Kenny Roberts to Ride Yamaha YZF-R1 at Laguna Seca, Bike Auctioned for Charity at Mecum

Yamaha recently announced a special opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts around the world to bid on a one-of-a-kind YZF-R1 as ridden by “King” Kenny Roberts around the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca circuit. This special GYTR-equipped R1 features a unique 50th anniversary Red/White paint scheme and many Genuine Yamaha custom performance accessories.

The bike will be sold at no reserve to the highest bidder as part of Mecum’s Motorcycle Auction segment during Pebble Beach weekend, scheduled for Thursday evening, August 18 in Monterey, Calif. Serving as designated “auctioneers” for this R1 will be none other than Jay Leno, who will also be joined on stage by “King” Kenny himself.

“The proceeds for this Yamaha R1 will go directly to Bailey’s Café, a fantastic school of the arts for kids in the Bronx,” said Jay Leno. “Once the bidding is over, I’m sure that the performance of this R1 will only be matched by that of the kids in this great school!

“This auction is another great part of our activities for Yamaha’s 50th Anniversary of World GP Racing,” said Bob Starr, general manager of communications for Yamaha’s Motorsports Group. “To have both Jay and Kenny involved in such a worthy cause is a great way to celebrate!”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.