Yamaha Motor Corp USA released info on its new ’10 models today, with an R1 LE model in Valentino Rossi/Fiat Yamaha MotoGP graphics heading the list. The new livery is basically the same as the MotoGP team bikes, with sponsor logos, Rossi’s famous “46” number on the nose fairing, and “The Doctor” stickers on the windscreen; there is also a replica of Rossi’s signature on top of the fuel tank. Mechanically, however, the R1 LE is identical to the standard model—so that means no Ohlins suspension and forged aluminum wheels as with the previous R1 LE edition in ’06. But the flip side to that omission is that the price is much more reasonable, with the ’10 R1 LE listing for $14,500. The standard model will be available in Raven, Pearl White, and Team Yamaha Blue/White motifs with a starting MSRP of $13,290.
For 2010, the R6 gets a remapped ECU and a new 100mm-longer muffler for increased power. Yamaha officials are claiming that the new modifications have brought back the power lost with the ’09 model that were caused by the more restrictive EPA noise regulations (our ’09 R6 test bike was down six horsepower from our ’08 test unit on the dyno). The 2010 YZF-R6 will be available in dealerships nationwide beginning January 2010 with an MSRP of $10,490. Available color schemes will be Raven, Pearl White and Team Yamaha Blue/White.