

This edition of the Yamaha YZF-600 R6 is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2012. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2012 Buell-EBR 1190RS V-Twin and the 2013 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja.This particular Yamaha YZF-600 has a 599cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
The 2012 YZF-600 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the YZF-600's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2024 Honda CBR 650 R | 2024cc.2022 Honda CBR 650 R | 2022cc.
Weighing in at 189 kgs (416 lbs) this makes the Yamaha YZF-600 R6 in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 599cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 129 bhp (96 kW) @ 14500 rpm similar to the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC [123 bhp (91 kW) @ 9500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 47.7 lb-ft (64.6 Nm) @ 11500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha YZF-600 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2012 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 has a Power to weight ratio of 682.5 bhp per ton and 252.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2012 YZF-600 competing with the 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6 R [705.4 bhp\ton] and the 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6 R [705.4 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha YZF-600 generating around 252.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100 ES [276.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Suzuki GSX 1100 ES [276.9 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 5.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.5 secs, this makes the Yamaha YZF-600 R6 similar in acceleration to the 2021 Suzuki Katana 1000 (5.4 secs) and the 2020 Suzuki Katana 1000 (5.4 secs). This Yamaha YZF-600 R6 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2012 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 and the 2014 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 Race-Blu Special Edition
When talking about the performance of the 2012 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.6 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2014 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 Race-Blu Special Edition (11.6 secs) and the 2014 Suzuki GSR 750 ABS (11.6 secs).
The 2012 version of the Yamaha YZF-600 R6 has a maximum speed of 160mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2012 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 then how about a 2000 Honda VTR 1000 RC51 SP1 (171 mph) and the 2003 Yamaha YZF1000 R1 (172 mph).