Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2003 Yamaha R1.
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. Over 20 years later they’re still fantastic machines, so here’s your chance to relive the glory days.
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. 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: JYARN10YX3A002353. The seller is the original owner and purchased the bike new and states, “I have the second place winner at the 2004 Grand National Roadster Show. It sat for many years on display at restaurants.”
The odometer shows 2,963 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “It underwent recent tuneup and maintenance.”
Modifications:
The seller states, “It has a complete top to bottom redo of all body panels, tank, exhaust, front fender and holders, PVM wheels, side covers, headlight, taillight, and brake rotors. All body work done by Evan Wilcox. Bike design by Robert Steffano.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Sportech M-1 tires which are aged out. The seller reports date codes of 1506 and 1011.
The sale includes one key, owner’s manual, and repair documentation.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Not shown: “A small yet minor blemish on the tank.”
Currently located in Gaberville, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title. Per the California DMV website, it will cost $304 to bring California registration current through April 2026.
Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
