Yamaha Pulls The Plug On R6; To Be Track-Only Bike From 2021
Modified On Nov 19, 2020 01:44 PM By Team Bikedekho
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The middleweight supersport succumbs to stringent emission norms and dying popularity
After a successful 21-year run, Yamaha has decided to pull the plug on its popular middleweight supersport, the YZF-R6. That said, the motorcycle will not completely disappear as the brand has decided to continue to sell the Japanese screamer as a track-only model, called R6 Race. For more serious buyers, Yamaha has also introduced the GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) kit for the R6 Race. So, why did Yamaha make this move?
Two simple reasons: stringent emission norms and dwindling sales. Buyers have become more focussed on litre-class supersports since the price gap between the two segments is no longer significant and electronics have made litre-class beasts more accessible for inexperienced riders. However, given the YZF-R6’s success in the WorldSSP Championship, motorsport will remain Team Blue’s focus.
The 2021 R6 Race will be powered by the same 599cc DOHC, inline-four engine producing 118.4PS and 61.7Nm, same as the previous model. The bike also continues to use the same fully-adjustable KYB suspension setup and electronic suite including traction control, adjustable power modes and a quickshifter.
While the R6 Race is the bone stock version of the bike, meant for track day riders, privateers and racing teams to upgrade it as they see fit, there’s a GYTR Stage 1 kit that can transform the bike into a track-ready monster with easy bolt-on parts.
The kit includes a lightweight wiring harness and a programmable ECU to eke more performance from the engine. Also included is the Air Intake System (AIS) block-off plates that utilise the large air intake system to feed more air to the engine directly, and an Akrapovic full system titanium race exhaust. Other parts in the kit include WSS race fairing, a new chain sprocket kit, steel braided brake lines and brake lever guard.
Though the hopes of the Yamaha R6 ever coming to India are now shattered, the European market will have the new R6 Race and GYTR Kit on sale from January 2021.
