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. 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.

This is a very early (47th) example of the R1 – manufactured in February of 1998, it is VIN: JYARN02E2WA000047. The seller acquired it as a display piece and says that the previous owner drained the carbs, fogged the engine and otherwise prepped the bike correctly for long-term display.

The odometer shows 5,661 miles.

Modifications:
7-22 Update: Thanks to RichRobertson and BKA80s for pointing out modifications of the aftermarket chain, Renthal rear sprocket, and the Goodridge front brake lines:


Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:


It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax D207 tires which have aged out.

The sale includes two keys.

Currently located in Central Massachusetts, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Massachusetts title. Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!

Total Bids Placed: 29
Auction has ended.
Auction expired without reaching reserve price.
Highest bidder was: Demis50
After the auction ended, the seller accepted an offer of $16,050 including buyer fees.
Bidder Name |
Bidding Time |
Bid |
Auto |
Demis50 |
July 28, 2022 11:59 am |
$14,100 |
Auto |
sinewaves |
July 28, 2022 11:59 am |
$14,000 |
|
Demis50 |
July 28, 2022 11:59 am |
$13,100 |
Auto |
sinewaves |
July 28, 2022 11:59 am |
$13,000 |
|
Demis50 |
July 28, 2022 10:38 am |
$12,401 |
Auto |
WyldStyle |
July 28, 2022 10:38 am |
$12,301 |
|
Demis50 |
July 28, 2022 9:21 am |
$12,169 |
|
BUYBID22 |
July 28, 2022 9:21 am |
$12,069 |
Auto |
BUYBID22 |
July 28, 2022 5:13 am |
$11,600 |
|
Demis50 |
July 28, 2022 5:13 am |
$11,500 |
Auto |
Demis50 |
July 26, 2022 2:24 am |
$10,269 |
|
AWMACSWAIN |
July 25, 2022 5:56 pm |
$10,169 |
|
BUYBID22 |
July 23, 2022 8:02 am |
$10,069 |
Auto |
repostl |
July 23, 2022 8:02 am |
$10,000 |
|
BUYBID22 |
July 22, 2022 4:02 pm |
$9,100 |
|
repostl |
July 22, 2022 4:02 pm |
$9,000 |
Auto |
repostl |
July 22, 2022 3:17 pm |
$8,963 |
Auto |
Compstall73 |
July 22, 2022 3:17 pm |
$8,863 |
|
repostl |
July 22, 2022 2:40 pm |
$8,600 |
|
Damianroadracer |
July 21, 2022 4:19 pm |
$8,500 |
|
mgordonvegas8 |
July 21, 2022 4:19 pm |
$8,400 |
Auto |
Damianroadracer |
July 21, 2022 4:19 pm |
$8,300 |
|
mgordonvegas8 |
July 21, 2022 4:18 pm |
$8,100 |
Auto |
Damianroadracer |
July 21, 2022 4:18 pm |
$8,000 |
|
mgordonvegas8 |
July 21, 2022 3:17 pm |
$7,600 |
Auto |
BUYBID22 |
July 21, 2022 3:17 pm |
$7,500 |
|
mgordonvegas8 |
July 21, 2022 11:30 am |
$6,100 |
Auto |
Cata430 |
July 21, 2022 11:30 am |
$6,000 |
|
mgordonvegas8 |
July 21, 2022 9:19 am |
$1,000 |
|
Auction started |
July 21, 2022 8:18 am |
Shipping Information
Continental US:
Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for $750 (this went up on 5/12 due to increases in gas costs) in the Continental US, 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.
- additional details can be found here
Southern California
On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van.

We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405.
Local Rates (one way):
0-50 miles: $150
50-150 miles: $300
Alaska/Hawaii:
Please contact concierge@iconicmotorbikes.com for a quote.
Canada:
We recommend TFX
$1,500 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.
Europe and Asia:
We recommend Shippio
$1,500 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark, please contact Shippio for an exact quote including shipping and customs.
Australia/New Zealand:
We recommend Bikes Abroad
$1,500 for US to Australia is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact Bikes Abroad for an exact quote including shipping and customs.