POSTED: 14/09/2021
Yamaha celebrate Grand Prix racing history with special edition supersport models. 1961-2021: 60 years of World Grand Prix racing for Yamaha.
Racing has been an integral part of Yamaha’s DNA from the day that the factory was incorporated on July 1st, 1955. At the time, the company proved its products on the racetrack just days after Yamaha Motor Company was founded, when the YA-1 won the Mount Fuji Ascent Race at its very first attempt on July 10th.
Just two years after Yamaha’s debut GP, Fumio Ito took the brand’s first ever GP win on the RD56 at the Belgian Grand Prix, and the company has never looked backsince that day. 1964 saw Yamaha win its first World Championship as well as its first Constructor’s title with Phil Read in the 250cc class, the first of many victories in that decade. It was the beginning of an incredible journey for everyone involved in the company’s race program, and during the past 60 years Yamaha has established itself as one of the most successful manufacturers with over 500 Grand Prix race wins, along with 38 rider titles, 37 constructor titles and 7 team titles.
In 1964 the competition department debuted their 250cc Grand Prix racer with a new white fairing with a solid red stripe and red front fender. This bold, simple and dynamic red/white colour scheme soon established itself as the instantly recognisable Yamaha look in Grand Prix road racing, and was the forerunner to Yamaha speed block: arguably the most famous and best loved colour scheme ever featured on a racing motorcycle.
And to celebrate Yamaha’s long and illustrious Grand Prix racing history, the company has created a World GP 60th Anniversary livery for the 2022 R1, R7, R3 and R125 models.
Yamaha YZF-R1 World GP 60th Anniversary
Featuring cutting-edge technology from Yamaha’s race-winning M1 MotoGP® machine, the R1 is the ultimate race-bred supersport. And to commemorate 60 years of Grand Prix racing, the outstanding R1 World GP 60th Anniversary has been created. Finished in historic racing colours, it’s the ultimate tribute to some of Yamaha’s most iconic racing bikes – and is sure to become a collector’s machine with riders who appreciate this special heritage
Yamaha YZF-R7 World GP 60th Anniversary
Created using the same pure race-bred DNA that comes with every Yamaha Supersport bike, the R7’s compact dimensions and high-torque engine are guaranteed to put a smile on your face with every ride. And to celebrate 60 years of Grand Prix racing, Yamaha has created the exclusive R7 World GP 60th Anniversary with the iconic white and red "speed block" colour scheme.
Yamaha YZF-R3 World GP 60th Anniversary
With its high-revving 321cc engine, compact chassis and aggressive M1 MotoGP®-inspired fairing, the R3 is Yamaha’s ultimate A2-licence supersport. And now featuring the dynamic racing colours from Yamaha’s historic GP bikes, the exclusive R3 World GP 60th Anniversary takes R/World to the next level with its iconic race-bred style.
Yamaha YZF-R125 World GP 60th Anniversary
With its high-tech 125ccc EU5 engine, lightweight chassis and race-bred MotoGP®-style bodywork, the dynamic R125 supersport delivers thrilling performance with precision handling – making it the hottest property in the 125cc class. Featuring the historic white-and-red racing design to celebrate Yamaha’s 60 years of GP racing, the stunning new R125 World GP 60th Anniversary brings iconic race bike style to the 125cc class.
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