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. Over 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.

Manufactured in March of 1998, this example is VIN: JYARN02EXWA000510. The VIN sticker was reproduced as the frame/swingarm were anodized black.

The odometer shows 10,972 miles.

Maintenance:
This bike received a new transmission at 7,000 miles. The seller states that it has been stored inside (and not started) for the last 10 years so it will require a new battery and some basic TLC, such as a tank and carb clean, a brake fluid flush, and an oil change.

Modifications:
17” Forged Marchesini magnesium 5-spoke wheels.

Akrapovic Ti exhaust with carbon muffler, hanger, and custom machined mounting bracket.

Graves triple clamps, clip-ons, and Pro Grips.

Galfer wave rotors with custom brackets for larger 320mm front rotor. Steel braided Goodridge brake lines front and rear.

Penske shock with custom canister mount.

520 DID chain and Renthal rear sprocket with Graves sharkfin chain guard. Note the Yoshimura swingarm spools and anodized black frame and swingarm.

Aftermarket alloy rear brake reservoir and Harris rearsets.

Greggs Customs countershaft sprocket guard.

Yamaha single seat.

Eurotails undertail and brake-light-integrated turn signals.

Yamaha GYT-R clutch lever.

Custom stepped choke lever adapted from a mountain bike shift lever.

Ducati starter switch assembly.

Custom frame sliders.

Custom turn signal & hi/lo light switch (with stealth mode)

The sale includes several stock parts – the exhaust, shock, wheels, turn signals, pegs, sprockets, rotors, calipers, triple clamp, and more.

It also includes the service manual, owner’s manual, and some memorabilia.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. The seller notes that there are a few very minor chips in the paint on the tank.

It is riding on Dunlop slicks with date codes of 4707 and 5007.

Currently located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Utah title.

Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!