Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The increasing popularity of the World Superbike Championship since its inception in 1988 has been responsible for the introduction of over-the-counter road bikes boasting specifications aimed squarely at the racetrack. The most famous of these limited edition ‘homologation specials’ is Honda’s iconic RC30, but Yamaha’s answer, the 1989 FZR750R, better known as the OW-01, is even rarer and more exotic with only 500 built.
One of the iconic OW-01 riders was AMA champion Dave “Ski” Sadowski. A New Hampshire native, Dave began his riding career in Loudon NH in 1984 in the 250 Grand Prix class. In 1988 he scored his first national victory in the AMA 750cc Supersport race, at Loudon racetrack NH. That very same day he also won the race in the 600cc Supersport class.
In 1990, while riding for Vance & Hines Yamaha, Sadowski hoisted three first place trophies in the AMA 600cc Supersport Nationals on his way to winning the national championship that year. His most famous victory also came in 1990, when he won the Daytona 200 riding for Vance & Hines Yamaha.
Sadowski’s win elevated him to celebrity status and made famous the magenta, yellow, and black color scheme of the Vance & Hines Yamaha motorcycle road racing team. This particular bodywork came off of “Ski’s” second or third bike as his primary bike resides in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
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 Bodywork is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any OW-01 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
