The Yamaha R6 has been around for 27 years, having debuted in 1999. It has gone on to be one of the most iconic and recognisable sportbikes of all time. While it went off sale as a road bike in 2021 once the Euro 5 emission norms came in, it was still offered as a track-only model for the last five years. However, Yamaha Japan has now announced that it will finally pull the plug on this middleweight icon.
- The bike has been sold as a track-only version since 2021
- The final units will be delivered in early 2027
According to a press release issued by Yamaha Japan, deliveries for a track-only model called the “Yamaha R6 Race Base Model” will begin in February 2027. To secure one of these bikes, customers will have to reserve the bike in one of two purchase windows. The first opened on July 1, 2026 and will close on July 31, 2026. A second reservation window will then open on August 1, 2026 before closing on the last day of the same month.
After these windows close, buyers in Japan will no longer be able to purchase the R6. As for customers in Europe and other select markets where the R6 Race is offered, the bike is likely to be available as long as stocks last.
The R6 Race Base Model has no road-legal requirements like lights and number plates, and it uses the same 599cc inline four cylinder engine as the road bike. The bike also features the same front suspension and braking setup from the bigger R1.
Sadly, Yamaha never launched the R6 in India, but enthusiasts have Kawasaki to thank for continuing to be the only Japanese manufacturer to sell a proper 600cc supersport in our market. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has survived the latest emissions regulations and continues to be available in India, currently priced at Rs 12.49 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
