2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Limited Edition

by Dietmar Bothner | Dec 26, 2019 | Yamaha

This Bike is also known as the “50th Anniversary” model, “Kenny Roberts Replica”, or the “US Edition”

The reason for the US addition is because of the colour scheme that was made famous by the US racer “Kenny Roberts Snr”. He won 3 consecutive 500cc World GP titles in 1978, 1979 and 1980.

Kenny Roberts Snr raced in this Yellow Black block design, also known as Speedblock design. He did not win Yamaha’s first world title, but the first 3 consecutive titles for them, cementing the corporate paint scheme to Yamaha and Kenny’s success. To celebrate Yamaha’s 50th anniversary they used this distinctive colour scheme.

This bike was one of the most exotic, exclusive open-class weapons ever to come out of Japan in its day. They were limited to a production run of ONLY 500 units. The bike in picture is number 24.

It is adorned with:

Swedish-built Ohlins suspension front and rear
Gold forged aluminium Marchesini wheels front and rear (in the same Y-spoke pattern as Valentino Rossi’s M1 racebike)
Rear suspension adjustable for ride height
Back torque-limiting slipper clutch,
Starter button doubles as a lap timer control for the racetrack
The yellow paint scheme has a metallic flake in it
A plaque on the triple-clamp signifying which number of the 500 produced it is (this bike in picture being number 24)
The Yamaha badges on these bikes are not the traditional 3 silver tuning forks but 3 gold tuning forks as per Rossi’s M1 again, signifying this is something very special and rare
This bike in picture also has been signed by Valentino Rossi himself on the petrol tank
Extensive use of hollow bolts and lightweight fasteners to help trim overall weight
These bikes were also supplied with a special R1 tool kit presented in a metal box with insignia.

Basic Specifications:

Engine – 998cc, liquid cooled, 20 valve, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder
Bore x Stroke – 77 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio 12.4:1
Carburetion Fuel injection, dual valve throttle bodies with motor-driven secondary valves
Ignition DC-CDI
Transmission 6-speed w/multiplate clutch
Final Drive #530 O-ring chain
Weight – 174kg dry (claimed)
Tyres – front 120/70-ZR17 , rear 190/50-ZR17
Max Power – 128kW / 175hp @ 12500rpm (Ram air)
Max Torque – 106.6NM @ 10500rpm (Ram air)