For the 1990 season of World Grand Prix 500cc racing, Yamaha debuted the OWC1 generation of their legendary YZR500. Changes from the previous year included an output bump to 152 horsepower, lower rake angle, and repositioning of the exhaust headers. Wayne Rainey would end up winning seven rounds in route to his first World GP title (and Yamaha’s 6th Manufacturer’s Championship).
Yamaha themselves note that the “OWC1 would also be the base machine that for the factory engine that Yamaha would sell to privateer constructors along with chassis data to such as Harris and ROC Yamaha to stimulate the GP500.”
This example is VIN: YZR500-R-815. The seller acquired it from a dealership in Japan four years ago.
The seller has not ridden the bike during his ownership. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
“This is a factory Yamaha YZR500 used in the All Japan Championship of 1989/1990 still with its original Tech Pass Sticker on. The bike has not been “restored” but was delivered in full factory guise having been used and then stored by a collector. We have another Factory 1992 Yamaha YZR500 that was also purchased in the same situation. Rather than being scrapped, this totally original bike was most likely gifted to a Team or rider that had a great standing with YMC. This bike was used by Tadahiko “Tadi” Taira, the darling of Yamaha Motor Racing for many years, Tadi had great success in Japan (3 All Japan Championships’) and on the world circuit MotoGP. You can even buy a Tamiya Model of him on a YZR500.
This bike has been run twice in Australia at parade events and prepared by Paul Tracey (Team Roberts) and Radar Cullen (Team Agostini Yamaha). Interestingly at the last event it was run by Jeremy Burgess, Rossi’s team chief for many years.”
Maintenance:
“New Michelin Power Cup 2 tyres and brake pads. It runs as expected.”
Inside of the tank:
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“This bike is as it was stored with original paintwork. It never needed restoring but shows some patina as you would expect. It has alloy crankcases which is the best option.”
Currently located in Runaway Bay, Queensland, Australia, this Yamaha is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
