Yamaha GYTR R1 VR46 Tribute Superbike Unveiled In Honour Of Valentino Rossi

The Japanese bike maker bids adieu to the legend with a exquisite one-off WSBK-spec Yamaha R1

Days after MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi retired from the sport, Yamaha pulled the wraps off the GYTR R1 VR46 Tribute as a homage to Tavullia’s racer. The most exclusive R1 till date has been designed by Rossi’s friend and helmet designer, Aldo Drudi.

The Yamaha GYTR R1 VR46 Tribute features parts from the 2022 GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) catalog along with some unique parts borrowed from Yamaha’s WorldSBK expertise.

The list of parts from the GYTR catalog includes an electronic throttle, a slipper clutch, a head gasket, a radiator kit, an air funnel set, a sportier race-spec handlebar with switches, a front brake protector, adjustable rear sets, an Akrapovic factory line system and lastly, a set of delectable and lightweight Marchesini wheels.

The Yamaha GYTR R1 VR46 Tribute gets carbon fibre bodywork and a carbon rear subframe to make the bike lighter. Also on offer are  other parts from the WorldSBK race bike like the factory-tuned engine, REX 140 Marelli ECU with a dedicated wire harness, Ohlins factory forks, rear shock and steering damper, braking hardware from Brembo and a Chrome Lite dashboard with GPS. Though the performance figures haven’t been revealed, it should make more than the stock bike’s 200PS and 113Nm.

This exquisite Japanese track scorcher will be Valentino Rossi’s practice weapon at his home turf -- the Misano circuit in Italy. Now, isn’t that a fitting tribute from the team for whom Rossi raced for the better part of 26-year career? As for us everyday joes, we’ll have to be content with the Yamaha YZF-R15M V4 MotoGP Edition.