Description
Additional photos of this 1999 Yamaha R7 OW-02 are available here for your perusal.
In 1999, Yamaha introduced its most advanced and race-ready production model ever with the YZF-R7, also known as the OW-02. Built in order to meet World Superbike Championship homologation rules, Yamaha only produced 500 units in total. While it may have bore a good deal of aesthetic resemblance to its 600cc and liter-sized YZF-R-siblings, underneath its slick bodywork the R7 was an entirely different beast.
At the heart of the OW-02 was a liquid-cooled, 749cc, four-stroke, 20V, DOHC, inline-four engine married to a tri-axis, vertically-stacked race-style six-speed close-ratio gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch with a “back-torque limiter” which acted similarly to a slipper clutch, keeping the back wheel from locking up under hard downshifts. The sophisticated Japanese four-banger boasted electronic fuel-injection, titanium valves (paired with aluminum valve retainers), “H” section titanium con-rods, ion-nitrified titanium crank, an over-sized 15-liter air-box, alloy exhaust system ending in a carbon muffler, incredibly short (and strong) short-skirt forged pistons with nickel-plated crowns, one-piece crankcase and a Formula One car-style CNC-machined cylinder head. The trick internals allowed for top speeds exceeding 160mph, along with the ability to achieve 11-second standing quarter-mile runs.
Right out of the box, the race-ready R7 only produced 106 hp and 53 ft-lbs of torque, though it was restricted in its street-legal form. Yamaha offered two special race kits for the OW-02; one for around a grand that bumped power up to 135 hp; and a second $12K kit that brought that figure to a staggering 162 hp. Housing the hopped-up lump was a shortened Deltabox II chassis that used the motor as a stressed member and was derived from Yamaha’s two-stroke GP racers like the YZR500. The race-bred frame was mated to 43mm inverted titanium nitrite-coated forks and a mono-shock, both of which are fully-adjustable top-shelf Ohlins items. The frame’s steering geometry and swing-arm pivot were also adjustable. Bringing the 416-pound R7 to a stop were four-piston calipers grabbing a pair of 320mm discs, aided by a smaller single disc in the rear.
Yamaha wouldn’t sell the fabled race machine to just anyone and the demand reportedly exceeded the supply, with the tuning fork company supposedly only selling it to buyers that demonstrated their plans to race it. For this reason, very few ended up in private collections on display and many examples were raced into the ground, making finding a clean R7 today very difficult.
This example is VIN: JYARM011000000592.
The odometer shows 11,110 miles, which reflects the actual mileage on the R1 motor. However, true mileage for the frame is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has replaced the chain, the oil, and the oil filter. He has filled the cooling system with fresh distilled water.
He notes that there is a “service light on due to interference with the controller.” Accordingly the “O2 sensor is bolted but disconnected from the electrical connection.”
Modifications:
The seller states that he “bought the frame and other miscellaneous items from a local track day enthusiast” and that the frame “was originally modified to run a 1999 R1 motor.” For his build, he installed a 2007 R1 engine.
Modified frame to accept an R1 engine.
Anthony Gobert Yamaha R7 AMA Superbike bodywork. (The seller purchased it through an Iconic auction.)
16.5″ Marchesini wheels.
Graves titanium mid-pipe and muffler.
Brembo 19×20 master cylinder.
Brembo Monoblock calipers with titanium pistons, braided brake lines.
Bazzaz traction control with custom wet and dry selector.
Modified gas tank to run with a 2007 fuel pump.
Quick shifter with GP-style shift pattern.
Attack Racing rear sets.
Shift light.
Not pictured: Bazzaz fuel control.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop slicks with date codes of 1502 and 1704.
The sale includes one key.
The sale also includes the tray for the tail section.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any R7 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
