A True Modern Classic: 1998 Yamaha YZF R1 (Switzerland)

This entry has been published on March 13, 2013 and links to eBay may have been updated to point to similar bikes of interest.

The 1998 R1 was the most exciting news from Yamaha since the FZR750R (aka OW1). While the later R7 (750cc) represented the last exotic model (also labeled as OW2) it did fail to impress in terms of power unless you fitted the Yamaha racing kit (available at a premium on top of already an expensive buy). The 1998 1000cc motored YZF R1 with its 150 bhp and in its white and red colors was the real deal for the “masses”. In particular this color scheme, worked really well to launch the image of the R1 as an aggressive full-on super bike.

With the beautifully sculpted Alu frame at display (an evolution of the original Deltabox), a small and pointy cockpit and an up-in-the-air tail, this was a design that promised speed. Well, it wasn’t only about the looks, the YZF didn’t fail to deliver in terms of both performance and charisma. Even the name of this bike became something of a trademark. The public soon got used to call it simply the “R1”. The YZF label in large display in its first version soon became an anonymous code name that nobody cared about. In the later models the original YZF stickers on the fairing became smaller and smaller…to finally disappear (we still know rival’s Honda machines as CBRs).

The model on sale here is available in Switzerland. While at RSBFS we like bikes in original trim, the aftermarket parts on this one only add value to it. These include an Öhlins steering damper and an Akrapovic muffler.

Notice the understatement without the Akrapovic heat resistant sticker (the original exhaust is also provided by the seller). I think this 1998 R1 in its color scheme and with the beautiful touches is simply perfect !