Yamaha R6 Tachometer Issue

[Cargo7]

Seems that Yamaha's much ballyhooed R6 17,500 rpm redline is actually closer to 16,300 on the dyno - even though it READS 17-5. Bike speedometers have been optimistic since the 1960's and still are - either driven off the front wheel or countershaft pulses. Maybe there's a traditional safety element where you're actually going slower than you think you are OR just marketing (bragging rights to a slightly rigged top speed).

This is the first time I've heard of a company actually fudging the tachometer - mind you in the hotly contested 600 market I'm not really surprised. I think it's a black eye for Yamaha on the trust front and if I owned one I definitely would not like it.

Question for the forum - are our Bandit tachometers spot on according to dyno runs?

[Red01]

Spot on? I doubt it. Most bikes (and cages with tachs) err on the side of safety. Usually pretty darn close at the low end for idle purposes, usually read low at the redline end.

[NCBANDIT]

Yamaha is actually offering to buy them back  http://www.motorcycledaily.com/14february06_r6buyback.htm    very good move on their part.

[Red01]

I'll bet they don't get many takers.

[Banditboy600]

I think that Yamaha's offer to buy back their bikes fully with interest is a sign that the Company is reputable and wanting to do the right thing.  Like Red said most people will probably keep their R6's, however; I wonder if they will get their tachometers replaced?  I would at least want that done.

[Red01]

Sounds from the letter like their solution is live with the tach error, or we'll buy the bike back.

Dear Yamaha Customer:

Yamaha introduced and marketed the new 2006 YZF-R6 motorcycle with a red line limit of 17,500 RPM, as indicated on the tachometer. After testing production units, we have determined that the actual red line limit is approximately 16,000 RPM, resulting in a tachometer error of roughly 9%. This has no affect whatsoever on the performance of the motorcycle.

We are extremely confident that, despite this error, the R6 will more than satisfy you in every way. However, if you are not satisfied with your motorcycle because of this discrepancy, we will repurchase it and will reimburse you the entire purchase price, including any setup fees, taxes or interest that you have paid in connection with your purchase of this motorcycle.

If you choose to have your 2006 YZF-R6 repurchased, please check where indicated below, sign this letter and return it to Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., Attn.: 2006 YZF-R6 Buyback, 6555 Katella Ave., Cypress, CA 90630 in stamped envelope provided. Yamaha must receive this letter indicating this choice by March 15, 2006, or we will assume that you have decided to keep and enjoy your motorcycle.

Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction, both now and in the future. We would like to sincerely apologize for this error and any inconvenience it may have caused you, and also to thank you for your continued support of Yamaha.

Best Regards,

Dennis McNeal
Vice President Motorcycle Operations
Yamaha Motor Corp.