For 2022, the Yamaha R1, R7 and R3 supersports models will be available in Australia with a retro racing livery that marks 60 years since the bikemaker first entered motorsport competition at the Grand Prix of France in 1961.
While pricing for the special edition YZF-R3 has yet to be locked in, INFO MOTO can now confirm that the YZF-R7 World GP edition will launch in December, priced from $14,599 rideaway in LAMS configuration, while the high-output version commands a $1000 premium at $15,599.
Meanwhile, the litre-class Yamaha YZF-R1 in World GP guise will hit showrooms in January, priced from $29,149.
For reference, the standard R1 is available from $28,149, while the range-topping R1M checks in at $37,049.
Dubbed the World GP 60th Anniversary Edition, the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R1, YZF-R7 and YZF-R3 sport the iconic white-and-red ‘Speed Block’ livery – a design that has made its way onto a number of famous racebikes and limited-edition Yamaha models over the last 60 years.
The white/red scheme is primarily modelled after Johnny Cecotto’s 1978 YZR racebike, and sees a yellow race-number plate and gold wheels to complete the package.
In Europe, the retro livery will also be available on the Yamaha R125, however, this small-capacity motorcycle is not available in Australia.
Mechanically, the World GP 60th Anniversary Edition versions are unchanged from the current models, though it is believed that an all-new R3 is expected to debut sometime next year with performance and styling adjustments.
For now, the Yamaha R3 continues with its 321cc twin-cylinder engine generating 31kW and 29.5Nm, while the R7 uses a 54kW/67Nm 689cc unit in non-LAMS trim, while the big-boy of the bunch, the R1, features a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine generating 147kW and 113Nm.
As previously reported, rumours are spreading that Yamaha is to release an all-new R9 supersports model, based on its popular MT-09 naked bike platform, that will sit above the smaller R7 and R3 in its fully faired ‘YZF’ line-up.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
