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.
Manufactured in February of 1998, this example is VIN: JYARN02Y1WA000079. The seller acquired it roughly four years ago from Iconic Motorbikes.
The odometer shows 5,430 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean/sync the carbs, replace the battery, change the hydraulic fluids, change the oil/filter, change the coolant, clean/lube the chain, install the OEM decals on the front fender, and give it a light detail. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: PASS
Engine Oil Level: PASS
Engine Oil Quality: NEW
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: PASS
Coolant Quality: NEW
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NEW, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NEW, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok, CLEAN & LUBED
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 75%
Forks: PASS
Shock/s: PASS
Tire Date Code Front: 13/11
Tire Date Code Rear: 26/07
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.13V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.00V
Running Condition: EXCELLENT
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 3 MILES
Notes:
-Tires Aged
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Tires
Modifications:
The rear fender/license plate mount has been trimmed.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon tires with date codes of 2607 and 1311.
The sale includes one key and Pitbull rear stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean Texas title. Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
