Special edition Yamaha GYTR R1 costs £35,000

It’s now 20 years since Yamaha released the first R1; a model that redefined sportsbikes and set litre bikes on the path they’re still following to this day. Even back in 1998 it had a claimed 140bhp and weighed just 190kg.

More amazing still was the chassis, which, thanks to the revolutionary stacked gearbox, was light, stiff and had a wheelbase of just 1385mm (20mm shorter than the Blade of the time). It is this model that Yamaha are celebrating with this new ‘GYTR Special Edition’.

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Revealed at Eicma 2018 and complete in a striking red and white livery reminiscent of the original Yamaha R1 and the Japanese firm’s past success at the Suzuka 8 Hours race, this new exclusive litre-bike will be available in just 20 units and has been draped in quality parts to help make it a competent track-centric missile.

As well as being hand-built, specialist parts include a race ECU and CCU – or Computer Control Unit, which allows you to analyse the data from your riding to help you improve and a quick-action throttle.

Electronics aside, the bike also receives an Öhlins FGRT 219 front fork package and TTX36 GP rear shock, complete with a fully adjustable steering damper and full titanium Akrapovič Evolution 2 exhaust system.

In the event of a spill, protection will be supplied by Gilles Tooling, with armour installed on the crankcase and wheel axles.

Additional racing parts

If all of this electrickery and performance enhancing extras don’t offer you the full bling-factor you desire, Yamaha will also give would-be owners the option to install a series of non-factory racing extras, specially selected and installed by racing engineers.

Once ready for the customer, a dyno engine break-in and tailored chassis set-up is then performed, to ensure optimal performance. What’s more, ownership will also grant a place on the 2019 Yamaha Racing Experience, where they will be taught how to extract as much from their bike as they can.

The bad news is, they cost £35,000 and they will soon sell out.

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YZF-R3 GYTR

Revealed alongside the road-going YZF-R125 and YZF-R3 towards the start of the Yamaha Eicma press conference, this GYTR miniature supersport racer will come as a race pack that transforms the road bike into an all-out racer.

This achieved with the inclusion of Öhlins Racing suspension and a Brembo front disc, partnered with a titanium Akrapovič exhaust and GYTR engine kit that helps the motor comply with 2019 World Supersport 300 championship FIM regulations.

Find your next two-wheeled companion at MCN Bikes for Sale.