Yamaha prepares a new R6… but you can’t have it until 2003

Yamaha’s R6 is set to get fuel injection and an R1-style makeover for 2003.

The arrival of the new Suzuki GSX-R600 and Honda CBR600 in 2001 have played their part in cutting R6 sales in half this year.

As well as helping catch up with its rivals, fuel injection will bring the R6 into line with European emissions regulations. Those dictate that many bikes must cut their carbon dioxide output in half in 2003.

Yamaha is backing the 2003 British Junior Superstock Championship, making it a single-make series, adding evidence that there could be a new machine to promote.

Yamaha UK is refusing to comment on the update, but foreign Yamaha sources confirm that work on a major update, including fuel injection, is already underway for 2003.

Experts say the introduction of fuel injection is unlikely to make the R6 more expensive because the technology is now just as cheap as traditional carbs.