Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The 1990s were defined by three sportbikes – the Honda CBR900RR, the Ducati 916, and the Yamaha R1. Honda’s CBR900RR started the revolution by being 76 pounds lighter than its lightest competition. Soon after, Ducati released the 916. It was technically competent with fuel injection and even an adjustable steering head angle, but it’s best remembered just for being one of the most beautiful motorcycles of all time. In 1998, Yamaha released the R1 and wiped the floor with everyone else – it was the lightest and most powerful literbike available and you had to work hard to find a dealer with one in stock. Almost 20 years later they’re still fantastic machines, so here’s your chance to relive the glory days with a first-year example of the breed.
The basic specifications are 150 horsepower, 419 pound dry weight, and a 2.96 second 0-60 time, per MCN. Those are all impressive numbers, but the design of the drivetrain is what made it all possible. Yamaha was able to make the engine/transmission much smaller by vertically stacking the transmission shafts.
Further space was saved by putting the water pump inside the engine cases. The packaging let Yamaha shorten the wheelbase and still lengthen the swingarm, which made the R1 feel like a 600cc bike but with 1,000cc power.
For more on the R1 and what made it special, check out this article on Sport Rider/Cycle World. Or for a buying guide geared towards used R1s (with notes like it’s “getting hard to find a clean one.”), check out this article on Motorcyclist magazine.
This example is VIN: JYARN011000001825. The seller purchased this example from the second owner.
The odometer shows 18,695 kilometers (11,616 miles). The seller has put 350 miles on this example during their ownership.
Maintenance:
Per the seller: “The bike has always been kept inside and was meticulously cared for. The previous owner had the bike for 20 years and did less than 500 miles per year on it. At 18000 kilometers the bike was fully serviced and has done about 700 km’s in the last three years since. The michelin 2ct front tyre has 700km on it. In preparation for this listing the bike has recently had new oil and filter, a new chain and sprocket, a new michelin 2ct rear, and new brake fluid. The bike really does look and drive as new.”
Modifications:
The seller states this example is completely stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin 2CT tires with date codes 2410 and 1823.
Extras:
This sale includes a vintage motorcycle jacket that was included in the original sale of the bike.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Groningen, Netherlands, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Dutch title. Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
