Riders for Health Yamaha R1

Don Emde (1972 Daytona 200 winner) recently unveiled a special Yamaha R1 project bike at a Long Beach Show in the US. Emde, who also announced the launch of a new non-profit organization called Friends of Riders for Health, Inc., led a one-year team effort to customize the machine with aftermarket accessories and a one-off graphic theme replicating Valentino Rossi's famous ‘Five Continents’ AGV helmet by designer Aldo Drudi. The R1’s graphic wrap was done in Italy by Pole Position Racing Service, which works with various MotoGP teams.

The Rossi R1is a fully street legal and licensed motorcycle, though it has been stripped of certain street equipment (mirrors, turn signals and license plate/taillight) for display and will be a track day only machine. Apart from the graphics, the R1 features a long list of aftermarket parts – Ohlins FGRT808 fork, Ohlins TTX rear shock, Akrapovic Evolution exhaust, Dynojet Power Commander V and various other high-spec bits. To assist the new owner with their riding skills, the Yamaha Champions Riding School has donated a one-day school that will be included with the sale price.
 

‘Riders for Health is the official charity of the MotoGP series and I am so appreciative of the support from everyone in the sport that were involved in the project, including Valentino Rossi, who enthusiastically agreed to the use of his helmet design, and to Yamaha Motor Corp USA, AGV, Aldo Drudi of Drudi Performance and Luca Campanille of Pole Position. Without their support, such a unique finished product would not have been possible,’ says Emde.

Friends of Riders for Health, Inc. is dedicated to raising funds for Riders for Health through special projects and the R1 was the first project for the new organization.

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