Model motorcycle in plastic YAMAHA YZR500 1988 1/12 HASEGAWA

HASEGAWA Reference: 21503 - Yamaha YZR500 1988 - 1/12 scale.

This Yamaha YZR500 model is aimed at both competition motorcycle enthusiasts and modelers looking for a 1/12 scale motorcycle model to build and display.

The Hasegawa kit includes 165 pieces and measures approximately 167 mm in length once assembled, with a height of around 95 mm.

The YZR500 0W98 is a particularly interesting subject for a collectible motorcycle model.

It is the machine entered by Yamaha in the 500cc World Championship in 1988 and notably ridden by Eddie Lawson, who clinched his third world title in the category that year.

Yamaha YZR500 0W98: a historic Grand Prix motorcycle

The Yamaha of the 1988 season

The Yamaha YZR500 is one of the great competition motorcycles in the history of the World Speed Championship. The 1988 0W98 version benefits from numerous technical evolutions aimed at improving the machine's performance in Grand Prix events.

Its engine is a liquid-cooled 499cc V4 two-stroke paired with a six-speed gearbox. Yamaha claims a power output of over 150 hp.

For this generation, Yamaha notably evolved the engine architecture. The V4 angle changes from 60 to approximately 70 degrees to optimize the integration of the reed valve intake system in the engine crankcase.

This modification also results in a very visible evolution of the chassis. The exhausts of the two lower cylinders pass under the engine before exiting on the right side. This particular layout requires an asymmetric rear swingarm, easily identifiable on the actual YZR500.

A world championship-winning machine

The 1988 season marks an important moment in Yamaha's history and that of the YZR500. Eddie Lawson wins seven Grand Prix races and secures the 500cc world championship with this machine. Yamaha also clinches the constructors' title.

HASEGAWA Reference 21503 thus allows for the construction of a miniature reproduction of a genuine motorcycle.

A detailed 1/12 scale Yamaha model

A plastic kit to assemble

Like other motorcycle model kits to assemble, the kit consists of injected plastic parts that need to be removed from the sprues, prepared, and assembled according to the instructions.

The model is supplied without glue or paint. To create a complete model, you will need plastic model glue, suitable paints, and some basic tools like side cutters, a precision cutter, and small files.

The assembly allows for step-by-step progress in building the motorcycle. The different parts enable the reproduction of the characteristic elements of the YZR500 and capture the technical aspect of a real Grand Prix machine.

With its 165 pieces, this 1/12 scale motorcycle model offers an interesting assembly level for modelers who appreciate competition models and detailed mechanical reproductions.

An ideal scale for motorcycle collections

The 1/12 scale is particularly popular for plastic motorcycle models. It provides a large enough reproduction to showcase the details of the motorcycle while maintaining a format suitable for display in a showcase or collection.

The assembled Yamaha YZR500 measures approximately 16.7 cm in length and 9.5 cm in height.

This dimension also makes it easier to work on the different elements during assembly and painting.

Two 1988 Yamaha Marlboro liveries

Eddie Lawson, 500cc world champion

The HASEGAWA 21503 kit notably offers the livery of Eddie Lawson's Yamaha Marlboro Team No. 3, the 1988 500cc world champion.

Lawson has an exceptional season with seven victories, securing his third 500cc world championship after his titles in 1984 and 1986. Yamaha also confirms its dominance by winning the constructors' championship.

For fans of GP motorcycle models, this livery adds genuine historical value to the model.

Didier de Radiguès

A second livery allows for the reproduction of Didier de Radiguès' Yamaha Marlboro Team No. 12. The Belgian rider finishes the 1988 season in 7th place in the 500cc championship with 120 points.

The modeler can choose between two machines entered in the 1988 world championship.

A faithful reproduction of the YZR500 0W98

Hasegawa designed this model as a reproduction using a new complete mold of the 1988 YZR500. The manufacturer worked from actual machine surveys to recreate the characteristics of this generation of YZR500.

Hasegawa emphasizes the precision of details, the design of parts intended to facilitate assembly, and the reproduction of the Grand Prix machine.

The version depicted is particularly interesting for motorcycle enthusiasts. The modification of the V4 engine, the exhaust pipes passing under the engine, and the asymmetric swingarm are characteristic elements of the 0W98.

The motorcycle also evolves during the 1988 season.

Yamaha notably introduces carbon disc brakes starting from the British Grand Prix, which reflects the ongoing development of machines competing in the world championship.

Why choose this Hasegawa motorcycle model?

A model for Moto GP enthusiasts

This 1988 Yamaha YZR500 model is an excellent choice for enthusiasts of historic Moto GP, Japanese racing motorcycles, and the 500cc World Championship.

It allows you to rediscover one of the most iconic Yamahas of the late 1980s, at a time when 500cc two-stroke motorcycles represented the pinnacle of motorcycle competition.

The HASEGAWA 21503 reference will also appeal to collectors of Yamaha models, enthusiasts of Japanese motorcycle models, and modelers looking for a competition motorcycle reproduction at 1/12 scale.

A model to build and customize

Assembling a paintable motorcycle model allows you to gradually work on the different elements of the model. Painting then provides the essential finish to achieve a realistic reproduction of the Yamaha YZR500.

You can also use different modeling techniques to enhance the final result: painting mechanical details, working on exhaust pipes, light weathering, or creating a display on a stand.

The Hasegawa 21503 reference thus serves as both a model kit to assemble and an interesting base for creating a personalized collectible piece.

A must-have Yamaha YZR500 for a racing motorcycle collection

The HASEGAWA 21503 Yamaha YZR500 1988 at 1/12 scale brings together several elements sought after by modeling enthusiasts: a historic motorcycle, an iconic competition machine, a popular scale, and a detailed reproduction.

With its 165 pieces, its 1/12 scale, its two decoration options, and its historical connection to Eddie Lawson's world title, this plastic Yamaha model naturally fits into a collection dedicated to Grand Prix motorcycles.

It is also an excellent way to discover motorcycle modeling, reproduce a 1/12 scale racing Yamaha, and keep in miniature an iconic machine from the 1988 500cc World Championship.