The 2022 models of the R Series

celebrate Yamaha's Grand Prix racing history

15.09.2021

Photos: YAMAHA

1961-2021: 60 years of Grand Prix racing with Yamaha

Racing has been part of Yamaha's DNA since the company was founded on July 1, 1955. Just a few days after the founding of the Yamaha Motor Company, the company's products proved their worth on the race track when the YA-1 won the Mount Fuji Ascent Race on July 10 at its first attempt.

Inspired by this success, Yamaha took part in the first international race in Catalina in the USA in 1958. By now, the company had developed some of the most competitive two-stroke machines, and so it was decided to face the ultimate test for rider and machine: the RD48 250 cc racing machine started at the World Championship Grand Prix in France in May 1961. Participating in races at the highest level secured Yamaha a firm place and marked the beginning of the brand's development into one of the most successful and innovative motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

Just two years after Yamaha's GP debut, Fumio Ito took the brand's first GP victory on the RD56 at the Belgian Grand Prix. That was the breakthrough. In 1964, Yamaha won its first world championship as well as the first constructors' title with Phil Read in the 250cc class — the first of many victories in that decade. It was the beginning of an incredible success story for everyone involved in the company's racing program. Over the past 60 years, Yamaha has established itself as one of the most successful manufacturers with over 500 Grand Prix victories, 38 drivers' titles, 37 constructors' titles and 7 team titles.

Speedblock: Yamaha's historic racing colours

In 1964, the 250cc Grand Prix machine made its debut with a new white fairing with a red stripe and a red front wheel cover. This colour scheme brought luck: factory rider Phil Read won the first ever world championship title for Yamaha.

This striking, simple and dynamic red and white colour scheme quickly established itself as the unmistakable Yamaha look in Grand Prix road racing and was the forerunner of the Yamaha Speedblock: arguably the most famous and popular colour scheme ever seen on a racing motorcycle.

A white fairing with a red Speedblock stripe became THE look for Yamaha racing bikes in Europe for the next two decades – which also coincided with the era of Rainey and Lawson. The great public response to the recent unveiling of the factory M1 with the very special Speedblock colours for the 60th GP anniversary shows that it is one of the company's most impressive designs, popular with drivers and fans of all ages. Simple, dynamic, timeless and with a high recognition value – the Speedblock will forever be associated with Yamaha and its successful GP participations in a very special time in the company's history.

New R-Series "World GP 60^th Anniversary"

To celebrate the long and successful GP racing history, the company has designed a "World GP^{60 th} Anniversary" livery for the 2022 models of R1, R7, R3 and R125.

Just like Yamaha's famous winning machines of previous World Championships, the "World GP 60^th Anniversary" models of R1, R7, R3 and R125 present themselves with an all-white fairing and a distinctive horizontal red stripe punctured by white vertical lines – the Speedblock in red. The authentic race design is also characterized by a red front wheel cover and golden rims, just like the winning Yamaha factory machines. A yellow bib number board at the front, an anniversary emblem and a red stripe that extends over the top of the tank and rear complete this timeless look.

Since Yamaha's GP debut in 1961, the company has won more than 500 Grand Prix victories with legendary riders such as Read, Ivy, Saarinen, Agostini, Roberts, Lawson, Rainey, Lorenzo and Rossi, and more recently Quartararo. The historic racing colours emphasise the connection between the Yamaha racing machines and the R-Series models.

Highlights of the "World GP 60th Anniversary" models

White bezel with red Speedblock graphics
Special "60th Anniversary" emblem
Red stripe along the top of the tank and stern
Red front wheel cover
Yellow bib number plate at the front
Gold-coloured rims

Highlights of the R1 "World GP 60th Anniversary"

998 cc Crossplane in-line four-cylinder engine with 147 kW (200 hp)
State-of-the-art electronic assistance systems
6-axis IMU measures movements in every direction
Power Modes (PWR)
Tilt-dependent traction control (TCS) / Slide Control System (SCS)
Quick Shift System (QSS)
Brake Control two modes and cornering ABS
Engine Brake Management (EBM) system with three modes
Ride-by-Wire APSG Throttle
Deltabox aluminum frame with short wheelbase
Reinforced swingarm / magnesium rear frame
Magnesium wheels, 17 liter aluminum fuel tank
LCD cockpit with TFT technology
M1-style trim

Highlights of the R7 "World GP 60th Anniversary"

Compact, high-torque 689 cc CP2 engine
Ultra-compact design with pure R-series DNA
Extremely aerodynamic fairing
High quality 41 mm upside-down fork
Articulated monocross rear suspension with newly developed strut
Anti-hopping clutch
Lightweight tubular frame with aluminum center strut for optimized frame strength
Stummellenker and light footrest system
Sporty and adjustable crouched sitting position
Aggressive R-series front with two LED position lights
Powerful central LED headlight
Lightweight 10-spoke rims
Radial front brake calipers with radial Brembo master cylinder
Supersport cockpit design with full LCD instruments
Central, M-shaped air intake in the front fairing
Powerful 298 mm brakes front and 245 mm rear brake
Slim 13 litre fuel tank with deeply shaped knee recesses
Rear in R-Series style
Front wheel: 120/70, Rear wheel: 190/55

Highlights of the R3 "World GP 60th Anniversary"

Ultimate Yamaha Light Super Sports Car
High-revving, liquid-cooled, 321 cc two-cylinder in-line engine
Compact lightweight chassis made of highly tensile steel tube
Radical design in the style of the M1 MotoGP®
R1-style dual headlights with LED headlights and position lights
Shaped fuel tank and low handlebar for excellent sporty ergonomics
37 mm upside-down fork front and monocross strut rear
Easy-to-read LCD multifunction instruments
Improved driving performance, outstanding reliability and low fuel consumption
Balanced weight distribution of 50:50 for agile handling
R-Series DNA

Highlights of the R125 "World GP 60th Anniversary"

High-tech 125 cc engine with variable valve timing
Excellent fuel efficiency
Compact Deltabox frame
Lightweight aluminium swingarm
Anti-hopping clutch (A&S) for optimum handling
R-series design with LED dual headlights
11 litre tank
Cockpit designed in the style of the M1 MotoGP bike
Easy-to-read LCD instruments
Sporty and comfortable sitting position
Wide rear tyre with 140 cross-section
Excellent braking performance

Availability

The R-Series models "World GP 60^th Anniversary" are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2022.

2022 R-Series

The R-Series offers a wide range of Supersport models, all designed and built according to Yamaha's consistent philosophy – one of the most exciting series in the history of motorsport.

R1M

Thanks to improved Öhlins Electronic Racing suspension elements (ERS) and impressive equipment, ultra-light carbon fairing and state-of-the-art electronics, the R1M is Yamaha's ultimate racing bike. In the 2022 model year, this historic high-performance supersport bike will be available in an exclusive, new Icon Performance colour.

R1

With its aggressive styling inspired by the M1 and a lightweight chassis, high-tech electronics and a 998cc crossplane engine, the R1 is an adrenaline booster. Available in a new Icon Blue two-tone version with matt dark blue.

R3

With its offensively designed MotoGP®-inspired fairing, LED twin headlights and 37mm upside-down telescopic fork, the R3 is Yamaha's ultimate supersport lightweight.

This high-revving 321 cc motorcycle can be driven with an A2 driver's license and is the next step for riders who previously had an R125 – and also the perfect preparation for the next stage, the R7.

With the 2022 model year, the R3 engine is fully EU5 compliant. The shape of the lower fairing has been adapted to accommodate the new catalytic converter. The R3 is available in the new Icon Blue colour variant with a two-tone finish of Icon Blue and matte dark blue to combine an even sportier appearance with the family look of the R Series. The second color offered for the R3 is Yamaha Black for a stylish and dynamic look.

R125

Built to the same high standards as all R Series motorcycles, the R125 gives every rider the chance to become a part of R/World. Equipped with an R1-inspired fairing and compact Deltabox frame, as well as a highly efficient EU5 engine, high-quality suspension and premium brakes, the R125 is the ultimate lightweight supersport bike. Available in a new Icon Blue two-tone version with matt dark blue.

Availability

The new variants of the R1M, R1, R3 and R125 are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2022. The R1, R3 and R125 models are offered in two colour variants: the new Icon Blue two-tone variant and Yamaha Black. The R1M comes in the new Icon Performance color scheme: carbon and black with blue accents and blue rims.

Yamaha Genuine Accessories

Yamaha's original accessories are a constantly evolving range of products for performance, protection and appearance, as well as GYTR® performance parts and Yamalube lubricants. These products have been specially developed for the R-Series models, both for use on the race track and on the road. With original Yamaha accessories, you can be sure of the high quality and perfect fit of each accessory.

GYTR® Performance Parts

Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR®) is Yamaha's own high-tech specialty parts division that develops performance-enhancing components, kits and accessories specifically for Yamaha motorcycles. GYTR works closely with Yamaha's factory racing teams and test riders to develop a wide range of high-quality products for the R-Series models that allow customers to customize their bike and increase its performance.

Yamaha Genuine Clothing

The Yamaha Paddock Blue clothing range offers a wide range of casual wear as well as a comprehensive range of CE-approved motorcycle apparel. The first-class leisure and textile clothing made of the latest sports materials looks good in every situation and convinces with high wearing comfort. The Paddock Blue collection is rounded off by a selection of novelties and luggage. The complete Paddock Blue collection offers pretty much everything you need to show your passion for the Yamaha R/World.

"World GP 60^th Anniversary" apparel

To complement the new "World GP 60^th Anniversary" editions of the R Series, Yamaha has developed a limited special collection: the "World GP^{60 th} Anniversary" apparel collection. Inspired by the iconic "Speedblock" design made famous by Yamaha's winning racing teams in the 1970s, this special collection features a historic white-and-red design and consists of a special "World GP^{60 th} Anniversary" T-shirt, hoodie, softshell jacket and cap.

MyGarage app

With MyGarage, it is very easy for customers to configure a virtual machine according to their wishes. At the push of a button, a wide range of different accessories can be mounted. The Yamaha with accessories can be viewed in 3D from any angle, and various elements can be easily added and removed during configuration. Once the accessory list is complete, it can be sent to the Yamaha partner who will equip a new or used machine accordingly.

All information about original Yamaha accessories, GYTR® performance parts, Paddock Blue clothing or the MyGarage app can be found at www.yamaha-motor.de.