Cold Start Video:
Electrical Systems Video:
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 June 2000, this example is VIN: JYARN05Y8YA000918. The seller acquired it in an Iconic Motorbikes auction in October 2023.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 250 miles. The odometer shows 1,203 miles.
“It’s super clean and a great bike. I just don’t use it and it and it deserves to get used. It’s a thoroughbred. It needs to get out there. Never had an issue. It’s quick for a 2000 R1 and corners great. It was set up for track days, I hope whoever wins this uses it in the track. It’s already ready to go!”
Maintenance:
“All fluids have been flushed or changed. New tires. Rebuilt forks and carbs. Work done to forks, shock, and carbs done by Retrospeed in Belgium, Wisconsin.” The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Akrapovič full exhaust (stainless steel headers, titanium midpipe).
Ivan’s Performance jet kit.
Upgraded fork and shock internals with Race Tech gold valves and springs. New fork seals. Work on forks and carb done by Retro Speed in Belgium WI.
Patriot Racing Industries (Moto GPWerks) dog bone and rear suspension link.
Attack Performance rearsets.
Steel braided front and rear brake lines.
Zero Gravity double bubble windscreen.
Domino race grips.
Bestem undertail.
1 down front sprocket (steel) 2 up rear sprocket (aluminum).
Greggs Customs billet front turn signals, LightTech mirror blockoffs.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 4822 and 2123.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys and the owner’s manual.
In addition, “I have a NOS left side mid fairing to go with the bike and a used excellent paint but bad sticker (you can buy replacement stickers) right side mid fairing to replace the damaged one on the bike. All oem parts removed from the bike I have and go with it. I’m sure I’m forgetting some things I’ve done to it. All performance oriented and period correct hard to find parts have been used.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Right side mid fairing has a hole. Tail has a couple small cracks on the very back visible in the pictures. Exhaust silencer has a slight crease also visible in pictures.”
Currently located in Grafton, Wisconsin, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Wisconsin title with registration current through April 2028.
Please note that this bike used to be titled in California, the seller also has the old plate so it should be grandfathered in for any California owners in the future. We do not know if there are any back fees pending in CA.
Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
