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.
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.”
“Small scratch on right side of tank below the word “Yamaha”.”
“Small chip in paint on the right lower side of the gas tank.”
“Small chip in the top center 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!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
