Yamaha YZF-R1 Taira Racing

Prototype

It is commonly held that long distance touring is only for massive, high displacement motorcycle. At the Milan Show in September of 1997, Yamaha shattered this myth with its YZF-R1. Targeting high-speed turning on a winding road, it has been constructed with...

Prototype

It is commonly held that long distance touring is only for massive, high displacement motorcycle. At the Milan Show in September of 1997, Yamaha shattered this myth with its YZF-R1. Targeting high-speed turning on a winding road, it has been constructed with compact design of a 400cc bike. Adopting a short wheelbase and an EXUP exhaust system unique to Yamaha, its 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 5-valve, DOHC engine pumps out 150hp of maximum power.

The YZF-R1 has drawn worldwide attention with its ability to nimbly round turn after turn at breathtaking speeds. In response to this high performance, a wide variety of parts have been put on the market to make the ride even more thrilling.

Taira Racing, represented by former All Japan 500cc champion, Tadahiko Taira, put forth an abundance of these parts for use with the R1. Taira became the champion in the 350cc international A Class of 1980, but he did not stop there. Riding the Yamaha YZR, Taira challenged the 500cc class of the All Japan Road Race Championship and won for three years straight. Furthermore, he participated in the World Championship 250cc class throughout 1986, winning the final event, the San Marino GP. Starting with a titanium muffler for more power at moderate speeds, a curved carbon fender over the rear tire and aluminum sprockets.

Taira Racing has released abundant parts in the pursuit of riding excellence. Flying around winding roads high speeds, the Yamaha YZF-R1 super sports motorcycle shattered myths about big-size motorcycles. An abundance of option parts was marketed for this bike to enhance the riding enjoyment. Among these options, one set was supplied by Taira Racing, represented by former All Japan 500cc Champion, Tadahiko Taira.

The Taira Racing version features a titanium muffler, a rounded carbon rear fender, and a lightened aluminum sprocket. With the addition of these parts, the power of the YZF-R1 at moderate and high speeds was substantially heightened. Cultivated through the experience of a champion rider, these parts were of both high precision and quality, earning the trust of many fans.

Tamiya are proud to announce that the YZF-R1, equipped with Taira Racing options, has been transformed into an assembly model. Taira Racing representative, Tadahiko Taira took the 1980 International A Class 350cc Championship. From 1983, riding the YZR, he dominated the 500cc class of The World Road Race Championship for three years straight.

In 1986, again on the YZR, Taira moved to the 250cc class of The World Road Race, winning the final race of that season, the San Marino GP. In the following year, he switched to the 500cc class, achieving a 6th place finish in the final rankings. Tadahiko Taira"s long and illustrious career has made him a living legend in the Japanese racing world.

Model

This 1:12th scale model features all the details you would expect to find on the real thing including exhaust and engine detailing, treaded tyres, chain and sprocket detail and clear easy to apply decals. A great model for any motorcycle enthusiast.

This kit is produced in pre-coloured plastic so additional painting and weathering can be applied if needed. We recommend the use of Tamiya Cement Glue to construct this kit.