Would you pay £10k for an early 1998 Yamaha R1?

Modern sports bikes can trace their lineage back to three 1990s motorcycle launches. In 1992, the original Honda CBR900RR Fireblade appeared. That leap forward took a while for other manufacturers to catch, with the different approach taken by the Ducati 916 in 1994. But Yamaha was able to evolve and move things on even further with the arrival of the 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1 4XV.

This was the sports bike to arguably rule them all until the post-2001 Suzuki GSX-R1000. The Yamaha Genesis engine was redesigned to be smaller and utilise the new ‘stacked gearbox’ with a raised input shaft and the output shaft placed underneath it, meaning a better centre of gravity. It also allowed for a short wheelbase of 1385mm without having a shorter swingarm. Add a 150bhp output with plenty of torque and you had the makings of a road and track legend. Plus 0-60mph in under three seconds and a top speed of around 168-170mph.

17 years later and we spotted this owner asking for £10,000 for his 29,000 mile 1998 Yamaha R1. It’s standard except for the brake lines and Yamaha single seat cowl, currently SORN, but with all original panels.

Now while we don’t think anyone is ready for a £10k R1 quite yet, we can see where he’s coming from. There’s not going to be any more R1s using four Kehin CV 30mm carbureters, and many bikes from that era went onto track days and race grids. Which means original parts and panels were swapped for both performance and necessity.

At the moment, there’s plenty of time left on the advert, but offers are up to £5,997.93. Short of his five-figure ambition, but above what most price guides would recommend by quite a way. But prices are definitely moving upwards.

It’s no wonder people are jumping straight on on this blue 1998 Yamaha R1 4XV currently at £3,800. Again, it’s a little way over the book price, but with sensible aftermarket upgrades and the original parts to get back to factory spec, plus 16,700 miles on the clock, it’s a potentially good investment.

So would you pay £10k for a low mileage 1998 Yamaha R1 4XV? With the hollowed-out secondhand motorcycle market, and the rise of the recent, practical classic market, you might not have much choice in the near future if you want an iconic 90’s sportsbike.