Yamaha has confirmed that it will release its YZF-R6 Race in Australia in limited numbers, as a non-road-registerable model set up for the track.
The current generation YZF-R6 launched locally in 2017, but it was this year decided to not be updated to meet Euro5 emissions standards, and was discontinued in road-going form due in part to dwindling global sales performance.
As such, the new Yamaha YZF-R6 strips off things like lights, mirrors and indicators, and will be available exclusively in the dark Tech Black colour scheme.
Powering the bike is a familiar 599cc inline four-cylinder engine that generates 87kW and 62Nm, backed up by aerodynamic bodywork, a high-end electronics suite and YZF-R1-derived brakes.
The previous ‘R6’ was in effect replaced by the new YZF-R7, an MT-07-based supersports model that will launch next month priced from $13,299 rideaway in LAMS guise, or from $14,999 with a full-power tune.
The R7 gets the 689cc parallel twin CP2 engine from the MT-07. Performance figures see the same numbers as that of the MT-07, with 54kW at 8750rpm and 67Nm at 6000rpm.
There’s a revised ECU, new air intakes, a new exhaust and changed fuel mapping.The R7 has a shorter gear ratio in second while a new slipper clutch prevents over-revving or rear wheel hop on aggressive downshifts and is 33 per cent lighter at the lever. There’s an optional quickshifter that can be retrofitted.
The geometry of the R7 remains similar to the MT with a 5mm shorter wheelbase and a steeper head angle. Brakes have been upgraded, with radial calipers on twin discs offering a premium setup over that of the MT-07.
Yamaha continues to offer a flagship supersports model in its YZF-R1, that is currently available from $28,149.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
