To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Yamaha took their incredibly popular 1000cc sportbike and modified just 500 examples into near-production racers. This R1 LE is even signed by Kenny Roberts himself.
Specific changes made for the Yamaha R1 Limited Edition include:
An homage to Kenny Roberts and the original Yamaha racing colors with the lovely yellow/black/white ‘speedblock’ paint.
Front and rear Ohlins suspension – developed by the same team that took care of the Yamaha MotoGP bike of the time.
Marchesini forged aluminum wheels designed specifically for this bike.
Slipper clutch, integrated lap timer, and Yamaha also provided a “special tool box” with each Limited Edition.
Manufactured in November 2005, this example is VIN: JYARN15E86A004105. The seller acquired the bike from a private party in Ohio through an Iconic Motorbikes Auction in 2023.
It is #493/500.
The odometer shows 746 miles.
Maintenance:
After purchasing the bike, the seller had it shipped to our shop for a service to make it ready to ride. He had us change the engine oil/filter, flush the hydraulic fluids, flush the coolant, and install new tires. He also replaced the cush drive rubbers in the rear wheel.
Modifications:
Solo seat cowl with Kenny Roberts’ signature from the US Grand Prix in Indianapolis 2008. Per the previous owner, “the solo cowl and signature have been cleared to preserve the autograph.”
Keiti Additions tank pad.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires with date codes of 2222 and 4422.
The sale includes two keys.
The sale also includes the Yamaha Special Tool Box, an R1 service manual, the original owner’s manual, stock passenger seat, a 50th Anniversary visor, as well as the box for the solo seat.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
Currently located in Newbury Park, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through October 2025.
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