Description
14th Sep, 2024 10:00
The September 2024 Auction
1998 Yamaha YZF-R1
Iconic designed superbike
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: R909AWF
Frame: JYARNthe details below
Odometer: 44, 000 km
MOT: July 2025
998cc
11 months MOT
3 owners from new
Original panels
Runs and rides great
Pillion seat
Good tyres
Current V5C
HPI clear
The 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1, often simply referred to as the Yamaha R1, was a groundbreaking motorcycle that redefined the sportbike segment upon its release. It was Yamaha’s answer to the challenge of creating a bike that could compete with and surpass the best offerings of its time, and it succeeded spectacularly. The R1 introduced a design that was both aggressive and sleek. With its twin headlights, sharp fairing, and compact tail section, the R1 had a striking appearance that was unlike anything else on the market. Yamaha engineers managed to package a litre-class engine in a chassis that was as compact as many 600cc motorcycles of the era, which was revolutionary at the time. At the heart of the R1 was a 998cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine that produced an impressive 150 horsepower. This made it one of the most powerful production motorcycles available. The engine featured a 20-valve head (5 valves per cylinder), which contributed to its high-revving nature and potent performance. The power-to-weight ratio was exceptional, thanks to the bike's light weight of just 448 pounds (dry). The engine's compact design also allowed Yamaha to shorten the wheelbase, improving handling without sacrificing stability. The R1's chassis was a work of art. The Deltabox frame was incredibly stiff and lightweight, giving the bike razor-sharp handling characteristics. Yamaha's decision to use a stacked gearbox - a design where the input and output shafts are positioned closer together - allowed the engine to be placed further forward in the frame, centralizing mass and improving handling. The R1 was praised for its stability in corners and its ability to change direction quickly and effortlessly. Braking was another area where the R1 excelled. It came equipped with dual 298mm discs up front with 4-piston callipers and a single 220mm disc at the rear. The braking system provided excellent stopping power and was highly regarded for its feedback and progression, allowing riders to confidently push the limits. The release of the R1 had a profound impact on the sportbike market. It set a new standard for what a litre-class sportbike could be, combining the power of a 1000cc engine with the agility of a 600cc machine. Competitors were forced to rethink their own designs, and the R1 quickly became a benchmark in the industry. The Yamaha R1 is often credited with starting the trend of ultra-light, high-power superbikes that dominated the sportbike scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was a bike that not only delivered exhilarating performance but also demonstrated Yamaha’s engineering prowess and commitment to innovation. The R1's legacy continues to this day, with each new generation building on the foundations laid by the original. The Yamaha R1 remains one of the most iconic motorcycles in the history of the sport. It was a machine that changed the game, offering unmatched performance, handling, and style. For many enthusiasts, the R1 is not just a motorcycle - it's a legend.
