Special edition 'Speed Block' R1

YAMAHA has just unveiled this special edition 'Speed Block' R1 for 2016.  

The classic 1970s livery marks Yamaha's 60th anniversary this year. See our full gallery below.

Yamaha revealed the special edition just now at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France, and simultaneously in a press release.

The special edition will available to buy from December this year.

The announcement follows the news that Yamaha will be starting another production run of the R1M for 2016. 

Yamaha UK's Jeff Turner said: 'Following the news on Wednesday that the GMT 94 and YART race teams would be contesting the 79th Bol D’Or endurance race in the classic Yamaha US yellow and black ‘Speed Block’ race livery from the 1970’s, we are proud to announce the launch of a 60th Anniversary Edition of the YZF-R1  which will be part of our Supersport line up for 2016.'

Yamaha's press release included:

'SPECIAL 60TH ANNIVERSARY YZF-R1 WITH ICONIC RACING COLOURS

To celebrate 60 years of motorcycle design and manufacturing, the company will be producing a limited edition YZF-R1 60th Anniversary model for 2016 that perfectly captures the spirit of Yamaha. Featuring Yamaha's iconic Yellow/Black bodywork colours with the famous speedblock design and equipped with an Akrapovic slip-on muffler, the YZF-R1 60th Anniversary model pays tribute to the legendary riders and the winning Yamaha Racing bikes from our past.

The YZF-R1 60th anniversary was launched during the Bol d’Or race on Friday, 18th September, and will be available in Yamaha dealers from December 2015 onwards. For 2016 the R1 will also be available in Race Blu, adopting a subtle graphic update, and in Racing Red.

As well as revealing the special R1 on September 18th, Yamaha will also launch the new 2016 colours and graphics for the R6, R3 and R125 models, underlining the company's total commitment to all sectors of the supersport market.

R1 2016 Colour: 60th Anniversary

Availability: December 2015'

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