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2021 Yamaha YZF-R6 Race First Look Preview

Yamaha introduces the track-only version of its legendary YZF-R6.

November 24, 2020

Although we’re going to have to say goodbye to Yamaha’s stalwart YZF-R6 at the end of 2020, the Tuning Fork brand is keeping the legendary supersport badge alive in 2021 in the form of the track-only 2021 Yamaha YZF-R6 Race. It’s not clear whether the R6 Race will be available stateside, but European markets will be treated to a trackday weapon that can be further sweetened with a GYTR race kit.

For 2021, Yamaha is taking the YZF-R6 off the streets and focusing its famed weapon on the track.Yamaha

Editor’s Note: Find out what it’s like to ride the outgoing YZF-R6 on the street in the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R6 Review MC Commute.

Yamaha says the bike is aimed at everyone, from those who take their trackdays seriously to national-level supersport racers. That’s a drumbeat the R6 has beaten since it was unleashed in 1999. The difference now is that the bike won’t be homologated.

Lights, signals, mirrors, and license plate frames are a moot point for the 2021 Yamaha R6 Race, which will no longer be sold in street guise.Yamaha

A release from Yamaha Motor Europe highlighting changes to its lineup to meet Euro 5 emissions regs indicates the R6′s demise as a streetbike was related to the new rules. The release simply says the brand is “smoothly moving away from” some of its hallmark nameplates, but the implication is clear.

Slicks, USD fork, radial brakes, and no compromises. The R6 the way it was meant to be.Yamaha

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a ’21 Yamaha R6 Race, you’ll get the bike’s familiar titanium-valved 599cc inline-four, kept in check by KYB suspension at both ends. It retains the aluminum Deltabox frame, a magnesium subframe, and traction control, D-modes and ride-by-wire throttle.

Yamaha will sell the R6 Race in the European market as a trackday enthusiast’s ultimate toy, or with a full GYTR race kit for those with MotoGP dreams.Yamaha

The GYTR race kit is where things get really cool. The list of trick parts is long, but the highlights include a GYTR race ECU and wiring harness, full Akrapovič exhaust system, GYTR race fairings that Yamaha says aid cornering and top speed, and fully adjustable rearsets. You’ll also get stainless steel brake lines and a 520 race chain conversion. The kit can also be augmented with Öhlins suspension parts and further GYTR accessories.

No word yet on pricing, US availability, or horsepower figures, but it’s comforting to know that somewhere, the R6 lives on.

2021 Yamaha YZF-R6 Race Technical Specifications

Price	TBD
Engine	599cc DOHC inline-four
Bore x Stroke	67.0 x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio	13.1:1
Claimed Horsepower	117 hp @ 14,500 rpm
Claimed Torque	50 lb.-ft. @ 10,500 tpm
Fuel Delivery	Electronic fuel injection
Clutch	Wet, multiplate
Transmission/Final Drive	6-speed/chain
Frame	Aluminum Deltabox
Front Suspension	KYB 43mm inverted fork; 4.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension	KYB single shock; 4.7-in. travel
Front Brakes	Dual 320mm hydraulic discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake	220mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
Tires, Front/Rear	120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17
Rake/Trail	24.0°/3.8 in.
Wheelbase	54.1 in.
Seat Height	33.5 in.
Fuel Capacity	4.5 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight	418 lb.
Availability	January 2021
Contact	yamaha-motor.eu

No undertail mess to worry about, with no need for a license plate.Yamaha

The GYTR kit adds a race ECU, wiring harness, and stainless steel front and rear brake lines.Yamaha

Cal Crutchlow, Sam Lowes, and Chaz Davies have all put their mark on the R6 before moving on to MotoGP, Moto2, and World Superbike glory.Yamaha

With 117 hp pushing around just shy of 420 pounds, the R6’s success isn’t exactly mysterious.Yamaha

Yamaha didn’t give a lot of detail on the reason for the road-going R6’s demise, but at least one release from Iwata strongly suggests the move was made in response to Euro 5 emissions regulations.Yamaha

There’s no word yet on whether the YZF-R6 Race will make it to US showrooms, but it will be available in Europe starting in January.Yamaha

The R6 Race shown in Yamaha’s signature blue.Yamaha

For those who want to keep a lower profile, the R6 is available in Raven Black.Yamaha