Yamaha R6 to be discontinued although track-only R6 Race lives on

ONE of the most famous supersport motorcycles of recent times has been discontinued, as the Yamaha R6 is discontinued for 2021.

Yamaha R6 vs the rivals

The model has fairly predictably been given the axe and will not live on in Euro5 form passe the end of this year. It will not completely die out though, as Yamaha will continue to sell the bike as a non-homologated, track-only model.

The move is unsurprising on both fronts. On the one hand, dwindling supersports sales across the globe make the diminutive machine a tough sell in a market dominated by 1,000cc sports bikes and adventure touring machines. But given the success of the machine in recent years, trouncing the field in the BSB this year being a notable recent achievement, Yamaha would not want to turn out the light on the machine totally.

The track-only 2021 Yamaha R6 will be available as a stock bike, that track day riders, racing teams and privateers can upgrade as they see fit. For those looking for a ready-made blueprint to improving the machine, Yamaha will also be offering a GYTR Stage 1 kit that turns the machine into a track-ready machine thanks to some bolt-on accessories.

Both the new Yamaha R6 Race and the GYTR conversion will be available from January 2021 onwards.

Yamaha R6 Race GYTR kit contents:

• GYTR race cowling set
• Akrapovič full race system
• GYTR ECU set
• GYTR wire harness set
• GYTR on/off switch
• GYTR Interface cable
• GYTR AIS plug set
• GYTR ABS emulator
• GYTR keyless fuel cap
• GYTR seat cushion
• Stainless steel brake line set for front and rear
• Front brake lever guard
• GYTR fully adjustable race rear set with optional reverse shifting kit
• Rear sprocket guard (shark fin)
• Sprocket drive 14T fits 520 chain conversion
• Rear sprocket, 45 fits 520 chain conversion
• Sprocket nut set for 520 conversion
• DID gold race chain 520 conversion
• Rear paddock stand hooks
• Paddock stand

In addition to all the GYTR Stage 1 features, a range of GYTR and Öhlins parts is available for racing enthusiasts to personalize their R6 RACE even further.