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.
This example is VIN: JYARN05EXY004068. The seller acquired it from a private party in 2022.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 750 miles. The odometer shows 9,386 miles.
“In December of 2022 I found this gem on marketplace in Chicago, Illinois. The owner claimed to be original owner and sold his bike to a friend to avoid losing it in a divorce. Later buying it back. I drove up on my birthday on a whim to buy it. Couldn’t test drive being 5 degrees that morning. Don’t have time for the motorcycle now, want to free up room and invest money into another hobby.”
Maintenance:
“Changed Oil – Amsoil 10-40
Changed plugs
Carburetors rebuild January 2023
Bike plastics removed and thoroughly detailed bike in 2023
New battery
New fuel petcock”
“Right front marker light stays on constantly. Operates when blinker is on. Mechanically sound all around. I know the question will arise about 2nd gear, I am not aware of any issues with second gear. I have only rode the bike roughly 750 miles and have not experienced any shifting issues. I haven’t rode the bike hard during any of these miles.”
Modifications:
Full Arrow exhaust system, carbs have been jetted.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Qualifier tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two ignition keys, 1998 service manual, 2000 supplementary service manual, tool kit, and the original exhaust.
It also includes a Pit Bull rear wheel stand and a Lockhart Phillips tank bra.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Deep scratch on base of tank by seat, small scratches on lower fairing, seat has mark from shop light falling over and getting hot, front windshield has scratches.”
Currently located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Oklahoma title. Have any YZF-R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
