Early 98/99 R1, Who has one?
Discussion
I had a 98 years ago, bought it with 12k on the clock. Commuted all year round in all weathers, got it to 98k before what needed replacing/ rebuilding added up to more than the bike's value. Engine was still fine and strong, gearbox was always clunky from the start. Loved the bike, still look great to my eyes. If you are buying one, check all the fairings and bodywork is factory Yamaha... Do it!
Got a W plate, so probably the sliiiiightly later model. Close enough though
It's a beast. Loads of character. Great midrange. Shakes its head. Big smiles
Plus i think they're absolutely beautiful. I love the way the frame is sculpted to the sides of the tank, which reminds me of the Aprilia RS125/250s that i fell in love with as a 17yr old.
Not ridden it much because it's low mileage and i'm trying to keep it pretty. Sadly i use my other bikes much more, so had the R1 on ebay for a while now. Values on them are all over the place
It's a beast. Loads of character. Great midrange. Shakes its head. Big smiles
Plus i think they're absolutely beautiful. I love the way the frame is sculpted to the sides of the tank, which reminds me of the Aprilia RS125/250s that i fell in love with as a 17yr old.
Not ridden it much because it's low mileage and i'm trying to keep it pretty. Sadly i use my other bikes much more, so had the R1 on ebay for a while now. Values on them are all over the place
Got a 1998 Blue one that I bought brand new, has about 30k miles on it now.
Hardly ride it anymore but did a trackday on it in April and it still performed great.
I ride more touring bikes nowadays but the R1 is a keeper as long as I can still find a space for it in the garage.
Hardly ride it anymore but did a trackday on it in April and it still performed great.
I ride more touring bikes nowadays but the R1 is a keeper as long as I can still find a space for it in the garage.
Edited by markw996 on Saturday 7th September 11:10
Owned mine since 2007. Bought it off a mate, who bought it off another mate so I know its history since 12k miles, now on 53k. Toured & trackdayed on it.
Seen as I have (somehow) woken up my old Photobucket account, have another couple
Gearboxes on the first (4XV - 1998/1999) model can need replacing early (30k miles) with hard use with parts from the later (5JJ - 2000/2001) model
Blah, blah blah - been there, done that etc
Seen as I have (somehow) woken up my old Photobucket account, have another couple
Gearboxes on the first (4XV - 1998/1999) model can need replacing early (30k miles) with hard use with parts from the later (5JJ - 2000/2001) model
Blah, blah blah - been there, done that etc
Edited by moto_traxport on Thursday 5th September 19:15
markw996 said:
Got a 1998 Blue one that I bought brand new, has about 30k miles on it now.
Hardly ride it anymore but did a trackday on it in April and it still performed great.
I ride more touring bikes nowadays but the R1 is a keeper as long as I can still find a space for it in the garage.
Snap! Hardly ride it anymore but did a trackday on it in April and it still performed great.
I ride more touring bikes nowadays but the R1 is a keeper as long as I can still find a space for it in the garage.
Edited by markw996 on Saturday 7th September 11:10
Sadly, I sold mine when my youngest was born. Absolutely loved that bike...
I’ve got one on an r plate. Had it nearly five years I think. I’ve thought about selling it as I don’t ride it but on the other hand it’s nice to own one. I’ll try and keep it now especially as my interest in trackdays is reducing and I can see me selling trackbike in the near future.
Off road bike gets more use these days.
Had to spend 500 on the r1 recently though due to carbs gummed up and exup valve seized.
Off road bike gets more use these days.
Had to spend 500 on the r1 recently though due to carbs gummed up and exup valve seized.
horster said:
I’ve got one on an r plate. Had it nearly five years I think. I’ve thought about selling it as I don’t ride it but on the other hand it’s nice to own one. I’ll try and keep it now especially as my interest in trackdays is reducing and I can see me selling trackbike in the near future.
Off road bike gets more use these days.
Had to spend 500 on the r1 recently though due to carbs gummed up and exup valve seized.
That must be one of the first ones is it? Not sure I've seen one on a R before!Off road bike gets more use these days.
Had to spend 500 on the r1 recently though due to carbs gummed up and exup valve seized.
I also bought one of the first ones new back in 1998. It was ace. The power delivery is so linear for an inline 4. Really did handle like a 600.
At first it was my 'Sunday best' bike. Then I started doing trackways on it (at which it was brilliant) and it became a track thing. Then it became a commuter I am ashamed to say and ended up putting 97k on it. It was pretty shabby by then - and then someone stole it. Replaced it with an identical mint one, and that also got nicked.
I reckon they still cut it now. Recommend.
At first it was my 'Sunday best' bike. Then I started doing trackways on it (at which it was brilliant) and it became a track thing. Then it became a commuter I am ashamed to say and ended up putting 97k on it. It was pretty shabby by then - and then someone stole it. Replaced it with an identical mint one, and that also got nicked.
I reckon they still cut it now. Recommend.
at the time they were the cutting edge of performace.
if you get on one today they feel so roomy and soft like a tourer.
at road speeds you are not going to be left by your mates.
plus points.
looks great,
feels like it has way to much power.(it hasnt)
silky smooth carb/throttle.
bad points?
they did get a bit of head shake but nothing mental.
some people have ruined them.
if you can find a nice one ,get it and enjoy it.
if you get on one today they feel so roomy and soft like a tourer.
at road speeds you are not going to be left by your mates.
plus points.
looks great,
feels like it has way to much power.(it hasnt)
silky smooth carb/throttle.
bad points?
they did get a bit of head shake but nothing mental.
some people have ruined them.
if you can find a nice one ,get it and enjoy it.
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