The Yamaha YZF-R7 OW02 was one of the very last 750cc homologation specials and was available for just two years before Yamaha folded their World Superbike team and ended production. Utilizing the frame geometry from their GP YZR500, the OW02 featured many exotic components, as you’d expect from a bike like this. Unfortunately, in road-going trim, the engine put out a disappointing 106hp and its true potential could only be realized using one of several race-kits that included a carbon-fiber airbox that added a ram-air effect and activated a second, dormant set of fuel injectors.
The frame was a modified Deltabox II unit, with adjustable steering head and swingarm pivots, and fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension at both ends. Despite its lukewarm output as-delivered, you can see the potential in the engine, just looking at the spec sheet: a 72 x 46mm bore and stroke with 11.4:1 compression, titanium valves, forged aluminum short-skirt pistons that featured nickel-plated tops, titanium H-beam connecting rods, and a slipper clutch connected to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox.
500 were built for all markets, making these exceedingly rare. This example is located in Australia, and includes the very desirable “race kits” to get the bike into its intended fire-breathing 162hp form.
From the original eBay listing: 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 for Sale
The bike is originally an Italian model brought into Australia 15 years ago. It is currently located in Melbourne, Australia. I am more than happy to assist with shipping at purchases cost of approximately US$1500-2000.It comes with stage 1 and 2 kits as new from the factory. As you can see from the photos the bike is in very good condition with very low mileage (the speedo is currently in kilometres) I believe that they can be changed to miles and happy to answer any questions.
Yamaha fans go bonkers for these, but I always thought the OW02 looked a little bit too much like an R1 with squintier eyes… However, there’s no denying the bike’s race-bred heritage and exotic components. Here in the USA, we received just 50 examples, and 10 of those were destined for the Yamaha factory teams. Starting bid for this one is $32,000AUS and might be worth a look, no matter what part of the world you’re in.
Simply stunning!
If it were mine I would bleed all of the hydraulic fluids immediately as it is apparent that it has been a long while since this service has been performed. Brake fluid is clear, not gold like honey, not brown like coffee.
Fantastic bike deserving of better photos. Brings back memories of Haga.
$33100 reserve not met. That’s RC30 money. I am surprised.
Anyone making negative remarks about this bike will be banished from the Earth. For real. For ever. And no, I’m not kidding!
This embodies all those old school superbike hallmarks. Looks like a racebike, distinguishable for the street versions (if those even existed). Thinly disguised. Headlights that you would never see if lucky enough to encounter one in person. Tons of potential but delivered in nuetered for. Rare. Required the owner to uncork the (usually) dormant hardware/software within.
Don’t build them like this anymore.
Man I feel old… but not so old I wouldn’t track this sucker if the title were in my name. I am no preservationist.
I wanna see an Alazzurra vs. R7 at willow or sears or laguna, now that would be a hoot…