Description
This motorcycle is Lot 388 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 388
One owner from new
2000 Yamaha 749cc YZF-RZ
Registration no. R7 WSB
Frame no. JYARMthe details below
Engine no. M501E-000415
Dry stored for most of its life
Only 2, 011 miles from new
Recommissioned and extensively upgraded in 2024 by Harris Performance
Outstanding no-expense-spared specification
Unlike previous Yamaha production 750s, which were readily available to the public, the YZF-R7 owed its existence to the Hamamatsu factory's need for a World Superbike Championship contender. It was produced in relatively limited quantities, only 500 being made to meet the Championship's homologation requirements. Road-going versions are rare and genuine race bikes even rarer, and despite their relative modernity both are highly sought after by collectors.
In the World Superbike Championship, the R7's most successful exponent by far was Noriyuki Haga (No. 41). Racing the Michelin-shod factory bike in its debut 1999 season, Haga could manage only a solitary win but switching to Dunlops for 2000 made all the difference. By this time, racing a 750cc four against 1, 000cc twins was reckoned a lost cause but Haga nevertheless won seven races that year to finish 2nd in the Championship behind Honda's Colin Edwards.
Our vendor purchased this example new in 2000 and first registered it in 2003 as 'R7 WSB' (private plate included in the sale costing £5, 000). The Yamaha has been in storage since 2004 and has covered only 2, 011 miles from new. It emerged from storage circa six months ago, since when it has been completely overhauled and extensively upgraded with the latest modern componentry by Harris Performance of Hertfordshire including front and rear suspension service, all fluids changed, front fork bottom sections replaced, and new tyres fitted (detailed invoices on file). The machine has been upgraded with the following components (prices in brackets):
Brembo racing monoblock calipers GP4RR vented titanium (£3, 750)
Brembo 64mm CNC monoblock rear caliper (£1, 159)
Brembo radial brake master cylinder (£2, 099)
Brembo radial clutch master cylinder CNC folding lever (£, 1649)
Brembo bespoke T-drive discs (£800)
WSBK factory racing vented rear brake disc (£1, 400)
Factory radiator (£2, 000)
Carbon airbox (£980)
Bespoke race air filter (£120)
Marchesini 10-spoke magnesium wheels (£3, 750)
Akrapovic full race titanium exhaust with carbon end can (£2, 000)
Öhlins CNC factory billet monoblock fork bottoms (£1, 700)
Titanium bolts/ nuts throughout (£600)
Full airbrushed paintwork (£2, 700)
Öhlins steering damper in black (£800)
Tectronics quick-shifter (£450)
Bespoke stainless brake/ clutch lines (£350)
Since the works' completion by Harris Performance the machine has covered only some 100 miles and passed its first ever MoT in April 2024. It last ran on 13th August 2024; only a lack of use forces its sale. One ignition key is supplied together with front/ rear 'Gee-Tech' stainless steel paddock stands (costing £450) and a 'Yamaha' trickle charger, while accompanying paperwork includes current V5C/ old V5C/ V5, 2004 DVLA SORN correspondence, Yamaha Dealer Guide booklet, Yamaha Warranty Handbook and the aforementioned Harris Performance invoices.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
