Yamaha R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute

Yamaha didn't wait very long for Valentino Rossi to hang up his racing gloves before dropping this tasty R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute on us. Yes, the name has more letters than it should. We'd have called it the Yamaha VR1 and been done with it...

What is the R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute

A very trick R1 festooned with trick GYTR parts and a special (quite horrible, according to a poll of BeMoto staff...) paint job. It is partially better than the R46 effort in 2005 with its disgusting, non-Rossi yellow colour scheme... (here's a reminder)

To celebrate the legendary MotoGP career of the biggest star to grace the sport, Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Motor Europe has produced a special R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute, designed with unique specs, to give to the nine-time world champion for the many successful years spent at the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing with Yamaha.


Having made his debut 26 years ago, Rossi rose to become the most prominent figure in MotoGP history, producing some of the most mesmerising and memorable performances that influenced and inspired an entirely new generation of motorcycle racing stars.

R1 GYTR VR46 background
To commemorate Rossi's illustrious achievements, which included nine world championship titles across the MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc classes, 115 wins, and 235 podiums over 425 race starts, Yamaha have built this unique R1, donning a special livery produced by Aldo Drudi, Rossi’s long-time helmet designer and friend.


The R1 GYTR VR46 sports upcoming 2022 GYTR spec parts and unique features that are all a direct result of Yamaha’s WorldSBK development, which helped Yamaha achieve the 2021 WorldSBK Triple Crown, culminating in the highest spec R1 GYTR ever produced for track day usage. A special gift that the Tavullia legend will have the opportunity to enjoy at the Misano circuit soon.


A new carbon fibre fairing kit and full carbon rear subframe have been produced, with the tank capacity increased to 22 L, all designed with weight saving in mind. The Brembo brakes have been developed for incredible stopping power, while the high performance ECU REX 140 Marelli produces world class power delivery. The full list of the special parts coming from WorldSBK Championship winning experience is listed below, and are additional to the GYTR parts such as the Ohlins suspension and GYTR front and rear sprockets.


The R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute was given to Valentino Rossi for the One More Lap event at the EICMA 2021, which the Italian star attended for the first time, as Yamaha pay tribute to VR46 and his historic legacy.

R1 GYTR VR46 Price

We haven't seen an official price yet. But remember the special edition 20th Anniversary GYTR R1 we first saw in 2018? That was £35,000. Add a bit of inflation and a touch of Rossi, maybe the R1 GYTR VR46 will be £46,000!

R1 GYTR VR46 Specification

The R1 GYTR VR46 Tribute was built with carefully selected parts which, among others, include the following:


From the 2022 GYTR catalogue:

• GYTR Electronic throttle
• GYTR Slipper Clutch
• GYTR Head Gasket
• GYTR Radiator Kit
• GYTR Air Funnel Set
• GYTR Handlebar Set
• GYTR Handlebar Switches
• GYTR Front Brake Protector
• GYTR Adjustable Rear Set
• GYTR Akrapovic Factory Line System
• GYTR Marchesini Wheel Set

R1 GYTR VR46 special parts from WorldSBK development:

• 22 L Factory Fuel Tank
• Full Carbon Rear Subframe
• Underslung Swingarm Assy
• Adjustable Triple Clamp Kit (Offset adjustable 22.5mm x 27mm)
• Special Carbon Fiber Fearing and Racing Screen
• Engine Factory Tuned• ECU REX 140 Marelli
• Wire Harness Dedicated to Marelli REX140 ECU
• Sensor Kit
• WorldSBK-spec Air Filter
• Öhlins Side Steering Damper
• Öhlins Factory Front Fork
• Öhlins Factory Pneumatic adjustable rear shock
• Brembo Front Master Cylinder
• Brembo Discs Set
• Brembo Rear Caliper Set
• Brembo Front Caliper Set
• Chrome Lite Dashboard with GPS