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.
This example comes to you with a special Yamaha livery, black with the red flames which was an add-on option for this model year. For more on the R1 and what made it special, check out this article on 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.
Manufactured in October 2002, this example is VIN: JYARN10EX3A009227. The seller acquired it six months ago from a private party in Irvine, California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered about 400 miles. The odometer shows 4,481 miles.
Maintenance:
“– Fresh oil and filter
– Fresh radiator fluid
– Clean air filter
– New AGM Gel Battery
– New fuel pump and lines
– Throttle body and injectors cleaned
– Fuel tank cleaned”
Zero mechanical issues. Perfect running condition.
Modifications:
Micron exhaust.
Zero Gravity windscreen (de-badged).
Fender eliminator.
Harris tank protector.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires with date codes of 5114 and 1015.
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:
“Light scrape on left mirror.
The aftermarket undertail cover that sticks onto the OEM undertail has some cracks. OEM undertail is undamaged.
Front wheel has some surface level paint imperfections.
Light clear coat scratch by fuel door (may come out with buff/polish).
Light scratches on upper triple clamp.
Small paint chip on Micron exhaust canister.”
Currently located in Murrieta, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through July 2026.
Have any YZF-R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
