The winning bidder will take possession of a Yamaha YZF-R1 wearing an enlarged version of Rossi’s “Five Continents” paint scheme as seen on his AGV helmet. Valentino gave the go-ahead for his graphics designer, Aldo Drudi of Drudi Performance, to adapt the helmet graphics to the bike’s bodywork, a transformation carried out by Pole Position Graphics. Other aftermarket firms were eager to help as word spread and the project quickly gained momentum.
“Our goal was to create a custom sportbike worthy of the title ‘Ultimate Track Day Bike’ while also being a unique collectible,” said Don Emde, Parts magazine publisher, former racer and the man who spearheaded the Rossi R1 project, a year in the making. “Getting Valentino’s blessing for the project was the trick and then everyone else jumped on board.” Emde heads U.S.-based Friends of Riders for Health, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, raising funds in aid of Riders for Health II Inc. (a nonprofit, 501(c)3 tax exempt corporation). Of the monies raised by Friends of Riders for Health, a minimum of 80% will be paid to Riders for Health II in support of their work across Africa.
Obvious additions to the YZF are the Roland Sands Design “Ronin” wheels and billet triple-clamps. Bridgestone provided suitably sticky Battlax BT-003RS track-day tires. Also easy to spot is the lightweight Akrapovic exhaust system; likewise the Ohlins fork assembly up front and TTX shock out back. Besides kindly donating the base R1, Yamaha chipped in with carbon-fiber accessories from its GYTR division.
Vortex supplied its trick rearset footpegs and adjustable hand controls, as well as the handlebars and drive sprockets. Saddlemen gets credit for the custom seat, including a rear pad emblazoned with Rossi’s trademark number 46.
More subtle changes include a Dynojet fuel-injection module and KN air filter element. EBC provided brake rotors and high-performance pads, neatly plumbed with Goodridge hydraulic lines. An EK chain delivers power from motor to rear wheel.
The winning bidder will also receive a racetrack instruction session courtesy of the Yamaha Champions Riding School, either at the school’s Miller Motorsports Park facility in Utah or at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Provided to the buyer will be the bike’s original street-legal components, should he or she want to put the R1 back on the road. Please note, this auction is for the motorcycle only, the helmet pictured in the catalog is not included.
Authorized by Valentino Rossi, provided by Yamaha and built up with the best aftermarket components, this is a one-of-a-kind collectible sportbike, ready for the track, all for a good and worthy cause.
Estimate: $50,000 – 70,000
Footnote:
Please note, the helmet pictured is not included with the lot.
- 2001 Yamaha FZ1 – Motorcycle USA
- 2013 Yamaha FZ – Reviews, Prices and Specs at Motorcyclist Magazine
- Yamaha XJR1300 road test
- Yamaha Fazer 250 JustBikes.in
- 2010 Star Stratoliner Deluxe Road Test Rider Magazine Reviews
