Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2001 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.
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 September 2000, this example is VIN: JYARN05E01A008426. The seller purchased the bike from a private party in Vegas four years ago and states, “I bought this bike to keep long term. I slowly accumulated NOS parts to freshen the bike up, often overspending on items that I couldn’t pass up. I’m aware I have more money invested than I will ever get back. A true labor of love.”
The odometer shows 16,287 miles. However, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller reports changing the oil and cleaning the carbs and states, “NOS tank, upper, windscreen, rear fender, and muffler. Gauges have been replaced prior to my ownership.”
Modifications:
Not shown: Ricks Motorsports Electrics stator and regulator.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax tires with date codes of 2320 and 3420.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Nevada title. Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
