Yamaha has revealed a striking retro-inspired colour scheme for its R1 Superbike ahead of the 2026 CIV Racing Night at the Misano World Circuit.
Created exclusively for the two DMR Racing Yamaha R1 Superbikes competing at the event on July 25-26, the special livery pays tribute to the legendary Kenny Roberts and is not destined for production.
The one-off design revives Yamaha’s iconic yellow, black and white racing colours that became synonymous with Roberts and the factory’s Grand Prix motorcycles during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bright yellow dominates the fairing, while contrasting black and white panels recreate the classic ‘speed block’ look without adding modern styling flourishes, allowing the historic design to retain its original character.
Although inspired by Yamaha’s racing heritage, the livery takes on a distinctly different appearance when applied to the latest-generation R1. The superbike’s sharp bodywork, aerodynamic winglets, layered fairings and high tail section give the classic colour scheme a contemporary edge while preserving its unmistakable identity.
The special edition also highlights Yamaha’s continued commitment to circuit-focused development in Europe. The current R1 Race is offered exclusively as a closed-course machine, powered by a 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine and equipped with MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic wings, upgraded suspension components and high-performance Brembo braking hardware.
Yamaha has already confirmed that future development of the R1 in Europe will remain focused on racing and track use, making special projects such as this Kenny Roberts tribute a fitting celebration of the brand’s rich motorsport heritage. While fans won’t be able to buy this particular colour scheme, the retro-inspired R1 is expected to be one of the highlights of the 2026 CIV Racing Night, combining one of Yamaha’s most iconic racing liveries with its latest-generation superbike.
