Yamaha R6

This has got to be the golden age of sportbikes.

Sure, there were times when we thought we were living in great times, but you know we've reached a new mark for sportbikes when a company like Yamaha can justify stocking their line-up with not just one or two 600cc sportbikes, but three.

R6, this is the one that had Supersport fans salivating from the moment we saw a spec sheet detailing a host of technology:

• The 599cc engine sports a wider bore and shorter stroke than last year, which, coupled with lighter pistons and wristpins, is designed to promote quick revving.

• Small wings on the bike's nose help add downforce to the front wheel at high speeds.

• A lap timer triggered from the handlebar is standard, as is a programmable.

Consider all these features, and the machine screams "track bike" at the top of its lungs.

This is a motorcycle designed for racing and track days first, and the street second.

Climb aboard, and the track bias is immediately clear—this is one tiny motorcycle. Bars are low, the reach from the seat is short, the rear set of footpegs are high.

That's not the best mix for stop-and-go commuting, but in case you haven't been paying attention, that's not what this bike was built for.

The low bars and short tank bring your weight more toward the front wheel for better handling. The high pegs yield ground clearance.

The price for all this tech? MSRP ranges from $9,199 (Rs 4,14,000) for blue and $9,499 (Rs 4,27,500) for the 50th Anniversary Yellow/Black limited-edition model.

No matter what color you get, you'll wind up with one of the most track-happy Supersport machines available anywhere.