What was the 2006 Yamaha R1 SP???

At a recent track day a gentleman had a 2006 Yamaha R1 LE, #342 (I think), and we got talking about the limited run where only 500 were produced. Technically this is correct, however, there was an SP model with different fairings that was released in Canada and Europe which was limited to 1000 units...thought I'd share with those who were unaware of this fact and show off it's beautiful color scheme. cheers

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Great looking machine…currently restoring an 06 R1 myself

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Unfortunately the 07-08, while similar, came out like a characature, of these.

[@brandonwalker8618]

My dad got one all tuned and a new exhaust and he loves it

[@teokastelan2930]

I remember when Yamaha R1 SP came out. Sweet bike. It was pretty pricey…That year I bought mine XJR.

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Gorgeous. I have an 05 in red, and previously was the 98R1 R & W.

[@wannaberacer7425]

Thats awesome I love our generation of R1

[@Marni-jv7wg]

@@wannaberacer7425 ⚽

[@KelsS1k]

What a unicorn huh, never knew it existed

[@teokastelan2930]

Hi ! I just found your channel today. That Honda rc51 you got it’s really special bike, real nice ! I am riding 20+ years. But never on the track. I am building a track bike. Got my eye on a Suzuki K5 15.000tkm nice bike. Original. Never on the track. It is a little damage slide on the right, Nothing major. I noticed that a lot of people riding Yamaha r1 04,05,06 for the track. Is there a reason? I never have V2 twin. So Aprilia Rsv 1000 mile R or factory is an option. What’s your opinion ? which bike for a beginner on the track ? And what mods are essential ? I could use your opinion if you catch a few minutes of your time ? My intention is not competing. Just fun on the track… I live in EU.

[@wannaberacer7425]

Hey, I was going to do a video in this so good timing! I'll have something up next week that may help answer some of your questions.

[@teokastelan2930]

@@wannaberacer7425 That’s even better ! I will watch the video. Thanks !

[@obriantomlinson2776]

Where can I buy one like this same one??

[@wannaberacer7425]

Wellll, to be honest it would be extremely difficult to find an R1 SP. The SP was only available in Europe and Canada. I've only seen 1 of them come up for sale several years ago. You can buy the US version of the 2006 R1 LE, which is the same but with different color fairings. They sometimes come up on iconic motorcycles auction site. One sold a couple of weeks ago. Hope this helps!