6 maxes out at 76 hp at 10,000 rpm and 44 ft-lb. at 8500 rpm, compared to the FZ6R which claims 97 hp at 12,000 rpm and 46.5 ft-lb. at 10,000 rpm.
The XJ6 is equipped with telescopic forks and a spring preload-adjustable linked monoshock, both with 130 mm of travel. The front wheel is equipped with dual disc brakes and an ABS-equipped version is available. Yamaha claims the XJ6 weighs in at 452 pounds with a full 4.5 gallon fuel tank, with ABS adding on an extra 11 pounds.
The Yamaha is also producing a semi-faired version called the Diversion and the fully-faired Diversion F (The original Yamaha Diversion introduced in 1984 may be better known to Americans as the Seca II). According to Yamaha, the Diversion weighs 465 pounds wet and the Diversion F weighs 478 pounds. Both are also available with ABS.
2013 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom
2013 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom features lots of chrome, luminous paint, a bobtail rear fender, and the convenience of a clean quiet shaft drive. With a very manageable seat height, light handling, a 650cc V-Twin engine and chrime in all the right places the 2013 Yamaha V-Star Custom is great choice. We started with an authentic V-twin powerplant and a lean, low-slung chassis, and then tricked it out with lots of chrome, rich paint, and a bobtail rear fender. And thanks to its "chopper" profile, shaft drive, and low seat height, the end result is no ordinary custom. The V-Star 650 Custom is so stylish and unique, people will swear you must have customized it yourself. Don't worry - we won't tell a soul.
± Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission certification data obtained by Yamaha and converted into Canadian measurements. Your actual mileage will vary depending on road condition, how you ride, maintain your vehicle, accessories, cargo and operator/passenger weight.
2013 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom Key Features
49 mpg (US) / Fuel Consumption ± 21kpl/59mpg(Imp)
The V Star Custom is the lightest of the full-size Stars, which means great handling and performance are along for the ride, too.
Dual exhausts, custom-looking clear turn signals, lots of chrome—the V Star Custom represents tremendous cruiser bang for the buck.
Classic rigid-look rear end serves up 3.4 inches of rear wheel travel damped by a hidden preload-adjustable shock, offering up a great ride.
27.4-inch seat height lets riders get both feet on the pavement.
Estimated 49 mpg* means over 200 miles of riding before fi ll-ups.
2013 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom Features and Benefits
ENGINE:
•Beautifully chromed and polished 649cc (40-cubic-inch), air-cooled, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, 70 degree, V-twin cranks out torquey low- and mid-range power for smooth cruising performance. Maximum torque occurs at a low 3,000 rpm.
•This engine has been designed to produce strong torque and horsepower in the most usable riding range (50 to 120 km/hr).
•Twin Mikuni BDS28 carbs with throttle position sensors (TPS) provide crisp throttle response.
•Wide-ratio, 5-speed transmission ensures extremely usable, cruiser-friendly power delivery. 5th gear is an overdrive gear for reduced engine rpms at highway speeds for a smooth comfortable ride.
•Light clutch action is perfect for novice riders.
•Maintenance-free, transistor controlled ignition (T.C.I.) provides sure starts and excellent engine performance.
•Classic, side-mounted air cleaner not only adds that special styling touch but also is easy to service.
•Automatic cam chain tensioners reduce maintenance and mechanical engine noise.
•Low-maintenance, exposed shaft drive provides quiet, clean, reliable performance.
•2-into-2 chrome exhaust pipes create sleek styling while delivering maximum engine power. The conversion to aftermarket items is simple and straightforward.
•Air Induction System (A.I.S.) reduces harmful CO and HC exhaust emissions.
•Lots of chrome engine parts highlight quality and value.
The 2013 Yamaha do not have any major revisions. Both the blue YZ250F and YZ450F have been handed new graphics and white rear fenders, while the white versions of both bikes receive black fork guards instead of white. The only other notable change is a switch from Pro Taper handlebars to an identical Yamaha-branded bar. That’s it. No air forks, no redesigned frames and shockingly no fuel injection for the YZ250F, which will remain the only carbureted bike in the 250cc division.
As mentioned, this may mean that Yamaha is saving its development dollars for something big in the near future. Granted, much of that effort "and money" went to the all-new WR450 off-road bike, which is essentially a YZ250F frame with a beefy 450cc thumper engine in it. But what could Yamaha be cooking, if their strategy is to essentially re-release some 2012s in 2013? Our prediction would be an all-new, fuel-injected engine for the 250F. And some major revisions could be in order for the YZ450F, given that some top-level riders like James Stewart have voiced negative opinions about how the bike handles when ridden to 99.5% of its full capabilities.
Yamaha unveiled a new version of its YS250 Fazer for the Brazilian market that runs on gasoline, ethanol fuel, or a mixture of both. The new YS 250 Fazer BlueFlex is Yamaha’s first flex-fuel model, but the manufacturer says it plans to add more BlueFlex models in the future.
According to Yamaha, the BlueFlex model weighs 339.5 pounds, just 2.2 pounds heavier than the original YS250 Fazer, which Yamaha introduced in 2010. Both versions are equipped with 249cc single-cylinder engines with five speed transmissions, 5 gallon fuel tanks, telescopic forks and a rear monoshock with 120mm of travel, front and rear disc brakes and 17-inch wheels.
The 2013 Yamaha YS250 Fazer BlueFlex arrives in Brazilian dealerships this month with a price of 11,690 Brazilian reals US$5,770, up from the 11,279 real US$5,567 price of the gas-powered YS250 Fazer. Yamaha targets annual sales of 5,000 units, compared to 25,000 units for the gas-powered version.
