Title-winning Yamaha R6 and Yamaha R3 brought into line with R1
Ahead of the 2020 Yamaha R1 launch, the Japanese firm brings its more entry-level R6, R3 and R125 models into closer line with its flagship sportsbike
Yamaha has reinforced the Yamaha R-Series family by updating the R6, R3 and R125 ranges with a series of cosmetic changes to bring them more into line with the incoming 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 range.
With the Iwata manufacturer preparing for the public launch of its updated flagship sportsbike, Yamaha has aligned the range with new colour options, most notably its signature ‘Icon Blue’ hue.
Midnight Black is also available on the R6 and R3, while Competition White is included in the options list for the R125.
Yamaha R6 continues to dominate Supersport racing
The (minor) updates come as Yamaha officially secured the World Supersport Championship riders’ title for a third year running with its ninth win from nine races this season at Portimao over the weekend.
After winning the WorldSSP title with Lucas Mahias in 2017, the R6 became the competitive motorbike of choice for 2018 with Sandro Cortese securing Yamaha’s sixth riders’ title as the manufacturer locked out the top five positions overall.
It’s a dominance Yamaha has maintained in 2019 with all wins shared between Randy Krummenacher, Federico Caricasulo and Jules Cluzel. With Caricasulo the victor in Portugal, it means the 2019 riders’ title can now only be taken home by one of these riders.
In reality though, the championship fight is between Krummenacher and Caricasulo – team-mates at Yamaha’s de facto ‘factory’ team, BARDAHL Evan Bros. - who have achieved four wins apiece and been remarkably difficult to separate all year.
Though they are split by ten points in ex-Moto2 rider Krummenacher’s favour, it is his younger team-mate Caricasulo that is considered the future for Yamaha. The 23-year-old is expected to be announced as Marco Melandri’s replacement at GRT Yamaha very soon.
