Description
Ultra rare YZF R1 SP in mint condition with low mileage - 8274Km (5107 Miles). The SP was produced and sold as a low-volume, homologation special, and sold to the public in just sufficient numbers to satisfy racing regulations. Only 500 units were produced for the European market of which 13 officially made its way to South Africa. Here are some of the features that differentiate the 2006 R1-SP from the ordinary R1 (5VY):1)The SP was equipped with custom Ohlins suspension front and rear that had sophisticated damping adjustments and ride height adjustment. The suspension was developed by the same team who developed the suspension for the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. The rear suspension has a hydraulic pre-load adjuster that allows quick and accurate settings on the fly as well as a compact ride height adjuster on a relay arm on the suspension linkage. This would allow you or your ''pit crew'' to raise or lower the rear ride height without affecting the spring preload or static sag settings. The 43mm Öhlins upside-down forks have a TiN coating on the chrome sliders to minimise stiction while the outer tubes are also anodised gold. They are adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping through a greater range of parameters than the standard model. 2)Marchesini forged aluminium rims, with the same Y-shaped spokes as used on Valentino Rossi's M1 MotoGP machine. Each is 400g lighter than a cast rim of equivalent strength which Yamaha says is responsible for the R1 SP's superior handling and road-holding, together with the revised rigidity and balance of the frame. 3)A slipper clutch which does exactly that – it slips under hard engine braking to reduce rear wheel chatter and uncontrolled slides. It also makes it possible to do clutchless down-changes without upsetting either gearbox or chassis composure. 4)Integrated lap timer. The starter button doubles as a lap timer. 5)Special Euro-inspired metallic black and dark blue (Gun Smoke) paint scheme. The R1 SP is a functional investment and a bike that can be enjoyed as well as keeping your money safe. The gun smoke, matt paint and blue frame contrast with the gold Ohlins and Marchesini's to make the SP stand out. The Yamaha’s build quality is excellent. Unlike the ‘Anniversary R1’, which was just a different paint scheme, the SP is truly a limited edition model and therefore has an intrinsic value. If you are looking at buying right now you are on the upwards slope of the bike’s value curve, but certainly not at the peak, and therefore your cash should be safe and make more than being stashed in the bank. But that’s not how the SP should be viewed. This is a unique bike to be owned and enjoyed rather than mothballed and polished. Worldwide shipping is available at competitive pricing. Please contact me should you wish to receive an accurate shipping quote to your nearest port of entry.
