Did we start a trend? Another 1998 1st gen YZF R1 (but in Australia)

It was only a month ago that we posted a first year YZF R1 for the first time and the response was very positive.   The 1st year edition of the YZF R1 (with the red and white bodywork) definitely seems to be a bike collectors are looking to acquire.

NOTE:  The success of the previous RSBFS posting may be causing a bit of a ripple effect with owners realizing they are sitting on a highly desirable bike.  We have seen this happen before with bikes like the 1st gen CBR900RR/Fireblade with prices climbing quickly once the 15 year mark is reached and people start trying to find first editions in good condition.

1998 YZF R1 (1st year!) on ebay Australia

This particular 1st year R1 isn’t quite as nice as the one we had listed back in December.   It looks to be intact with no major damage but there does seem to be a bit more aftermarket bits on this one, with an aftermarket exhaust, crash bungs, tank protector and turn signals all standing out.  The rear tail piece also looks to be non stock/a fender eliminator kit appears to be in place.   Oh and the rear mudguard/hugger seems to be missing.

The seller indicates that this bike has been ridden but was then parked for several years.  Mileage and comments about a few rock chips does seem to match the statement.

Here is what the seller has to say (Good and bad groupings added by me, not seller – MJG).

Good

• Carburetors ultrasonically cleaned
• New fork seals and oil
• Single seat cowl
• Dark and stock screens
• Service manual

Bad

• There are some chips on the paint on the tank which have been spot repaired and are not very noticeable.
• Would benefit from a professional tune and service
• Needs a new battery as the present one does not crank for very long but does start the bike.
• Aftermarket undertail, baglux tank bag and tank protector

I do wish there were more pics of the bike, especially of the dash/gauges to confirm the listed 34,033 Klm.   Current price is about 5240 AUD which is about 3700 USD.   This price is well below what we saw the YZF R1 sell for late last year.

Personally I think this is a value opportunity for a collector.  Given that the majority of parts on the R1 didn’t change between the first year and later bikes, I would think it wouldn’t be too hard to find OEM turn signals, tail parts and a hugger if the seller wants to restore the bike to full OEM condition.  This particular 1998 YZF R1 is listed on ebay Australia with about a day to go so (seems to have been a 3 day auction) so Australia based RSBFS readers will need to move fast if this one is their list.

MG