Yamaha YZF-R1 (1998-2003)

I have had my white/red 98 R1 for over 5 yrs. I set the bike up as per a Performance Bike magazine recommendation and boy what a superb machine. I have a 15/46 sprocket combo, which put the speedo out, so I fitted a speedo healer unit to correct the readout. The bike is mint and always draws admiring comments. It is extremely quick, very light on the front under hard acceleration and shakes it head (which i like!) Knee downs are a doddle, although if the tyre pressures drift off a bit, it does affect the handling quite a lot, so you need to keep checking it. The early bikes are getting more sought after, and only a few weeks ago I was offered a 'Name Your Price' to sell it, which I declined. I have owned many bikes, including a Honda SP1, the R1 wipes the floor with it in my opinion. Get one while you can!

excellent all round bike, mines a 2003 fuel injected model. Fitted a power commander to smooth the power out, fuel silencer and KN aitfilter, goes like the wind and still looks the part. only one negative, its a bit thirsty on the petrol but the smile factor overcomes this. next mod is to put a racefit silencer on it and get it remapped and dyno'd.

Had my 02 R1 for 2 years and its the carb model not the fuel injected model and its a brill bike will be keeping this one for a long long time thank god for plenty of storage under rear seat for all my onboard camera gear again a great bike

Had my 02 R1 for 2 years and its the carb model not the fuel injected model and its a brill bike will be keeping this one for a long long time thank god for plenty of storage under rear seat for all my onboard camera gear again a great bike

hi ive ridden my r1 now for the last 5yrs its a v reg 99 and is the best handleing bike ive ridden fast is jus silly and exceloation is amazin id only get rid of it 4 a 2001 model

Got my 2000 R1 last weekend after owning an RRW fireblade.To say the R1 is fast is an understatement!!Its silly fast,really torquey pulls like a train even in top gear!Looks fantastic,looks how many modern sports bikes do now.Impressed so far so heres hoping it can only get better!!

I sold my 07 R6 2 months ago and was very upset. I had a Ducati Monster 900 as a stop gap which didn't improve my mood. This month I got hold of a 2000 Model R1 and I am overjoyed. Accelleration, feedback, smooth pick-up, and looks! My favourite bike to date.

Had my 99 from new, still with minimal miles. The power delivery and engine is awesome in a good but scarey way. Build quality superb and looks that have not really aged that much.

I loved it. Was getting a bit long in the tooth, so had to let her go. The injection R1 was tamer than the original that's why I held off getting it. Test rode both but found the 2002 model to be a lot more user friendly. The handling was superb and the engine was powerful and reliable. Loved the angular design although its not to everyone's taste. Fitting aftermarket parts does make a difference ie exhaust and power commander, but it's down to individuality what your after. I would highly recommend you get one if you fancy an R1 but can't afford a newer version.

Bought a 2002 black framed R1 after owning CBR6's for 15 odd years. Power and handling is amazing, to be honest there is to much power for the bumpy B roads i ride. Full throttle results with massive tank slappers, so you have to short shift through the gears. I find a 600 suits me better, i am able to thrash a 600 on these sort of roads, whereas the R1 is to much. I know a steering damper would cover this up, but i still think think i would be quicker along the same piece of road on a 600. Running costs are amazingly cheap, it returns about 45mpg, a set of sticky Pirelli Corsa's lasts me 3500 miles, i am hoping the new Michelin Pilot Power will last about 5000 miles. Insurance is dead cheap, it costs me £128 fire & theft for the year. The only modification i have done is an Akropovic titanium end can, and I have had it Dyno'd at 142bhp (I dont know what it made with the standard can). Everything seems well made, seems as good as my Honda. I have seen stone chips on mudguard of other blue models, but new they only cost £75. ( i replaced mine after disc lock accident). Lovely handling, loads of low down grunt, easliy read dash, reasonably comfy, even through town. Good value for what you get, and in my opinion the best looking 1000cc bike of that vintage (the fireblades look bland, with crap colour schemes)