Well. We’d not posted spy pics of the new R6 half an hour before Yamaha splurged official pics and info on the thing. Did they always plan this? Or did the leak precipitate matters? Well, the bike’s going on display at a show in Florida tonight apparently, so looks like it was all intentional.

Anyway. The new bike does look just like a mini-R1, with M1 style fairing and weird little bug-eye LED lights. On the tech front, there’s a modest level of electronics: quickshifter, six-stage traction control, ABS (what type is unclear), and D-Mode riding modes. The chassis gets new R1-type 43mm USD forks, and larger 320mm front brake discs, for even more stopping power. A magnesium rear subframe keep weight down, as does a new 1.2kg lighter aluminium fuel tank - that might reduce fiery crashes too…

The motor looks to be largely unchanged, in basic terms anyway. The bore and stroke are the same, as is the compression ratio. They reckon it’s now EU-IV compliant though, so there’s no doubt been fettling to the head. There’s no word on claimed power or torque yet.

The weight is about the same as the current model - 190kg wet. It's up 1kg, which isn’t bad considering the extra Euro IV stuff and the extra kit. The subframe and fuel tank have clearly made up for some of the weight which would be gained otherwise.

So - new face, new electronics, suspension and brake upgrades - but under it all is broadly the same motor and chassis. We can’t wait to have a spin on the wee bugger…