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.
The basic specifications were 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 bike feel like a 600cc bike but with 1,000cc power.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Yamaha released the R1 in a special yellow/black/white paint scheme with a set of commemorative decals. The livery paid tribute to Kenny Roberts and the marque’s factory racing colors, and it also sported a set of black wheels with yellow pinstriping.
Manufactured in October 2005, this example is VIN: JYARN15Y36A000330. The seller acquired it six months ago from a private party.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 150 miles. The odometer shows 10,124 miles.
Maintenance:
“A general safety inspection with an engine oil and filter change.” The seller states there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Yamaha GYT-R exhaust.
Sato rear sets.
Frame sliders.
Ohlins steering stabilizer.
Flush mount turn signals.
Zero Gravity windshield.
GP shift conversion.
Aftermarket grips.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires with date codes of 1224 and 3424.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Slight scratch in the tail section pin stripe, paint chip on rear seat cap.
Currently located in Ramona, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through April 2026.
Have any YZF-R1 50th Anniversary stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
