1998 Yamaha YZF750R
Miles: 9,872
Clean New York Title
Listed Price: $7,500
Listing Ends: June 13th, 2026
Originally introduced in 1993, the Yamaha YZF750R was the company’s followup to their earlier FZR750 and was ultimately designed to carry on the racing legacy of the very exotic OW01. The new bike was naturally powered by a 749cc inline four with Yamaha’s signature five-valve per cylinder head and their surprisingly effective EXUP or “exhaust ultimate powervalve” that gave a relatively wide, flat powerband, compared to rivals. Braking was impressive, with six-piston calipers up front. The YZF750 generally came in two flavors: the more exotic, homologation SP “sport production” version with close-ratio gearbox, solo tail, high-spec suspension, and flat-slide carburetors, and the more basic R version, although even that version was fitted with high-quality Öhlins suspension components in later years.
Up for sale is my 1998 Yamaha YZF750R, in near mint condition. This is a rare bike only made for 5 years, an this version made for 2 years not many around or left. This bike had a complete tear down a rebuild finished in 2021 no expense spared while building. This bike has upgrades, the bike runs, shifts and stops with no issues. Then only issue the bike has is the kick stand safety switch need too hooked back up a the starter makes noise when starting it for the first time from the winter in the garage.
This particular Yamaha YZF750R represents the end of the line for 750cc sportbikes, as it was built the very same year that the mighty Yamaha R1 was first introduced. The R1 helped bring an end to the popularity the 750cc category, a class that had, up until that point, combined the best of both power and handling. The YZF750R came in a dizzying array of graphics and this scheme does generally appear to be correct, although the red hugger and gold brakes are later updates and the wheels do appear to have been aesthetically enhanced a bit as well. Other than the smoked windscreen and the visually understated but otherwise conceptually horrifying slash-cut muffler, this appears to be a very nice, low-mile example of Yamaha’s classic superbike. The asking price is high, but the the listing is “or best offer” so perhaps the seller is open to some reasonable negotiations.
-tad
I always liked the looks of these, nearly bought one some time ago. Surely that red hugger can’t be OEM? And let’s not forget that the Gixxer 750 still flies the 750 flag.
You missed the R1 for +500 bucks more.
The YZF750 when introduced in Europe had very low tension rings and as a result had a very high oil consumption. I met a fellow rider at a petrol station who was riding from the Netherlands to see the WSB races at Hockenheim. He needed a liter of oil at every fillup. A liter of oil was priced at 3 times what fuel cost in order to discourage broken vehicles from being driven on the autobahn. The Piston ring issue was solved the following year.
I remember the 1985 FC 750 and thinking as a kid what a cool bike that was.
Seems odd to tear this bike completely down and then not finish hooking up the brake switch? Is that like running a race and tripping 10 feet from the finish line? Come on.
These are fantastic vintage sportbikes. Not the most powerful vs. the Ninja 750 (1993-15 single ram air models) which were stronger but heavier handling. Named sportbike of the year by one magazine in 1995 I believe? At the time it was introduced it was the best 750, although the most expensive minus the Honda RC45. Amazing suspension from the factory. Not OEM- hugger, and would look better more subtle in black. The original frame had silver paint, although the black does look good. Original mirrors were white and very tough to find. They yellowed over time. I just repurchased a 1998 like I had back in the day. Feels like an FZR 400 on steroids. Brakes are prone to having leaky seals and sticking. EXUP valves can seize up. Quite a bit more than I paid for mine but mine has 15K miles on it. Really Only an exhaust and repainting/ powdercoating the wheels back to grey from being a gorgeous bike again.
Been wanting one of these for many years but I’m at that age where it’s time to start thinning the herd instead. I have the 98 R1 so that will be plenty to keep me smiling.
I really do like these. The hugger should be removed it doesn’t blend nicely. But that exhaust is the deal breaker. I can only guess it is there since a decent alternative is likely unobtainium. Can’t express my loathing of shorty exhausts. Am i really to believerhat the exup actually works properly with that on there? It isn’t an upgrade. At best it just allows the bike to be rideable. Dialysis when a kidney transplant isn’t available…