25 Years of the Iconic R1 is celebrated by Yamaha with Exclusive Race Developed Performance Package
Jeremy Webb
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the iconic R1, Yamaha, through their GYTR PRO Shop, will offer customers the unique opportunity to experience world championship-winning performance courtesy of a range of Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR®) PRO performance parts developed alongside Yamaha's World Superbike and Endurance World Championship race programs.
Designed by the same engineers at Yamaha Motor Research & Development Europe (YMRE) responsible for the development of the World Championship-winning R1 WorldSBK machine, the range of GYTR PRO performance parts makes WorldSBK performance available to Yamaha customers for the first time.
The range of GYTR PRO performance parts for the R1 includes an ultra-strong and lightweight carbon rear subframe designed to accommodate a modified fuel tank with a lower centre of gravity and the Magneti Marelli ECU. Öhlins FGR front forks and a TTX rear shock with a pneumatic preload adjuster offer more predictable handling and the same level of suspension adjustment available to Yamaha's professional road racers. An underslung swingarm, developed specifically for Yamaha's WorldSBK race program, improves maximum lean angle and rear grip, while Brembo braking components front and rear provide the ultimate stopping power.
The carbon fibre bodywork is ultra-strong, lightweight, and designed with the screen to offer optimal aerodynamic performance.
Also available is a GYTR PRO Electronic System (GPES) module, a state-of-the-art package for engine control and data acquisition developed by YMRE in WorldSBK. The GPES features the most up-to-date electronic software rider aids, such as anti-wheelie, launch control, engine braking management, adjustable fuelling, and traction control, supplied with a ready-to-go base setting that provides an excellent starting point for fine-tuning on-track.
Creating such a range of unique performance parts has taken years of development at the very highest level, with Yamaha WorldSBK riders Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli, along with test rider Niccolò Canepa, all playing crucial roles in the development process. Fittingly, Yamaha Ambassador and nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi was presented with an R1 with a selection of GYTR PRO performance parts while introducing the GYTR PRO concept at EICMA.
To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the R1, Yamaha Motor Europe has commissioned an exclusive run of 25 R1 machines that will be hand-built from the chassis up and will feature the full range of GYTR PRO performance parts. The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary will be assembled exclusively by experienced technicians in one of Europe's 25 GYTR PRO Shops. It will be immediately identifiable as the ultimate track day tool courtesy of the special commemorative livery adorning the race-developed carbon fibre bodywork.
The R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary, which boasts a specification as close to that of Yamaha's world championship race bikes as it is possible to get, is only available to order online, with customers also able to specify at which GYTR Pro Shop the bike will be prepared to their exact requirements.
To ensure they can fully realise the incredible potential of their R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary machines, each of the 25 owners will also spend a day at a race circuit with a team of dedicated Yamaha technicians. After initial set-up at the track, owners will be run through the same process Yamaha's world championship teams use with riders such as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to fine-tune the bike's settings to match their specific riding style.
This combination of the exclusive, race-proven specification of the R1 GYTR PRO 25th Anniversary edition and the technical expertise available through Yamaha's GYTR PRO Shops provides a unique opportunity for Yamaha customers to own what is, without doubt, the ultimate R1.
With only a limited number of 25 bikes available, potential owners will need to move fast if they are not to miss out.
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