To satisfy the strong demand from experienced riders looking for the ultimate supersport performance, a high specification -SP- version of the YZF-R1 is to be offered alongside the standard machine in 2006. The highly exclusive new Yamaha YZF-R1SP is a limited production model fitted with a range of high quality racing components, and is based on the latest generation R1.
The R1SP is a fitting tribute to Yamaha-s technological innovation and to the R-series line-up. A limited run of only 500 units will be available in the European market.
This model is unique in that it is not simply a stock R1 with a range of race parts fitted to it. Rather, it is a specially developed motorcycle featuring exclusive one-off components that have been designed and tested specifically for this machine in close association with Öhlins and Marchesini – two of the racing world-s most respected and renowned manufacturers.
Special colouring for the SP version.
The remarkable new YZF-R1SP is offered in a very special high-quality colour scheme to underline its exclusivity. The bodywork and chassis are finished in Gun Smoke – the same colour as the MT-01 frame – while the duotone fuel tank features a matt black front section with a golden Yamaha tuning fork, and the rear section is finished in gloss black.
Öhlins front and rear suspension
Yamaha and Öhlins have enjoyed an extremely close working relationship for many years, and so when Yamaha made the decision to produce the YZF-R1SP, the Swedish suspension specialists were invited to join the project right from the beginning.
Yamaha have worked intensively with the Öhlins team in order to develop a suspension package that would offer the YZF-R1SP rider the ultimate front and rear suspension set-up. Our engineers and test riders spent months developing and testing the new forks and rear shock, and the end result is a high quality suspension system that offers unrivalled performance, remarkable balance, and optimum adjustability.
Initially the R1SP was tested with production Öhlins front and rear suspension, but Yamaha engineers requested a number of important specification changes to suit the exclusive new SP model. The suspension package is one of the most advanced ever to be offered on a production Yamaha, and is designed to deliver exceptional handling performance on the road as well as on the track.
Featuring a gold-coloured finish, the high-specification Öhlins front forks are the most sophisticated system available on a production motorcycle. Offering full adjustability for pre-load, compression and rebound damping, these high quality front forks have been developed to work in unison with the new rear shock absorber, and deliver remarkable feedback and superior ride quality.
Engineers from Öhlins have played a significant role in the design and set-up of the suspension for Yamaha-s MotoGP-winning YZR-M1, and this invaluable experience has been used in the development of the new rear shock and front forks for the R1SP.
These extremely advanced new forks offer an even wider range of settings than the front suspension on the standard bike, and this allows the SP rider to dial in the idealised settings for optimum chassis performance on a variety of different circuits and public roads.
Height-adjustable rear suspension with Öhlins rear shock
The specially-developed new fully-adjustable Öhlins rear shock absorber features a hydraulic pre-load adjuster which allows for quick and highly accurate adjustments when riding on the road or race track.
In addition to its wide range of shock adjustability, the new rear suspension system is also equipped with a compact height adjuster situated in a relay arm in the suspension linkage. This easily adjustable system allows the YZF-R1SP rider to raise or lower the ride height by a total of 10 mm to suit varying track or road conditions, and underlines the SP model-s enhanced range of potential chassis set-ups compared with the standard model.
Slipper clutch
Another significant difference between the stock R1 and the R1SP is the use of a slipper clutch on the limited edition SP model. This race-bred design limits the back torque transmitted from the rear wheel through to the crank, and in doing so it improves traction during rapid deceleration and hard braking in racing conditions, and enhances engine and transmission reliability.
Forged aluminium marchesini wheels
Special new lightweight wheels have been developed jointly by Yamaha engineers and Marchesini, and they feature the same -Y- shaped spokes as the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine.
This is the first time that this type of wheel has been used by Yamaha on a production road machine. Manufactured from forged aluminium to Yamaha-s exacting requirements, they offer a total of 400 g in weight savings compared with the standard 5-spoke wheels.
The significant reduction in unsprung weight, combined with the revised rigidity balance of the new 2006 Deltabox V chassis and the beneficial effects of the longer swingarm, make an important contribution to the remarkable handling performance of the R1SP model.
Gold-coloured mufflers
In addition to the high specification Öhlins suspension and lightweight Marchesini wheels, the new YZF-R1SP is also equipped with exclusive gold-coloured underseat mufflers which perfectly contrast with the new Gun Smoke colour scheme, and complement the golden Yamaha tuning fork badge on the fuel tank.
Limited Edition Plaque
Each one of the 500 YZF-R1SP models will come with a small engraved plaque bearing the machine-s production number to underline its exclusivity.
YZF-R1SP HIGHLIGHTS
Special high-quality colour scheme to underline its exclusivity
Based on 2006 YZF-R1
Modified Deltabox V frame with revised rigidity balance
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