One-Off Rossi Yamaha R1 Bike Goes Under the Hammer

A Valentino Rossi-inspired 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 1000cc is to be auctioned by Bonhams at their upcoming Classic California event in November. The civilian version of the MotoGP bike campaigned by the World Champion wears Rossi's personal "Five Continents" AGV helmet design and was the brainchild of former racing champion and AMA Hall of Famer Don Emde.

“Emde founded the non-profit Friends of Riders For Health to further the cause in America of Riders For Health, a charitable organization that brings life-saving medicines to people in remote areas of Africa by way of motorcycles. As a way to generate funds for Riders For Health, Emde conceived of this project and then invited the "who's who" of the motorcycling world to participate,” a statement from Bonhams reads.

"Once we got Rossi's blessing, everyone jumped aboard," says Emde. The brand new stock machine came as a donation from Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. Furthermore, Aldo Drudi translated the graphics from Rossi's helmet to the R1's special bodywork, Roland Sands donated the Ronin wheels, Bridgestone added the BT-003 tires, Ohlins gave the suspension, Akrapovic provided the exhaust and EBC did the brakes.

Vortex, Goodridge and Dynojet were also involved in the project. According to Bonhams, just with improvements the bike's value is nearly $30,000.

The one-off R1, personally autographed by Rossi, will be presented in "track day" trim but it is fully street legal and will be offered with all the necessary accessories and California title. On top of that, Yamaha will donate a day at the Yamaha Champions Riding School for the winning bidder.

The Bonhams Classic California Auction will be held at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on November 13, 2010.