YAMAHA YZF-R1 World GP 50th Anniversary Edition (2011-2012) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2012, Yamaha celebrated half a century since the first MotoGP racing motorcycle was born with the release of the Yamaha YZF-R1 WGP 50th Anniversary Edition, which came in a retro color livery with bright white and red accents complemented by the black trim of the belly pan, frame, engine, and wheels.

The YZF-R1 Anniversary Edition featured the same updates and changes as the 2012 base model, such as the seven-position traction control, revised Electronic Control Unit (ECU) settings, the redesigned footrests, the new headlight cowl, and the new silencer heat guards with new end caps that gave the bike a more compact look.

The world GP 50th Anniversary Edition celebrated Yamaha's racing heritage in a Pearl White and Rapid Red livery with a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank and a special number plate that showed the production number of only 2000 units manufactured worldwide in the special colors.

As for the power performance, the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 WGP 50th Anniversary Edition featured the same specifications as the 2012 base model, such as a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 182 hp at 12,500 rpm and 116 Nm (86 lb-ft) of torque at 10,000 rpm.

The power produced by the engine, combined with a dry weight of 177 kg (389 lbs) and a six-speed manual transmission, resulted in a top speed of 281 kph (175 mph).