They say that “Everything that has a beginning, has an end” and everything indicates that this maxim is about to be fulfilled with one of the most iconic Japanese motorcycles in history: the Yamaha R6. That is at least the deduction we draw from one of the brand’s latest official statements. In it they warn of the cessation of production of one of their greatest commercial successes of all time.
“YZF-R6 Race Base Model” final edition
It has been approximately five years since Yamaha discontinued its street R6. Then the tuning fork firm satisfied its customers with an effective “Race” variant intended exclusively for use on the track. The same one that is still available for purchase on the brand’s official website for an official price of 14,299 euros. However, it seems that its commercial cessation is very close.
This is the conclusion we have reached after learning about the press release that Yamaha Motor Japan issued just a few days ago. In it, it notifies its local customers that reservation periods are opening in which they can ensure the purchase of one of the “YZF-R6 Race Base Model” that will be manufactured over the next few months:
“Yamaha Motor Sales Co., Ltd. will launch the “YZF-R6 Race Base Model”, an exclusive model for road and circuit racing, equipped with a 599 cm³ liquid-cooled 4-cylinder engine, on February 26, 2027, as a limited production and to order. Production of this model will end once orders are received.”
They also remind us that we are dealing with a motorcycle for exclusive use on the track: “The “YZF-R6 Race Base Model” is based on the 2020 “YZF-R6 (European specification)” supersport and is a model designed for circuit use, such as racing. In addition to electronic devices such as a traction control system and quick shift, it continues to use the same suspension. There are no changes compared to the previous model.”
Regarding the deadlines established by the brand itself to be able to obtain a copy of this final edition, they clarify: “This is a pre-sale period for a limited time”:
- The first pre-sale period runs from July 1 (Wednesday) to July 31 (Friday) 2026
- The second pre-sale period runs from August 1 (Saturday) to August 31 (Monday) 2026
They conclude by reporting that “Pre-sales can be made at authorized Yamaha On-Road Competition Model dealers nationwide”. Having said all this, the brand’s European subsidiary has not yet been mentioned on the subject. So we must be attentive to new information related to it.
Likewise, it is difficult to believe that Yamaha is going to definitively give up maintaining the R6 acronym within its current range of models. We are talking about one of the most iconic models of the “Hi-Sport” segment of the last three decades. Taking into account that its first version was launched on the market in the 1999 season, Could the Japanese firm be planning its return for its 30th anniversary?… Dreaming is free, so let’s do it!
