Yamaha YZF R1 Limited Edition Extra: 1998-2006

Yamaha introduced the YZF-R1 in 1988. The launch model was available in white, red or blue. In Europe the blue proved to be the most popular and was in very short supply. In 2000, Yamaha introduced a series of improvements, but in 2001 it was beaten in performance numbers by the Suzuki GSX-R. One major change for the ‘02-’03 period was a new fuel injection system, which worked like a carburetor slide and the engine was developed to rev higher, faster and for longer. In ‘04, with the competition advancing, Yamaha took to major developments including style updates and performance upgrades. In 2006, the 50th anniversary of Yamaha racing in the US, Yamaha released a Limited Edition yellow/white/black bike in original Yamaha racing colors. They also made a Special edition model featuring black paint, front and rear custom Ohlins suspension units developed by the people who work on the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. Only 500 units were made for the United States.