Factory Yamaha YZR500 '01

The raw excitement of the 2001 500cc MotorGP World Championship featured 4 Yamaha teams entering a total of 8 machines. The Yamaha YZR 500 "01 had undergone numerous changes from the previous year. These alterations were made to improve rider feel, confidence, and rideability, and enabled crisper throttle response in slow corners, which encouraged the rider to accelerate harder and earlier, one of the YZR500's stronger characteristics. The biggest change to the appearance of the 2001 model was the new carbon-fiber bodywork, which is designed to offer more stability at higher speeds. The riders for the two bikes entered by the Factory Yamaha team were Massimiliano "Max" Biaggi, nicknamed "The Roman Emperor," and teammate Carlos Checa "El Toro." M. Biaggi secured his first victory at the French Grand Prix with C. Checa coming in second. Biaggi later went on to take Round 7, the Dutch TT and Round 9, the German Grand Prix. 1/12 scale, total length: 168mm, total width: 57mm. Model depicts the actual motorcycle's characteristic features, such as the smooth cowling that hugs the rider and seat cowling that protrudes slightly over the rear wheel. Engine is molded as one part with airduct and other adjacent parts to provide easy assembly and preserve detail. Cowling and seat cowling are attached via screws, and can be removed after assembly. Sets of decals for machine number 7 and 3 are included in the kit.