In 2006, Yamaha released the YZF-R1, a motorcycle that received various revisions, and also the manufacturer squeezed even more power from the 998cc engine. No less than three extra hp have been added thanks to the new cylinder head, while the 20 mm longer swingarm and modified frame offered better traction control and stability.
Also, that same year, Yamaha released the LE, a limited edition model in original Yamaha racing colors that celebrated its 50th anniversary. The LE model had custom Ohlins front and rear suspension developed by the same team as the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. The limited edition LE model was made in 500 units for the United States and 500 units for the European market.
In the engine department, the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 had its soul in a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 174 hp at 12,500 rpm and 107 Nm (79 lb-ft) of torque at 10,500 rpm.
Thanks to a dry weight of 174 kg (384 lbs) and a six-speed manual transmission, the model reached a top speed of 288 kph (179 mph).
As for braking performance, the bike packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc with the four-piston caliper on the rear.