1998 Yamaha R1

Description

Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1998 Yamaha R1. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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. Almost 20 years later they’re still fantastic machines, so here’s your chance to relive the glory days with a first-year example of the breed.

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.

This example is VIN: JYARN02Y6WA000174.

The seller acquired it from a friend six months ago and has covered roughly sixty miles with it. The odometer shows 17,598 miles.

Modifications:
Lockhart Phillips tinted windscreen.

Aftermarket tail tidy.

It has Michelin Pilot Power tires that have “98% tread” left.

9/9/21 Update: It has been pointed out that the lower and middle fairings are aftermarket.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
He rates it a 9.5/10 cosmetically, noting the following:
“Almost unnoticeable ding in the right top rear of the gas tank.”

“Rear passenger seat has been recovered and front corners are sewn.””

The seller sums up his bike by saying it “runs and rides fantastic and is perfect for any collection.” Currently located in West Palm Beach, Florida, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!