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.
The basic specifications were 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 bike feel like a 600cc bike but with 1,000cc power.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Yamaha released the R1 in a special yellow/black/white paint scheme with a set of commemorative decals.
The livery paid tribute to Kenny Roberts and the marque’s factory racing colors, and it also sported a set of black wheels with yellow pinstriping.
Manufactured in December of 2005, this example is VIN: JYARN15E36A004397. The seller purchased this example seven years ago from Johnny K’s Powersports in Ohio.
The odometer shows 3,064 miles. The seller has put 500 miles on this example.
It is US (but not California) emissions compliant.
Maintenance:
The seller states they have flushed all fluids and installed new spark plugs. He adds that this motorcycle was only ever ran using non-ethanol based fuel with fuel stabilizer, and was always stored and kept on battery tender.
Modifications:
Graves fender eliminator and integrated rear tail light.
Zero Gravity tinted windscreen.
Graves flush front turn-signals.
Battery-charger lead.
It is riding on Dunlop RoadSmart III tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Extras:
This sale also includes the original rear fender and the owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Columbus, Ohio, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Ohio title. Have any YZF-R1 50th Anniversary stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
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.
