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1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Specifications

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Overview

The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 is a sport motorcycle built around 998 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.8:1. 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 delivers 148.8 hp @ 10000 rpm of peak power and 11 kgf-m @ 8500 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 277.2 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1998 YZF 1000 R1 tips the scales at 192 kg, carries an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 813 mm and spans a 1395 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 compared with other bikes in the Sport category

Here is how the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 stacks up against other bikes in the Sport category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1341 models.

  • Top speed of 277 km/h is higher than that of 755 of the other 879 bikes in the Sport category.
  • Only 150 of the other 726 bikes in the Sport category have a higher power-to-weight ratio than the 570 W/kg of the YZF 1000 R1.
  • With 109.5 kW, the YZF 1000 R1 has the 292nd highest power output of 1341 bikes in the Sport category, 46% above the category average of 74.9 kW.
  • Narrowing the field to the 235 models within five model years of it, the top speed of 277 km/h is higher than that of 216 of the other 234.

1998 YZF 1000 R1 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 makes 148.8 hp @ 10000 rpm with 11 kgf-m @ 8500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
  • Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
  • Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

  • Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the YZF 1000 R1 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Carburetor maintenance

The YZF 1000 R1 uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.

Brake disc and pad wear

The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the YZF 1000 R1 runs 41mm inverted telescopic forks and Truss-type Aluminium swinging arm Monocross system at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Aluminium, twin spar - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

YZF 1000 R1 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 with its 998 cc sport, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 28 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained YZF 1000 R1 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the YZF 1000 R1's 998 cc four stroke, transverse four cylinder, dohc, 5 valves per cylinder.. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With an 11.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the YZF 1000 R1 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 have?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 uses a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder. engine with 998 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 has a factory-quoted top speed of 277.2 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 weigh?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 weighs 192 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 make?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 produces 148.8 hp @ 10000 rpm of power and 11 kgf-m @ 8500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 has an 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 suitable for shorter riders?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 has a seat height of 813 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 have?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 uses 2 x 298mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 use?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/50 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 have?
The 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 was produced across 13 model years (1998-2021). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification 1998 2001 2003 2005 2008 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max Power 148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm 148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm 152 hp / 110.8 kW @ 10500 rpm 171.3 hp / 126 kW @ 12500 rpm 132.4 kW / 180 hp @ 12500 rpm 133.9 kW / 182 hp @ 12500 rpm 147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm 147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm 147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm 147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm 147.1 kW / 200.0 PS @ 13500 rpm 147.1 kW / 197 hp @ 13500 rpm 147.1 kW / 197 hp @ 13500 rpm
Wet Weight 192 kg / 423 lbs 192 kg / 423 lbs 192 kg / 423 lbs 185 kg / 407.8 lbs 190 kg / 418.8 lbs 206 kg / 454 lb 199 kg / 439 lbs 199 kg / 439 lbs 199 kg / 439 lbs 199 kg / 439 lbs 199 kg / 439 lbs 203 kg / 448 lbs 203 kg / 448 lbs
Dry Weight 177 kg / 390.2 lbs 177 kg / 390.2 lbs 175 kg / 389.5 lbs 172 kg / 379 lbs 177 kg / 389.4 lbs 177 kg / 389.4 lb - - - - - - -
Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Top Speed 277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph 277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph 277.5 km/h / 172.4 mph 296.1 km/h / 184 mph 287.7 km/h 280.9 km/h - - - - - - -
Seat Height 813 mm / 32.3 in 813 mm / 32.3 in 813 mm / 32.3 in 833 mm / 32.3 in 835 mm / 32.9 in 835 mm / 32.8 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 830 mm / 32.7 in 861 mm / 33.9 in 861 mm / 33.9 in
Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / US 4.7 gal 18 Litres / 4.7 gal 18 Litres / 4.7 gal 18 Litres / 4.7 gal 18 Litres / 4.0 US gal 18 Litres / 4.8 gal 17 Liters / 4.5 gal 17 Liters / 4.5 US gal 17 Liters / 4.5 US gal 17 Liters / 4.5 US gal 17 Liters / 4.5 US gal 17 Liters / 4.5 US gal 17 Liters / 4.5 US gal
Frame Type Aluminium, twin spar Aluminium, twin spar Aluminium, twin spar Deltabox V aluminium aluminium, twin spar Deltabox V aluminium aluminium, twin spar Deltabox V aluminium - - - - - - -

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.

Power

148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm

Torque

11.0 kgf-m / 108.3 Nm @ 8500 rpm

Top Speed

277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph

Weight

192 kg / 423 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / US 4.7 gal

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Full 1998 Yamaha YZF 1000 R1 Specifications

Year 1998
Make Model Yamaha YZF1000 R1
Seat Height 813 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase 1395 mm / 54.9 in
Ground Clearance 140 mm / 5.5 in
Height 1095 mm / 43.1 in
Length 2035 mm / 80.1 in
Width 695 mm / 27.3 in
Dry Weight 177 kg / 390.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / US 4.7 gal
Wet Weight 192 kg / 423 lbs
Top Speed 277.2 km/h / 172.2 mph
Braking (60 km/h - 0) 12.7 m / 36.7 m
Max Power 148.8 hp / 109.5 kW @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque 11.0 kgf-m / 108.3 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile 10.3 sec / 222.7 km/h
Displacement 998 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke 74 x 58 mm
Compression Ratio 11.8:1
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification Mineral, 20W/40
Engine Weight / Gudgeon Pin Diameter Engine weight 65.3kg 17mm diameter gudgeons
Exhaust Alloy muffler
Fuel Consumption 17.2 km/lit
Fuel Induction 4 x 40mm Mikuni CV Downdraft carburetors
Ignition Digital TCI
Lubrication Wet sump
Spark Plug NGK, CR9E
Starter Electric
Clutch Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final Drive Chain
Gear Ratios 1st 39/15 (2.600) 2nd 35/19 (1.842) 3rd 30/20 (1.500) 4th 28/21 (1.333) 5th 30/25 (1.200) 6th 29/26 (1.115)
Transmission / Drive 6 Speed
Frame Type Aluminium, twin spar
Suspension - Front 41mm inverted telescopic forks
Suspension - Rear Truss-type Aluminium swinging arm Monocross system
Rake 24°
Trail 91 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 135 mm / 5.3 in
Brakes - Front 2 x 298mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear 190/50 ZR17
Tyres - Rear 138.8 hp @ 9600 rpm
Wheels - Front 3.50-17
Wheels - Rear 6.00-17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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