YAMAHA YZF-R1 50th Anniversary (2005-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2006, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha YZF-R1 50th Anniversary, a flagship superbike that marked half of a century.

The limited edition machine featured the same technical specifications as the base mode, such as the new cylinder head that added three more horsepower to the overall output, a longer swingarm, better compression, and revised forks for better handling.

The bike featured a Kenny Roberts replica paint scheme with yellow and black colors and custom Ohlins suspension, both front, and rear, developed by the same team that developed the YZR-M1 motorcycle.

Other features of the bike included the custom forged Marchesini aluminum wheels specifically designed for the model, which were 450 grams lighter, a back-torque-limiting clutch, and an integrated lap timer. For the United States, Yamaha only made 500 units.

In the performance department, the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 50th Anniversary model packed the same specifications as the base model, such as a power output of 174 hp at 12,500 rpm and 107 Nm (79 lb-ft) of torque at 10,500 rpm.

Set in motion by a six-speed manual transmission and with a dry weight of 174 kg (384 lbs), the bike reached a top speed of 288 kph (179 mph).

As for braking power, the bike packed two 320 mm discs with a couple of four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc with a four-piston caliper on the rear.