Twenty-six years ago, MotoGP witnessed the debut of Italian motorcycle rider Valentino Rossi, the most prominent figure in MotoGP history. Throughout his career, Rossi has produced some of the most memorable and mesmerizing performances, which influenced the next generation of riders. In total, Rossi achieved 9 world championships, 115 wins, 235 podiums over 425 race starts across 250cc and 125cc classes. To pay tribute to the legendary Valentino Rossi, Yamaha has unveiled the new Yamaha R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute Edition at the EICMA 2021 in Milan.
Yamaha has designed the special livery for the R1 GYTR VR46 as a tribute to Rossi’s illustrious career. Produced by Rossi’s long-time helmet designer and friend, Aldo Drudi, the bike sports Rossi’s signature number 46 on the cowl. The bike also sports a mix of Yamaha Racing Blue, Yellow, and Light Blue across the side and rear panels. With a new matte black 22-litre fuel tank, the bike also sports a new Akrapovic racing exhaust.
Yamaha’s WorldSBK development has ensured to implement the bike with upcoming 2022 GYTR spec parts and unique features. The development team has also helped Yamaha to achieve its 2021 WorldSBK Triple Crown, culminating in the R1 GYTR’s production. Yamaha’s WorldSBK development team has produced and implemented a new carbon fibre fairing kit with a carbon rear subframe. Valentino Rossi attended the EICMA 2021 for the first time, where he received the bike for the ‘One More Lap’ event.
The bike features a whole host of GYTR specific parts, including an Electronic Throttle, Slipper Clutch, and Head Gasket. Additionally, the bike sports a Radiator Kit, Air Funnel & Handle Bar Set, Handlebar Switches, and a Front Brake Protector. Other GYTR specific parts include the Adjustable Rear Set, Akrapovic Factory Line System, and the Marchesini Wheel Set. From the WorldSBK development team, the bike sports an Underslung Swingarm Assy, Adjustable Triple Clamp Kit, and a Factory-tuned engine.
Additionally, the bike sports a new EX 140 Marelli ECU with a dedicated Wire Harness, Sensor Kit, and an Air Filter. The bike features an Ohlins-supplied Factory Front Fork, a fully-adjustable rear monoshock, and a Side Steering Damper. For braking performance, the bike sports dual front Brembo discs with callipers and a single rear Brembo disc with callipers. Yamaha’s WorldSBK development team has also offered the bike with a chrome-lit dashboard with GPS.
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