1998 Yamaha R1 | My NEW Project Bike

I've always been a huge fan of the original 4XV Yamaha R1 but I've never ridden one. So I decided to buy one to see what all the fuss is about.
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Chops
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[@starfox_wr-45e93]

These still look so good, 25 years on.

[@Chrisyk1985]

The blue double bubble screen would be the first thing in the bin. 😂

[@CRS1583]

Absolutely

[@davapod]

It looks naff, definitely for the bin.

[@CRS1583]

@@davapod I’ve never been a massive fan of the double bubble screens to be honest.

[@markg_r1751]

A nice tall light smoked race screen and a carb balance will probably transform it, my 5jj did 😎

[@ogofog9120]

Too right soo 90’s

[@markmundy3435]

There are probably alot of people out there that have never rode a carbureted bike, especially a fast one, there is nothing like it.

[@ThomasCadman]

Try an underated vtr firestorm! Largest carbs ever fitted to a production bike and when set up right, geared right, and suspension sorted, you'd never sell it, ask me how I know...😂

[@SteveBrigden]

A carburettor’d two-stroke….❤❤❤❤

[@74Nikk]

And no gadgets to help them ride it. Those r1s are brutal wheelie machines 😁 not for the faint hearted.

[@tammyforbes2101]

Yea they load up and scream up top more than modern bikes. My current liter bike has the same power from 3k rpm to 11.5k rpm it’s crazy! I have had the front wheel come up in 5th getting on the interstate up a bumpy hill! Bike reminds me of a CR500 but double and for the highway? There power bands are very similar! These old R1 had a nice kick about 8-9k rpm they took off like a rocket and usually had some pretty long gears so you could wind the piss out of them to all the way up to 186mph where it ran out of gear and stopped pulling! Some still had power left some didn’t!

[@JamoZNL]

@@ThomasCadman I own a Firestorm, sorted with hyperpro suspension & tuned and dyno`ed to around 115hp and it still can hang with the modern bikes on the twisties :)

[@Jonathan-yd8ud]

Years ahead of it's time. Still brutally quick today

[@johna6968]

Brutally quick?.. Never

[@toucheturtle3840]

@@johna6968 They bloody are for a road bike. Light & powerful with no electronic gizmos.

[@stephenbaron5681]

Old bikes are a great value for fun . You do not need 6 riding modes, and electronic suspension to enjoy motorcycling. There are many well cared for old bikes, good luck.

[@Yzftube1]

I love the original R1. I still own my 1999 bought brand new. My favorite bike to ride out of my small collection. As far as future projects, I'd like to see you do a Suzuki TLR, and or a nice SP-1.

[@dubaitacker6347]

i have both a 98 R1 and a 2001 TL1000r very different bikes but both great fun

[@Evo836]

Had a fireblade and went to a dealer to try the 1999 R1 and was shocked how good it was and bought one straight away.

[@achdumeineguete]

I still remember the first Fireblades from 1993. This thing was so damn good looking!

[@iainian]

Suddenly ALL sports bikes at the time looked lardy and heavy compared to the razor sharp R1 even the iconic Blade. Thanks LCR

[@darider6286]

I still got my fireblade 929 RR CBR honda year 2000 and its still going...i aint sellin it as new sportbikes rubbish too much electronic on them and who need shifters personally i dont all these new bikes got electronic issues at some point i stick wit old fashion sportbikes my fireblade got 72000 miles on the clock and it still pull HARD so it speaks for itself be safe outhere riders

[@michaelmclarney1994]

What a gorgeous piece of kit, it still looks fresh and stunning today!

[@hamburger4622]

I remember it well, one of the best carburettor power plants ever built, no glitches, just smooth grunt throughout the entire rev range, wish I could still ride it😩

[@luddite6239]

You're so right about the torquey feel of the old R1. The spec sheet warriors wouldn't even consider it against a modern version - I mean, 1998 R1 135hp/75lbft vs 2020 R1 185hp/80lbft (dyno figures). No contest, right? But it's how the original delivers those figures that's important. The "tame" R1 makes more power right up to 8,500 rpm and the difference in torque is perhaps even more marked. The modern R1 has a huge midrange flat spot meaning, at 6,500 rpm, old beats new by about 15lbft. Although the modern R1 compensates by having lower gearing from 2nd up to restore that missing shove, there's nothing like genuine, mechanical thrust to make a bike fun on the road. You've got a real gem there - enjoy!

[@myagoodbody7942]

Seriously your still going a day job and pushing so many great videos, excellent mr chops ❤

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks 😎👍

[@davapod]

I remember going to the NEC bike show in 98 and being blown away by the R1. For me the red and white colour scheme is the one. Anyway your example looks in great original and unmolested condition, which is a real plus, though I'd junk the blue tinted screen for a clear one. The blue spot callipers whilst not up to the standards of the latest and greatest are still very good when in tip top condition. Fantastic stuff.👍

[@ogofog9120]

I was there too, same reaction…

[@Biker289]

Yeah "unmolested" is no joke. How many iconic bikes like this one that I've seen in just my short 32 years that have been chromed, stretched, lowered, crashed & ducktaped or stunted out is just crazy!

[@briankalagher6687]

Love this bike! I have the same one. I only did braided lines on the front a few years ago and the brakes went from feeling wooden to feeling amazing. My 1-2 shift has been clunky since I bought it 20 years ago with 2000 miles. I'm up to 56K miles now and transmission is just as clunky but still works fine.

[@LambChopRides]

OK glad its not just my one 👍

[@dubaitacker6347]

@@LambChopRides nope mines the same as are the other 2 i have riden

[@eamonblaney5368]

Still remember my uncles 99 that he got new. Full scorpion exhaust. Shooting blue flames and wheeling everywhere 🤤 As an 8 year old I had a poster on the wall....and a superbike magazine centrefold 😆

[@kitvexed8229]

the 1st MODERN SPORTBIKE EVER MADE.. anybody who denies this, never had one. the CBR fan boys all cryyy when they see this.. it was WORLDS beyond ANY honda at the time. cycleworld tested this bike and confirmed it.. and before anybody cries some more - nobody were bigger CBR fan boys than cycleworld at that time. the R1 was just an absolute juggernaut in torque (even now)

[@jadethompson5269]

This was the original “hero bike” for me. I remember seeing one go past in 1999 and being in love. I later bought my first bike, a 99 R6 in the same colour. Had a low speed crash on it thanks to a driver pulling an illegal u-turn right in front of me. While my bike was getting fixed, my mate who owned one of these R1’s lent it to me for the week. I remember the front coming up on the gas at the first twist of the throttle. It was a beast. Would love to own one now.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

"I like a big rear end." Chopsy is a "Sir Mix-a-lot" fan. The R1 was the scalpel of it's day. I got to ride one in about the same shape as yours in 2021 and it was still as good as I remembered. I love the inline four from a riding stand point.

[@bobeyes3284]

She's a beauty. 👍 It was the first 1000 I ever had a chance to ride. Took it 100m down the road and wheelied it 3 times. Took it straight back to my mate, jumped back on my 98 gsxr 600 shaking. 20 years later bought an 09 R1 and enjoyed every minute of owning it. They are absolute monsters.

[@bccapone837]

stunning bike I remember riding my friends one back in 2000 and it was a beautiful bike , I would love one 👍🏼👌🏼

[@SPM1966SPM]

It was a pleasant surprise to log on and see that beautiful R1, instantly brought back memories. It still looks quite awesome, with great styling, despite the 25 year old age. I have a 2003 Fireblade 954, it would be great to see that on your channel at some stage if you're going to get into reviewing older bikes. Thanks for posting Chopsy.

[@Dan_B_Rides]

Such a sexy machine and it hasn’t lost any pace. Yeah it’s analogue but that’s no bad thing. I remember my friend had one and I couldn’t believe how fast it was. Looking forward to all the videos about the R1 and especially the opportunity to win it 👍🏻

[@raymorris952]

I reckon that as bikes get more and more tec heavy and move towards electric, Bikes from 1995 to 2005 when build quality was at its best, are going to become very sought after. I personally own a 2003 speed triple, hasn't even got abs, but it's bloody brilliant, it's road manners are great because it's built for road riding and not track focused.

[@apexslider1]

Selling the K8 will support getting a K5/K6 down the road 😅. Would also love to see a CBR 954 make an appearance. But enjoy that R1, those early bikes are special. Unforgiving as all hell, but special.

[@neilhaigh2719]

I couldn’t believe how hard mine would pull in top gear out of a 40mph village just awesome

[@smoky2stroke]

80% of the performance of a modern race replica for 20% of the cost. This is making me wish I still had my 97 SRAD 750, loved that thing. Although I'd be bust after 30 minutes on it these days.

[@heatz711]

ive got a 97 SRAD..... and a 98 and a 99 😁

[@smoky2stroke]

@@heatz711 That's dedication!

[@steveottavaino3804]

Purchased one in ‘98 in red and white, the only bike more uncomfortable than my ‘93 CBR900RR and I’m short at 5’7”. Hell for strong engine with a competent chassis and suspension for its day. Absolutely beautiful to look at, a stunner. Arrived home and my 4 year old son Max saw it and ran into the house like he’d seen the devil. Gear off I went inside and asked him to come see dad’s new bike, he said “no dad, that bikes too pooky”. Of course he was trying to say spooky: then and there it became know as Pooky so I adorned it with some spooky eye decals on either side of the faring. I really tried but just could not come to grips with the lack of comfort and hand numbing vibes (I’m vibe sensitive) so off Pooky went to a new owner. Thanks for the time tunnel trip back in time when I always anxiously awaited release of newest liter bike terror!! Cheers.

[@nicktaylor1550]

Not even the 916 influenced the last 30 years of bike design as much as the first R1. The fact that it's still a competitive road bike today shows how good it was back then. At the risk of sounding like an old git, please remind me what electronics add to useable road bikes. A great purchase.

[@steviewylie5267]

I had the later 2000 model around 6yr ago what a great bike with honda like build qaulity it surprised me how well it aged,if most folk are honest unless you are a track day ride it still has enough power to keep you happy,traded mine in for a 1050 speed triple rode from glasgow to outside blackpool and back same day and its seat was not as bad as you think.

[@RichardShipley-q7z]

Got an original blue 98 4XV when they first came out. Loved it to bits. Been out of biking for a while, like Chops, kids, etc. Just got another, 1 owner, 11000 miles, V&M DJ replica with all the bells. Absolutely love it.

[@mick4715-j7d]

Class bike mate, it's great seeing these older bikes on the roads and doing the business. Great idea you've had with this new strand to your channel too

[@brianmahony3923]

Best vintage Yamaha ever😮

[@tysoncott7402]

Those R1’s were awesome in their day but it was short lived and thats because the 01 GSX-R 1000 was released and flat stomped the competition. A good friend i rode with back in that era was riding a 2000 R1 and i got my 01 K1 and that gsxr flat man handled the R1 doing any sort of roll-on’s or top speed runs. Also lets not forget in 1998 the ZX-9R was the 1st to get into the 9’s in the quarter mile, it did a 9.99sec pass with the sportrider magazine guys.

[@davegreenslade4539]

I had a 98 in Robert’s colours awesome bike, not great as I got older with a knackered back lol

[@MalShakur]

Sold my 4XV about 2 years ago. The first gen R1 is just legendary in a way that the subsequent models will never be.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

I had that model for 6 years, fun bike but not as powerful as its predecessor the Thunderace, much lighter and more flickable though. Yamaha built in a flat spot on the power curve at 5000 rpm to sail through emissions tests. They ran out of puff at 145mph which is why I always hankered after a Ninja12R. With regards to maintenance Chopsie, the EXUP valve has a grease nipple on one or two sides, I highly recomend you get some high temperature grease

[@andrewwallis328]

Why not a nice cbr954rr maybe as a possible future project bike?

[@JPWest020]

The brakes are the same as the ones on my ThunderCat. If you’ll do a bit of servicing on them you’ll be surprised how good they really are. I put in sintered (sbs) pads and fitted braided lines (Hel): day and night difference. Brakes with the best of them!

[@ThomasCadman]

Awesome brakes when set up right with sbs pads and braided lines! Loved my cat apart from the 2nd gear issue on two engines 🤦🤦

[@JPWest020]

@@ThomasCadman I know Thundercats suffered from a weak clutch and that could cause issues with the gearbox. However mine (‘96) doesn’t have any problems. In fairness: I fitted mine with the Pro Shift Kit and a upgraded (race) clutch. Shifts beautiful - no misses.

[@markpearce5793]

Did exactly the same with my Thunderace plus replaced the seals in the three master cylinders. Stops brilliantly with plenty of feedback.

[@DavyHeb]

The Thundercat and Thunderace had the same front calipers which were awesome. The original R1s had a smaller and inferior caliper.

[@markpearce5793]

@@DavyHeb That’s interesting. I wonder why Yamaha didn’t use the same ones again. I did notice the trim on the R1 brakes was gold as opposed to the blue on the Thunderace/Cat. I just thought it was to bling the R1 up a bit. Shame really

[@MatNewtonTrio]

That screen.. pls chops put that in the bin.. 😂 Beautiful bike and still a weapon. ❤

[@dannyperfect9270]

What an absolute beauty. I really miss the early days of biking, 20 yrs ago for me, and my yellow GSX R750. I used to consider £4500 was the right price to pay for a bike back then.

[@Melissa-qe1we]

It was my first litre bike when i was 19 years old back in 2005. I still have it. I just can't let her go. 2001 in blue. I blew the gearbox up doing wheelies but recently got it fix and took it to the drags with a PB of 10.69 at 134mph. Not bad for a old carby with a slip on, tune and +2 on the rear sprocket.

[@toucheturtle3840]

I remember flying up Fulbrook Hill on my mates R1 back in the day, changed up into 4th & the front wheel touched down!

[@mbpm6135]

I have for a good while now wanted to open up a workshop of my own and restore classic bikes. This R1 and a first gen Ducati Monster would be my top picks for bikes to lovingly elevate to its glorious status.

[@RichDunn]

Thanks for this, Chospy, it brought back some great memories. I bought the same color and year, brand new, and it was epic. Perfect fuelling and the best brakes available (when new, OEM pads). Without any modern safety nannies, many felt it was the first production bike that was actually just a little 'too much' for 'road riding'. I sold it to protect my life-expectancy... and then went on to buy some 200 hp bikes, ahem!

[@kylejf9059]

Lol love the mention of the Rsv 1000 R. That's a bike no one seems to mention much these days. Get them for pretty darn good money as well 👍🏻 This bike is so damn nice 👌🏻

[@DavyHeb]

In 2001 a friend of mine was building his own house and needed somewhere to store his 1998 R1 under cover. I agreed it could go into my garage. He says take it out for a run anytime you want. I previously owned a FZR1000 RU Exup. My goodness more compact, lighter and stronger without a doubt. My bike at the same time was a Suzuki TL1000S widow maker. Both the original R1 and TLS were great fr the road with masses of instant response. Have to agree that powerful carburated engines are nicer than FI. First R1s were a problem however with 2nd gear failures and high sides on powering out of slow corners (crappy tires back then)

[@Nick-Emery]

I ADORE the 98/99 R1… it brings back memories of the V&M yamaha and David Jeffries at Isle of Man 🇮🇲

[@ENLSN77]

Love the original R1. Just think, they went from the Thunder Ace to this! ❤

[@PhilBarrett789]

I forgot about that awful thing. Like you say, amazing they came out with such an amazing bike off the back of a huge flop.

[@ogofog9120]

Yep - I always liked the ThunderAce though

[@Omsracer1]

Try a Honda Blackbird Chopsy from the same period. Again a bike from the same period, not quite a sports bike but a sports tourer and I can assured you it is quite a package and would cost less than your Yamaha. It to can be balastic in the right hands. Cheers

[@bakedbeanzontoast9078]

Really like the 90's sports bikes they all look far better than the modern generic looking things, plus they had much better paint jobs too, Great vid Chops.👍👍👍👍👍

[@stuwhite1969]

Those brakes are outstanding with fresh pads+service and new lines. I have a 4xv R1 and the brakes are on par with my fireblade sp! Did you know they where the 1st monoblocks to be fitted to a road bike!

[@andrewprice1189]

Melbourne Australia...I imported a 98 4XV all original last year to add to my 90s collection. Out of all the 90s bikes this is the one that still feels like a modern bike. Only downsides are a slightly clunky gear change and sticking servo valve motor, gives you that 7000rpm then back to zero rom tachometer warning. Keeping them stock will be the key to have an appreciating assett. Game changer though

[@timstanton2230]

I have a beautiful one. Original owner. Have owned many R1 , but always kept it.

[@tammyforbes2101]

These old bikes was crazy in the top of the tach range! They had a nice burst of power at 8500rpm they really got up and went but you had to keep them on song to get the power out of them compared to todays liter bikes! The power now is more linear which helps keep it under control on a track. The older bikes felt faster but wasn’t!

[@Simon-fr4ts]

I remember when they came out, I drooled. I loved the colour and everything about it. I had a pre-exup FZR-1000 Genesis in the very early 90's. I could not afford an R1, but later in life I ended up with a 2002 GSXR-1000K2 which was also an amazing bike. It did not look quite as good as the R1, but from what I remember, it beat the R1 in performance and set another standard (K1, K2 are pretty much the same).

[@achdumeineguete]

I had exactly the same model from the same year. Polished rims with golden spokes and custom wrapping to Red Bull design. I rode this since 2000 until 2021 when I sold it for 1000€. 40000km, so valve check was imminent and suspected carburettor needing a complete overhaul. If you have the time and the tools it would have been a day's work, but without it simply too costly. Switched to BMW S1000RR with M-package (what a difference 20 years make!). Would probably have kept it, if I would ride more. It truly was a game changer. The most beautiful supersport bike from the 90s imho. It took the Ducati 916 to higher level technically (4 cyl row) and design-wise. And the 916 was a game changer in design in 1994 as well! That says a lot. Still looks great today with its cowering slightly pointed front and the clean integration of her eyes. The white-red one costs a lot more than the blue one these days. Back then most wanted the blue one 🙂 Great channel by the way! Keep it up! Cheers from Germany, mate.

[@truckatadders]

August 01st 98 I did my cbt, as I came out of the yamaha dealer where the training centre was, there was a brand new R1 Sat outside waiting to be collected. I was gobsmacked, it looked like a GP bike and I swore there and then that if they did a 600 version I'd have one. Collected my new R6 Sept 01st 99 👌🏻👌🏻

[@colinstewart1432]

Looks in quite good fettle, handling-wise. She just needs a refresh. Once the basics are done ( change oil & filter, new tyres, refresh the springs ) she'll keep with anything out there. Id say you got yourself a bargain.

[@BiglumpADV]

What a great bike they are. I had a 98' red bike with white tail and black seats which was a limited time paint job as everyone went blue. Now days they're rare to see and command a premium.

[@KelvinChilvers]

Great iconic bike to start with Chopsy. Reminds me of my old K1 GSXR1000. Look forward to the updates and ticket news.

[@spanky3101]

Just done a similar thing.Always wanted an RD350 when i passed my test but ended up going down the GPZ route. Fast forward 37 years and ive just bought an RD350F2. One owner from new, 13k miles.

[@zxgeorger]

Bought a mint 04 Zx9r for the track and it really surprises me how competent this bike this is.

[@akmt9114]

I had a 1996 CBR900RR (Fireblade) in USA Smokin Joes paint that I loved in 1998. A buddy ponied up for the new R1, after one ride on the R1 the CBR was for sale. It was a game changer for sure just like the first Fireblade was.

[@Dancave123]

Childhood dream bike 😍 my dad owned a red white and black one and I used to go on the back , this video has given me an itch to go buy one 😂

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid & bike. Still got loads to offer even today as they weren't chasing crazy peak power figures so they actually had some decent low down grunt. Will be really good to see it tarted up too. Can't wait. Great news the channel's progressing well too.

[@Biker289]

I'd love to see what your thoughts are on a late model Honda CBR Blackbird 1100xx. I own a 1999 and people that I've let ride it... hate it. I just can't get over how I don't see eye-to-eye with them about it. Love your videos and best wishes from the state of pennsylvania in the USA!

[@mmariorr9949]

I can’t wait to see what happens next with this r1 and get tickets to win this game changer machine 😁😁😁😁

[@headrace4863]

…yep, it was a classic as soon as it was launched and is a step-change in Sportsbikes. Stacked gearbox and shift linkage through the frame. Just great… keep it lol

[@alexerioeduardo2844]

You can keep your parallel twin euro 5 crap. This was a proper bike!

[@-DC-]

Had the Exact same 99 4XV still regret selling it used to just sit looking at it sometimes such a brilliant overall package ❤️

[@oswaldvanbeerendonk6882]

Very nice Chops, looking forward to seeing what you do with it. Glad I've held onto my K5 GSXR, absolutely bonkers. These bikes will become sought after in the near future.

[@iainwhite3476]

Your content is honestly some of the best on KZbin Chopsy

[@LambChopRides]

Wow thanks 👍

[@ironwarrior8890]

When I see the early R1's always reminds me of the late great Dave jefferies on the v&m r1 .

[@niallodriscoll3399]

You definitely bought this bike with your heart and not your head! I can't fault you in the slightest though, as it's arguably the most beautiful litre bike to come from the land of the rising sun, but, and it's a big but... I know from people who have ridden and owned various iterations of the R1, and they all complain about the cramped ergonomics and the less than sumptuous seat. As you had mentioned in your previous video of your stunning purchase, and at the beginning of said video, you explained that the GSX-R1000 k8 wasn't comfortable enough anymore. Which was one of the main reasons for the sale of it. If you wanted a comfortable superbike from the late nineties, early naughties, a kawasaki ZX9R E1/E2, or the later F models would've been a better punt in my humble but somewhat biased opinion 😉... plus, I think you should review a late model ZX9R, from E1 to FP2. They're a criminally underrated bike, and it would be great to have your professional opinion on a forgotten gem of a motorcycle. Keep up the awesome content! 👍

[@davebydaylight8165]

Had 99 4XV myself, same colour scheme. Really wanted the red and white but as you probably noticed when purchasing yours, they hold even more value than the blue ones. Mine was unfortunately stolen barely a few months into owing it. Braided lines definitely help the brakes as from my experience I didn't find them too bad so maybe down to the standard lines? Oh and (as with most older litre sports) a decent steering damper!

[@BrianMcCann421]

Even by modern-day standards, the bike looks amazing, that frame looks so sexy, I love the cut-out for the bars. Great video John 👍

[@MrBrimsy]

Looking forward to seeing what comes of the R1 - when cleaned up and looked over. Nice old rig

[@JEmmertz]

From the sheer looks of it, this bike screams of "if you just twist the throttle you will have loads of fun", and I bet the start up screen (if it was modern) says something like: If you abuse me just a little, you can kiss your license bye-bye!"

[@allwatchedup]

I had a blue 2001 R1. Awesome machine in it's day. Although after a couple of fast, mega scary tank slappers an ohlins steering damper was fitted pretty pronto! Then moved on to a 2005 Kawasaki ZX10R which was just as much if not more of a handful.

[@gregdi8730]

Awesome bike, really looking forward to this series

[@cmcc3721]

I bought a 636 in 2002 after i passed my test. Rode it like a granny but i had more than a few tank slappers on it. Been sat in my shed for 16 years doing nothing as a result of a step up to a new fireblade. keep looking at it and thinking i should drag it out and see if i can bring it back to life....but i'll always be a bit scared of it. Those old bikes were a whole different kettle of fish.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

I have the same problem with my classic blade regarding insurance. Bike sure did me a good multi bike policy so definitely worth getting a quote from them!

[@LambChopRides]

Good to know 👍

[@marcov4190]

Still looks amazing. Legendary bike

[@Dxkzo]

Brought a 1999 R1 project bike a few weeks back still in the process of doing it up. bike running perfect now, crazy how good it feels 25 years on. Just need to replace panels and some bolts and do some wiring fixes, R/R stator burnt connections, il be surprised if you don’t find a burnt connector block or 2

[@bdcash]

I had a 5VY R1 (underseat exhaust) which i loved. Wish I hadn't sold it. I also had a 2001 R6 and the carburetted fuelling on that was so wonderfully smooth.

[@mikes747]

Best colour in my opinion!

[@olivernewell6902]

There's been a few videos recently on the the Aprilia RSV, but I would definitely be getting tickets!!

[@ThomasDoubting5]

The farmer 100% definitely didn't mind disturbing your video recording .

[@n22pdf]

Awesome Chops what a lovely bike.. still looks and rides first class what a bike.. Yamaha nailed it when they released the R1.. always loved since they came out 😊❤ showing my age lol.. Pete

[@mellowr1]

I've got the exact same bike😀👍Had it on the dyno last week. your one has non standard foot pegs and hangers👍as for the gear box they have always been notchy from new. Ride it in the higher revs it's a completely different animal🤣

[@dylanhedges5634]

Uncle chop chops response to this bike and it's bottom end_throttle response shows how dumbed down modern bikes are with ride by wire and emissions crap. Love my throttle cables on my rsv1000 with straight pipes 😅

[@stp7049]

Dream bike😍, yep sign me up for a ticket🤞

[@spikeccx]

Gone n done it now , there brilliant as good as k6 but better quality as you will see . Braded lines better pads 190 rear change oil in forks Damper NEEDED That spread of power never gets old And over 40mpg Almost bullet proof .

[@LambChopRides]

Great tips 👍

[@nepaleseman1010]

I had a new one of these in red and white great memories. However it did blow up and I got the work done on warranty.

[@stevengregg2558]

Bought a blue 98 R1 myself 6 months ago as it was the one that got away. 1st ride out on the wheelie monster and it was clear it wants a steering damper.

[@timranachan3224]

Doesn't need a damper, simply needs a suspension setup. I've owned a 99 4xv since 2003 and never had a damper on it. Only had one tank slapper when I experimented with really soft suspension for our bumpy roads. Get your suspension sussed 😊

[@ogofog9120]

I remember seeing at the Birmingham motor show when it very first came out & it looked amazing - the gear linkage through the frame blew everyone away (just like a street triple). The best looking bike at the show though was the new ZX-7 - so I bought one & loved it.

[@vainparasite]

I had a 1999 R1 in 2001 and it was great if I wasn't going over 30 miles at a time, I just didn't fit it, which was a shame because I loved the looks of it. I was also going to tour Europe with a mate in spring 02 and I just couldn't do it but I couldn't get a vfr because I was only 22 not 42. It all changed when I had a go on another mates 1999 zx9r and it was blisteringly fast and so comfy. It was everything that the R1 wasn't. I wasn't and still aren't a good enough rider to push the limits of either so the reported slower handling of the ninja didn't affect me and I couldn't tell the difference so I sold the yam and got the zx and I had a load of money spare as the R1 was fetching top dollar at that time and mine had low mileage and was pristine condition as it didn't get used apart from weekend blasts. I still have the ninja and I've been all over the place on it, I doubt I'll ever sell it 😊👍👍

[@barryjones872]

I had a 98 ,best bike I ever owned change the back shock ,had the forks revalved at maxton engineering ,also had avon tyres.handling was brilliant ,you had to be careful snapping the throttle open ,big wheelies 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nome5184]

As a FireBlade owner (bike is from 2001) I can't agree more with your statement about old super bikes. But (there is always a BUT) young riders should always keep in mind that these are proper old school bikes with lot of power and NO RIDER aids!!! In the rain or any surface with lower traction if you don't know what you are doing you will find a hedge or something worse pretty fast. Great Sunday bikes but for any thing else I would look at modern machinery.