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.
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 February 1999, this example is VIN: JYARN02Y3XA000537, engine #: N502E005856. The seller acquired the bike three months through an Iconic Auction. He purchased it for his nephew, who has since decided to ride his Ducati instead.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 53 miles. The odometer shows 6,102 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has replaced the windscreen, mirrors, the ignition switch, and the battery. Additionally, he serviced the chain, rebuilt the carbs, redid the turn signal wiring, reset the muffler mounts, and drained and cleaned the gas tank.
Please note: he will be installing new Pzus bodywork fasteners before the close of the auction.
Modifications:
Danmoto exhaust.
Tinted windscreen.
Flushmount front turn signals.
Aftermarket brake reservoir cover.
LED brake light with integrated turn signals.
Swingarm spools.
Aftermarket oil filler cap.
License plate relocation.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires with date codes of 0514 and 0814.
The sale includes three keys (ignition key pictured).
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in January of 2019.
Per the California DMV website, it would cost $141 to make registration current through January 2023.
Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
1999
Make
Yamaha
Model
R1
Mileage
6,102
VIN
JYARN02Y3XA000537
Title
Clean
Title State/Country
California
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
VIN Report
https://cyclevin.com/JYARN02Y3XA000537.pdf
Total Bids Placed: 39
Auction has ended.
Auction expired without reaching reserve price.
Highest bidder was: p********7
After the auction ended, the seller accepted an offer of $7,490 including buyer fees.
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.
