RSD 2008 Yamaha 450 Super Single

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

Back in 2008, Gavin Trippe — the brains behind Supermoto, Superbike, and various other competitive ventures — approached Roland Sands with a concept that was poised to take the roadracing world by storm: a bike he dubbed the “Super Single.” Intended as an affordable entry point for aspiring racers, it was to be based around three different single-cylinder Japanese dirtbikes: Yamaha’s WR450F, Honda’s CRF450X, and Kawasaki’s KX450F.

While an off-roader might not seem like the most logical starting point for a purpose-built track performer, the Super Single was, in many ways, the ideal platform for racers to hone their skills. A 250-pound dry weight made for superb handling, while a 60-horsepower output and a 130-mile-per-hour top speed proved far more manageable than that of larger, more powerful 600s. In fact, when Roland unveiled this bike to the press, he said “every motocross bike has within it the heart of a road racer.”

Best part of all: the bikes were designed such that competitors couldn’t buy their way to a win (should there have been a racing class). On the contrary — each Super Single was to be built using a stock frame, a sub-frame, and a swingarm from its respective donor, without any cutting or welding. In fact, even the gearbox was to be kept standard; only the handlebars, the suspension components, and the fiberglass fairings could be modified bike to bike.

Trippe organized a Super Singles race at the 2008 AMA Road Race Grand Championship and the AMA was considering creating a 450cc singles class for the 2010 season under the name of “Formula 450”, though that did not pan out.

This example is VIN: JYACJ12Y27A004005. Roland built 15 examples of the Yamaha 450cc Super Singles and he kept this one for himself.

There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.

Modifications:
Roland Sands Design bodywork with Zero Gravity windscreen.

Race Tech-tuned Yamaha R6 upside down fork, clip-ons.

Race Tech-tuned rear shock.

R6 foot controls with RSD adapter brackets.

17×3.5, 17×5.0 billet race wheels by Performance Machine.

R6 front radial mount caliper with R6 rotor. Rear brake is stock 450.

K&N air filter.

Aftermarket frame sliders and axle sliders.

Not pictured: aftermarket radiator guards, Performance Machine crash sliders and bodywork mounts.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:







Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Dunlop slicks which have aged out.

Please Note:
This bike has been sitting on display in Roland’s shop for several years and it is missing the exhaust. He will sell the bike as a runner, but due to time constraints with the upcoming race season he will need the bike for roughly three weeks after the auction ends before it is ready to be picked up or delivered.

Currently located in Signal Hill, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California off-highway title. Have any questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!