Avon Tyres Yamaha R1 100th Anniversary Bike Unveiled

In order to mark its 100th anniversary, Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America has built a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle based on a Yamaha YZF-R1 bike. The company has unveiled the custom-built anniversary motorcycle at the 2011 Dealer Expo, showcasing an extensive list of sponsors and custom paint by renowned airbrush artist Carlos Avelar.

Product sponsors included Yamaha/Yamaha GYTR, BST Carbon Fiber Wheels, Brock’s Performance, Akrapovic, Saddlemen, Graves, Race Tech, ASV, BMP, Bazzaz, K&N, Driven Racing, Avon Grips, Goodridge, Gilles Tooling, Pit Bull, Hot Bodies, and Sharkskinz. Motorcycle re-working was completed by Chris Costa at Yamaha of Cucamonga.

"This has been an incredible project for us, and we were so pleased to realize its completion in time to unveil this stunning motorcycle at the Dealer Expo this year," Sukoshi Fahey, Sales & Marketing Manager, Avon Motorcycle Tyres, North America, said in a statement for the press. "Our sincere thanks go out to all of our contributors for making this project possible, including a special thank you to airbrush artist Carlos Avelar for the breathtaking custom paint," added Fahey.

Inspired by Yamaha's M1 MotoGP race bike, the latest generation R1 comes as the Japanese company’s technical "Tour de Force." Featuring a crossplane crankshaft design with an uneven firing order, the 2011 Yamaha R1 has reportedly been designed to be the "Ultimate Cornering Master" of the open super sport class. The bike is fitted with a 998cc, DOHC, 4-valve, in-line 4 engine, developing 182 hp at 12500 rpm and 115.5 Nm (85 lb.ft.) of torque at 10,000 rpm, and delivering a fuel consumption of 40mpg (5.88 l/100km).

The sportbike also uses a compact close-ratio 6-speed transmission that features optimized gear ratios, a multi plate clutch, and a 4 into 2 into 1 into 2 titanium exhaust system with dual under seat mufflers.