Jorge Lorenzo signs the custom Yamaha that will appear at the Australian Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne.

Newly-crowned MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo put his seal of approval on a new Yamaha YZF-R15 airbrushed in his honour at the weekend’s Phillip Island round.

Lorenzo’s autograph now adorns a large celebratory wreath on the bike’s fuel tank after the likeable Spaniard took time out of his hectic schedule on Saturday afternoon to check out the themed Yamaha machine.

Finished off by a intricate ‘Lorenzo Land’ graphic on each of its sides, the bike was also a big hit with race fans who stopped by the Australian Motorcycle Expo stand at the GP Expo.

The efforts of airbrush artist Mark Brown almost came to nothing, however, when flooding in Victoria delayed the bike’s delivery to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit by a day and a half.

The YZF-R15 was wheeled into Yamaha’s Club Y suite with just 10 minutes to spare.

The next chance to see the bike comes at the Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne, 26-28 November at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where it will appear alongside the actual race bike of the 2010 champion on Yamaha’s stand.

The largest showcase of new motorcycles and two-wheel products and services lasted visited Victoria in 2008 and its return has been met eagerly by manufacturers, with all major brands set to attend.

Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne Details:
26-28 November
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Adults: $18
Concession: $13
Children (5-15 years): $13. Under 5 FREE.
Family (2 adults, 2 children): $46

Visit www.motorcycleshow.com.au to pre-purchase tickets online and for further event information and news.