This version of the YZR-M1 represents the bikes ridden in the 2004 season by Carlos Checa, Spain's number 1 rider and the 2nd fastest Yamaha racer, and Italian Marco Melandri, 2002 World Champion in the 250cc Class. While much of the attention was focused on Rossi during the 2004 season, Checa performed consistently, coming in 2nd in France, while Melandri made the top 3 in Spain and Holland. This model faithfully reproduces the YZR-M1's compact, streamlined design and finely molded cowling.
Living Up to Expectations in 2004
Featuring a powerful 990cc in-line 4-cylinder engine, the Yamaha YZR-M1 was ready to take on the dominant Honda RC211V in the 2004 MotoGP. With Rossi at the helm, the YZR-M1 didn't disappoint, helping Yamaha obtain their first rider's championship since Wayne Rainey won in 1992, and giving legendary rider Valentino Rossi his fourth consecutive rider's title. Following the release of Rossi and Abe's metallic blue bike, Tamiya now presents the vibrant red and silver YZR-M1 to our highly detailed 1/12 scale motorcycle series. The "Spain's No.1" Yamaha was ridden by top Spanish rider Carlos Checa and Italian young gun Marco Melandr