2006 Yamaha R1 “50th Anniversary” For Sale on eBay
Some of you will recognize this 50th R1 LE because it’s been on the site before under the disguise of slightly different photos.
You’ve also seen countless other LE R1’s over the years and can view those here, here,here, here and here. So, I’m not going to bore you with regurgitated specs (Ohlins, Marchesini Wheels, 3 more horsepower, numbered top triple, snazzy paint etc.) because you can probably recite the R1 LE’s specs blind folded and with one hand tied behind your back.
I want to cordially discuss where this one sits in history and where it will be in 5 years when it’s 20 years old.
I’ll start- I hit my motorcycling stride in the 80’s and 90’s being spoon fed GSX-RR’s, ZX7RR’s, RC30’s, OW-01’s and RC45’s. These things were sick, trick and unobtainable to the masses unless you had some serious connection and serious front pocket change. These were all quickly and easily distinguishable by their solo seats. Perhaps I’m a little biased, but (other than the Italian brands) there was a bit of a Japanese lull after the turn of the century. There was a little spark from Kawasaki in 2003 when they launched the ZX6-RR, another spark from Honda with the CBR SP and I will happily admit I’m DOWN like a CLOWN with Kawasaki’s ZX-10RR. I’m sure I’m missing a few, but I’m also sure you all will quickly point them out 😉
The 50th R1 LE had a MSRP of $18,000. This one is now listed at $25,000 and is still as new as it was in 2006. I’m always excited to see these NOS machines turn up because it gives buyers the chance to pick up what may have been your grail machine in 2006. I have no doubt these hold a special place in a select few riders hearts. My end all be all bike is a 7RR-N1. Yes, I know it’s a finicky pig and way under {insert whatever you want here} by today’s standards, but I just love them and I’ve yet to own one. 🙁
From the seller:
2006 Yamaha R1 anniversary Limited edition. It has been professionally “mothballed” in order to store it without damaging the bike. It has never been ridden and has 0 miles on it. This is #2 of 500 made and #1 is in the Yamaha museum. Included with this bike is everything that came with the bike along with a special tool kit only made for this bike.
Key Features:
-The R1 LE is a special, limited-edition version of our awe-inspiring liter-bike-packed with premium components in addition to the standard tremendous firepower of the R1.
-Ohlins suspension units front and rear, custom-developed for the R1 LE by the same people who work on the YZR-M1 Moto GP bike, provide the ultimate ride and handling.
-Custom, YZR-M1-style forged aluminum Marchesini wheels designed specifically for the LE add style while removing nearly a pound of un-sprung weight.
-Back torque-limiting slipper clutch greatly aids downshifting from speed, helping the rider exploit all the R1 LE’s tremendous braking power.
Bottom line for me- I like these and think they will leave their mark and will become a staple in the next generation of sport bike collectors.
If you want to discuss this model (not the seller) with your peers, please do so in an adult manner. All comments will be moderated!
Check out #2 here
Cheers!
dd
I have number 399, never started, still on my showroom floor, piece of art as far as I am concerned. Would take a good dollar amount for me to part with this on, literally has never had a fingerprint on it….
That’s awesome Mike and great to hear you’re giving it all the love it deserves!
Beautiful bikes. My best friend had one in his living room for years. Should have bought it. That said, $25k for this bike, never started or not, is a bit optimistic. Opportunistic? lol guess we will see.