Yamaha celebrates 60 years of World Grand Prix racing with anniversary livery
Celebrating over 60 years and over 500 race wins, with loads of style along the way. Yamaha reveals the 60th anniversary look for the 2022 R1, R7, R3 and R125.
Yamaha has just revealed special liveries for their sports range of motorcycles to celebrate 60 years of World Grand Prix Racing, with the 2022 Yamaha R1, R7, R3, & R125 all privy to the new limited look.
Starting way back in May 1961 when the Japanese firm entered the French GP on the 250cc RD48, with the team’s first victory coming soon after with Fumio Ito at the Belgian GP.
Over 500 victories have been celebrated in the following 60 years, and the first Championship victory was won in 1964 by Phil Read, Yamaha’s British entrant to the World GP. The title-deciding race of which being an iconic 10th round held in Monza, Italy, finishing with a Yamaha 1-2 with Mike Duff, beating out Jim Redman on the air-cooled 4-stroke 6-cylinder Honda.
The 1964 World GP debut was the first appearance of the white fairing with solid red stripe and red front fender, before the iconic speed block era took hold - which Yamaha say is the most famous and best-loved colour scheme ever featured on a racing motorcycle.
This replica livery embodies all of these elements, with predominantly white fairing, red stripes and speed block design. And gold wheels. I love gold wheels on a bike.
It certainly got people talking when it was revealed on the M1 with Cal Crutchlow.
When will the 60th Anniversary Yamaha liveries be available at dealers?
These liveries will be available in UK & EU dealers on the R models starting in November 2021.
Those awaiting the final verdicts on the R7 from the UK press before placing their order need not wait long - the launch is right around the corner, and will be published in time for you to go for a special colourway as a little November treat.
Despite being a race-only special now, there is no mention of the R6 being included in this limited run. Likewise, there is no mention of the upcoming R9 receiving this special lick of paint… although that’s not surprising, as we’re still waiting for the official confirmation of its existence.
Unless Yamaha is lining up a special EICMA surprise, with 5 sports bikes under covers to be revealed, the last one being the Yamaha R9 which you can now read about here!
