MCN overall verdict
The third and final great sports bike of the nineties. The FireBlade set the agenda, the 916 added finesse and the Yamaha YZF-R1 topped them off with extra power and madness. Even today the original Yamaha YZF-R1 is a sports tool to be reckoned with and updated Yamaha YZF-R1s are even more potent and easier to use too.Engine
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Owners' rating |
Evoultion at it’s finest – the technology’s not hugely changed since the FZR1000 of 1989 but the Yamaha YZF-R1 has always delivered a minimum of 150bhp (130 at the wheel). Torque is never in short supply and the bike’s light weight makes the most of both. The Yamaha YZF-R1's gearbox can be a little reluctant.
Ride and Handling
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Owners' rating |
The Yamaha YZF-R1 is a track bike to demolish rivals and wring the rider’s adrenal glands dry. The original 98-99 model was the liveliest and hardest to tame. Later Yamaha YZF-R1s were easier to pilot but don’t think that means they’re soft in any way. The original Yamaha YZF-R1 was slightly hard to turn into corners and could run wide. Later versions were improved with a stiffer headstock and firmer forks. Ace brakes.
Equipment
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Owners' rating |
Extra equipment on a race rep just ads weight so the Yamaha YZF-R1’s pretty minimal. Comfort’s pretty good for a rider although Yamaha YZF-R1 pillions must be brave. Headlights are effective even if the mirrors aren’t brilliant. There’s some underseat storage too unlike later Yamaha YZF-R1s where exhausts occupy that space – although from 2002 it’s minimal.
Quality and Reliability
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Owners' rating |
No major problems and finish is much better than early/mid 90s Yamahas. Beware race/track Yamaha YZF-R1s which have been thrashed. Problems with the gearbox are very rare despite internet rumours suggesting otherwise. The black finish on the frame and swingarm of 2003/03 Yamaha YZF-R1s rubs off easily.
Value
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Owners' rating |
The Yamaha YZF-R1 was top dog sports bike until the GSX-R1000 appeared in 2001. Parallel imports and stiff competition from Honda and Suzuki mean prices stay sensible. But equally there’s no such thing as a good, clean, cheap Yamaha YZF-R1 – they’re a desirable bike and good ones always sell. Honda’s FireBlade from 2002 onwards is a comparable machine and the GSX-R arguably better.
Model History
1998: Original Yamaha YZF-R1 launched.
2000: Revised Yamaha YZF-R1 has 150 changes – most noticeable sleeker tail unit and titanium exhaust.
2002: More changes to Yamaha YZF-R1 for less weight, more power, fuel injection and more environmentally friendly. Black frame and swing arm, letterbox tail light.
2000: Revised Yamaha YZF-R1 has 150 changes – most noticeable sleeker tail unit and titanium exhaust.
2002: More changes to Yamaha YZF-R1 for less weight, more power, fuel injection and more environmentally friendly. Black frame and swing arm, letterbox tail light.
Other Versions
None.
Specifications
Top speed | 175 mph |
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1/4-mile acceleration | 10.8 secs |
Max power | 150 bhp |
Max torque | 80 ft-lb |
Weight | 175 kg |
Seat height | 815 mm |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Average fuel consumption | 38 mpg |
Tank range | 150 miles |
Annual road tax | |
Insurance group | 16 of 17 |
Engine size | 998 cc |
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Engine specification | 20v in-line four, 6 gears |
Frame | Aluminium twin spar |
Front suspension adjustment | Preload, rebound, compression |
Rear suspension adjustment | Preload, rebound, compression |
Front brakes | Twin 298mm discs |
Rear brake | 245mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 190/50 x 17 |
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