Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1999 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 in February 1999, this example is VIN: JYARN02Y3XA000537.
The odometer shows 6,049 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, we gave the bike a thorough detailing in which we cleaned it of stickers and removed the seat cover. We also re-connected the headlights. Yonni did the work, he notes in his condition report that the front and rear tires are at 80% and 90%, respectively, and that the brakes are each at 90%. The hydraulic fluid, oil, and coolant are all OK. The low beam, high beam, turn signals, brake light, plate light, kill switch, and horn are all OK, though the tail light is not functioning. He recommends a chain service and a turn signal diagnosis.
Also, please note that the carbs need to be cleaned. It will only run with the choke on, and only through the pilot circuit.
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust.
Flushmount front turn signals.
Aftermarket brake reservoir cover.
LED brake light with integrated turn signals.
Swingarm spools.
Aftermarket oil filler cap.
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 Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires with date codes of 0514 and 0814.
The sale includes one key.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired on January 2019.
Per the California DMV website, it would cost $136 to make registration current through January 2023.
Have any R1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
