The Legend Of The Yamaha R6 Lives On At The Right Place

Shaking up the middleweight supersport segment since 1999, the Yamaha YZF-R6’s legacy is soon coming to an end amidst the stringent Euro 5 emission norms. Yamaha didn’t see any point in updating the bike to Euro 5 standards as the demand isn’t strong enough. Moreover, the price gap between middleweight supersport bikes and litre-class track tamers is getting real close these days. So, Yamaha decided to let the bike live on, albeit in a non-homologated track-only version, called the 2021 Yamaha R6 Race.

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R: Road Test Review

The 2021 Yamaha R6 Rae is essentially the same as the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R6, just that it is not homologated for street usage anymore. It has the same Yamaha YZF-R1-esque design language wrapped in the iconic errm, Icon Blue colour. No changes have been made to the mechanicals either. It continues to be powered by a 599cc inline-four-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled engine as the stock bike, churning out 118.4PS at 14,500rpm and 61.7Nm at 10,500rpm. The engine is reined in by multiple power modes, 6-level traction control system, and a standard bi-directional quickshifter for clutchless upshifts and downshifts. If you really want to know, it offers a claimed mileage of 15.5kmpl. This, coupled with the 17-litre aluminium fuel tank, should ensure plenty of track day fun at one go.

Yamaha has blessed the R6 Race with the same top-spec underpinnings as the standard version, including the 43mm inverted front fork and a rear linked monoshock -- both fully adjustable KYB units. It gets powerful brakes too: R1-spec dual 320mm discs with four-pot radial calipers and a 220mm rear disc. At 190kg kerb, this motorcycle also weighs the same as the standard version.

The icing on the cake has to be the optional GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) kit that is offered with the bike. This includes a WSS race cowling for reduced drag and better handling, lightweight wire harness, a programmable ECU for better fine-tuning, and a less-restrictive air intake system coupled with a full titanium Akrapovic race exhaust to extract as many horses as possible. For better braking, the kit also includes steel braided brake lines and GYTR ABS emulator (removes the ABS pump for further weight reduction). Pro riders will be happy to know that Yamaha also offers fully adjustable rear-set footpegs with optional reverse shift kit, sprocket set with gold race chain, paddock stand, and front brake lever guard. Apart from these, Yamaha says Ohlins parts will also be available for even further performance optimisation.

The 2021 Yamaha R6 Race will be available in Europe along with the GYTR kit from January 2021. While we may not get the R6 in India due to the strict emission norms, there’s no stopping keen, loaded enthusiasts from getting one shipped here to satisfy their cravings of speed, in the safe space of a race track.