Yamaha WGP 50th Anniversary Models

Fifty years after Yamaha sent its first ever GP riders to compete in the World Championships, our newest factory rider Ben Spies helped to commemorate the occasion with his maiden MotoGP win at Assen in June 2011. Riding a YZR-M1 in Yamaha’s specially-designed red and white WGP 50th Anniversary livery, Spies was continuing the strong tradition of winning that has enabled Yamaha to become one of the industry’s most innovative and creative manufacturers.

Ever since it made its first motorcycle, Yamaha has believed that racing improves the breed. From winning our first ever Grand Prix points at the Isle of Man TT in June 1961 through to this year’s MotoGP victories by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies, every single success on the track allows our engineers and designers to develop and refine tomorrow’s cutting-edge street-bikes.

Over the past fifty years Yamaha’s racing programme has led to the development of some of the most innovative engine and chassis technologies –as well as the creation of the most ground-breaking race-developed models like the YZF-R1, whose crossplane crankshaft is a direct spin-off from the factory YZR-M1 racer.

To celebrate half a century of success in Grand Prix racing, Yamaha will produce a limited quantity of exclusive ‘WGP 50th Anniversary’ motorcycles and scooters. Based on the classic colour schemes debuted on the YZR-M1 by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies in 2011, this very special timeless livery is inspired by the famous red and white ‘speedblock’ design featured on Yamaha’s pioneering Grand Prix racing machines.

This desirable and exclusive WGP 50th Anniversary colour scheme will be available on limited quantities of YZF-R1, YZF-R6, YZF-R125, FZ8, Aerox and TZR50 for the 2012 model year. Owners of these exclusive new WGP 50th Anniversary models will receive a special certificate of authentication, and will also receive Yamaha’s ‘Insider’ magazine which contains the latest news, interviews and new model information.

NEW SUPER-STYLISH SERIES GREY LINE
Yamaha has always been committed to offering our customers the widest possible choice of stylish and innovative models, and for 2012 our comprehensive range of motorcycles and scooters is to be reinforced with a Series Grey line.

Giving off a subtle satin sheen, the Series Grey finish gives a whole new raw yet exclusive feel, and this eye-catching livery is aimed riders with an eye for style who appreciate the unique fusion of ‘back-to-basics’ looks with advanced Yamaha technology.

Stylists have recognised for a long time that grey is one of the most effective colours when it comes to enhancing curves and highlighting flowing lines. Its low-reflective surface adds a new dimension to the appearance of the bike’s bodywork, and the neutral grey finish reacts differently with varying light levels to change the appearance of the machine.

Aimed at design-conscious riders who want a bold new look that challenges tradition and projects an understated and unique image, Series Grey will be offered on the YZF-R1, YZF-R6, FZ8, Fazer8, XT1200Z Super Ténéré and YZF-R125 for 2012.