Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2012 Yamaha R1 WorldGP 50th Anniversary Edition. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The 1990s were defined by three sportbikes – the Honda CBR900RR, the Ducati 916, and the Yamaha R1. Honda’s CBR900RR started the revolution by being 76 pounds lighter than its lightest competition. Soon after, Ducati released the 916. It was technically competent with fuel injection and even an adjustable steering head angle, but it’s best remembered just for being one of the most beautiful motorcycles of all time. In 1998, Yamaha released the R1 and wiped the floor with everyone else – it was the lightest and most powerful literbike available and you had to work hard to find a dealer with one in stock.
The basic specifications at the time were 150 horsepower, 419 pounds dry, and 2.96 seconds to 60mph, per MCN. While those were each impressive numbers, it was the engineering of the drivetrain that made it all possible. Yamaha was able to design the engine/transmission to be much smaller by vertically stacking the transmission shafts.
Further space was saved by putting the water pump inside the engine cases. The packaging let Yamaha shorten the wheelbase and still lengthen the swingarm, which made the R1 feel like a 600cc bike but with 1,000cc power.
In 2012, Yamaha celebrated their first ever GP appearance (and Ben Spies’ win at the Assen TT the year prior) with the WGP 50th Anniversary edition.
Like other R1s from that model year, it was updated with more aerodynamic bodywork, improved engine mapping, and a new traction control system. Being a limited release bike, though, the WGP was also treated to an eye-catching red and white livery.
Manufactured in September 2011, this example is VIN: JYARN23E6CA011770, Engine #: N520E-015352. The seller is the original owner, he purchased it to add to a collection of 0-mile R1s he acquired (including a 2006 Limited Edition and a 2016 60th Anniversary Edition that we recently auctioned off).
It is #217 out of 2000.
The odometer shows zero miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us flush the brake fluid and the coolant. He also had us replace the fuel tank reservoir with a NOS unit as the original had some internal rust. Steve and Daniel did the work, they note the following in their condition report:
Technician: Steve, Daniel
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 2011
Tire % Front/ Rear: 100%
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear: 32PSI
Brake Life – Front/ Rear: 100%
Hydraulic Fluid: Front/Rear: Ok, New
Engine Oil – Ok; Quality: Ok
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Test Ride: None Taken, Bench Run
Modifications:
This bike is completely stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on its original Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier tires.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
