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This is NOT the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6

Rendered image circulating online alleging to be new 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 isn’t real, but dreams are free, right?

When we first caught wind of this rendering, we were just as excited as you were. However, upon closer inspection, it is sad to note that this is NOT the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 supersport replacement.

Real vs Fake
L-R: The fake and the press photo is it based upon.

This rendering is actually based off a press photo of the flagship Yamaha YZF-R1 superbike, but we’ll agree it is one solid effort. The biggest tell-tale signs here were the ventilated brakes and rear swingarm, but we reckon the side-by-side view above would make things clearer.

Yamaha to continue R6 production

Though the rendering, which claims to be sourced from Japan, isn’t real, it has got our imagination running wild. The Yamaha YZF-R6 is overdue for a replacement indeed, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the flagship new R1 heavily influences its design.

2016 Yamaha YZF-R6
2016 Yamaha YZF-R6

More importantly, if Yamaha does make a new R6, it might just prompt rivals Kawasaki and Honda at developing new versions of their respective Ninja ZX-6R and CBR600RR equivalents. We’ve recently reported that the Honda CBR600RR may be axed by year’s end with no replacement in sight just yet.

2014-Yamaha-YZFR6a

Back to Yamaha and it appears the firm will continue offering the current Yamaha YZF-R6 as we know it until it is no longer compliant with emissions regulations. Realistically, the chances of us seeing a new generation Yamaha YZF-R6 supersport model is something that remains to be seen.

Co-founder of Bikes Republic and a motoring journalist by night. He is a self described enthusiasts with a passion for speed but instead rides a Harley and a J300. A man of contradictions, he is just as passionate about time off in the quiets as he is about trail braking into turn one at Sepang Circuit on two or four wheels.

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