The United States market got its fair share of Yamaha YZF-R1 exclusive bikes with the YZF-R1 LE US Edition bike released in 2006 by the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, based on the 50th Anniversary model whose livery shared.
Just like its Canadian sister, the YZF-R1 US Edition was equipped with premium Ohlins suspensions tailor-made for this model, and, unlike the Anniversary model, it came with golden forged Marchesini aluminum wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires and packed the same upgraded specifications received by the 2006 base model.
In the power department, the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 LE US Edition took its thrust from a 998 cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 174 hp with a peak at 12,500 rpm and 107 Nm (79 lb-ft) of torque available at 10,500 rpm.
The power produced by the engine, combined with a dry weight of 174 kg (384 lbs) and a six-speed manual transmission with a back torque-limiting slipper clutch, resulted in a top speed of 288 kph (179 mph).
As for braking performance, the model packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a single 220 mm disc with a four-piston caliper on the rear.
Also, the model came with gold-colored elements such as the front fork, wheels, exhaust covers, tank emblems, and a gold chain that enhanced the overall look of the bike.