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.
Manufactured March 1998, this example is VIN: JYARN02E7WA000917. The seller purchased the bike from a friend in August 2019 . He states that “the bike has always been adult owned. It is incredible to ride and I enjoy taking it to the twisties and to the coffee shop. It will stand up in second gear if you’re not careful!”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 5,000 miles. The odometer shows 13,928 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that he has given the bike a detailing and performed a “Carb rebuild with fuel pump and filter, air filter, plugs.” He adds that there are currently “no mechanical issues, though the fuel sensor in tank may be going out.”
Modifications:
MIG Exhaust Concepts muffler.
Zero Gravity windscreen with decal.
Monster Energy tank pad.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys and the OEM exhaust.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Frisco, Texas, 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!
Continental US: Iconic has several private shipping partners that criss-cross the country for us. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
California/Nevada/Arizona We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405. On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
$2,000 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.
Europe and Asia: Please inquire though transport@iconicmotorbikes.com and we would love to put together a custom quote for you with our trusted transport / shipping partners.