Motorcycle specifications YamahaR6 Race 600 2021 The legend passes on

The R6 bids farewell. Following in the footsteps of the CBR and GSX-R, it's another iconic model in the Supersport category that's being retired. The only models we'll be seeing on the road again are those that have been screaming their lungs out since 1999.

Goodbye , but not farewell. The 600 YZF-R6 continues its career... only on the track. In any case, it was the only place where it really felt at home. Yamaha therefore continues to market its track bike, in a Race version.

The Supersports category is no longer successful. Its disaffection has gradually eclipsed the Daytona 675, Ducati 749 and other Japanese models on the Old Continent. What's left of this great history for the road? The Aprilia RS 660? A real gem, but not exactly the definition of the category. The MV-Agusta F3 675? Doubtful that the manufacturer will offer it the Euro5 passport; the F3 800 deserves more attention. Well, it looks like there's nothing left... Only non-approved versions of a few of these trajectory eaters will continue to be sold for competition use.

The only place left for them is on the track. The only place where they can really live. The R6-R is 1,200 euros cheaper than the 2020. Enough to buy a combarde, a helmet and a set of tires. Let's go to the track. In 2017, the R6 was updated to give the competition a run for their money:

a veritable genetic transfer was carried out from its big sister, the R1. Starting with its looks. From a distance, they look like twins. The two share almost the same rump, so it's hard to tell them apart from behind. The front end is also part of its genetic heritage. Like its ancestor, it inherits the look of Valentino Rossi's MotoGP bike, the Yamaha M1. Its chromosomes, the carriers of performance, give it a central air intake around which the entire design is harmonized. The same goes for the fuel tank, marked by four iconic stripes.

Of course, these features don't just serve to affiliate the bike and anchor it more firmly in the "R-World". They improve its aerodynamic efficiency by 8%, as well as its riding position. It's mainly the cast magnesium rear loop and aluminum tank that benefit the latter. The magnesium part makes the seat 20 mm narrower at the front, while the tank's ergonomics have been modified to make it 1.2 kg narrower and lighter. The result is an even more lively riding experience. All of which confirms its ultra-sporty pretensions.

nervous endings

the flattering genes of its ascendantobviously have an impact on its behavior. It picks up a few neurons with the welcome traction control offering 6 levels of intervention. The cockpit features the instrumentation of the previous R1, 2009-2014 version, with a large needle-type rev counter, a digital polygon window and... ah no, no handlebar controls. Only the road functions and Traction Control can be activated from the steering wheel. In addition to the electronic throttle opening and variable intake systems already present on the previous model, its synapses will also take on the management of the "QSS" shifter (a system strictly similar to that of the R1, allowing gear changes without disengaging the clutch).

This pistarde is equipped with a triple set of injection maps. By adopting the D-Mode, the R6 benefits from direct, aggressive engine management in A mode, more flexible engine management to get to know the Std, and calm engine management in B mode. A perfect match for the day's outings.

And that's not all: the supersport has adopted its predecessor's braking system! The four-piston aluminum radial calipers bite 320 mm-diameter discs. Theprevious generation was already uncritical in terms of braking, even though its pistons tasted 310 mm discs. ABS is also available.

The R6 has also always been considered a very well-sprung motorcycle. The rear shock absorber is a new design, and the fork comes directly from the R1. In addition to a fork diameter enlarged from 41 mm to 43 mm, this latest-generation Kayaba offers full adjustment at the top of the tubes.
The wheelbase and width of the pistarde have each lost 5 mm, a mere trifle. Weight remains more or less the same, with only one kilo added to the scales.

the emphasis has clearly been placed on electronics and front-end optimization. Engine-wise, the gains have been maintained. The bike retains its muffler, and no changes have been made to the engine, apart from adaptation to Euro4 standards. This has cost it a handful of power. The R6 lost almost 6 horsepower in the process, and now boasts 118.4 hp at 14,500 rpm. Torque was also reduced, with almost half a kg less. The 4-cylinder block does not inherit the cross-plane timing of the R1 and M1, and retains its personality and delightful sound.

Like all sports bikes, the R6 needs racing elements to express itself fully. Yamaha already has everything it needs in stock with the GYTR kit. A range of exclusive performance enhancements. It includes a GYTR electronics pack incorporating a lightweight wiring harness and a programmable ECU that allows the bike to be configured to optimize engine performance. The AIS (Air Intake System) allows the R6 RACE to benefit from an optimal air intake that boosts power. The Akrapovic titanium exhaust system is specially designed to optimize engine power and considerably reduce weight.

the racing fairing reduces drag and improves straight-line speed and handling. in response to the increase in power, the brakes have also been upgraded with new stainless steel hoses for improved handlebar feel and deceleration. The GYTR ABS emulator allows the ABS pump to be removed for further weight reduction.

other FIM-required parts are fitted, such as front brake lever and rear sprocket protectors, while rear stand hooks simplify wheel removal.

The GYTR kit developed for the R6 RACE includes the following racing parts:

- Complete GYTR fairing
- Complete Akrapovic exhaust system
- GYTR ECU kit
- GYTR wiring harness
- GYTR on/off switch
- GYTR USB interface cable
- GYTR AIS spark plug kit
- GYTR ABS emulator
- GYTR keyless fuel filler cap
- GYTR seat cover
- Stainless steel brake hose kit for front and rear
- Front brake lever guard
- GYTR rear controls with optional reverse selector kit
- Shark fin chain guard
- 14-tooth front sprocket, for 520 chain conversion
- Rear sprocket 45 teeth, for 520 chain conversion
- Set of sprocket nuts for 520 conversion
- Gold DID kit for 520 chain conversion
- Rear stand hooks
- Rear stand hooks

M.B - Rémima
Manufacturer'smedia

MV-Agusta F3 675

Aprilia RS 660

F3 800