Here at Classic-motorbikes.net we love keeping our finger on the pulse of the classic used bike market, it’s always interesting to see what the next big thing is. The bikes that you should be buying now if you don’t want to miss the boat. We’ve all kicked ourselves for being too late to the watering hole and then realising that certain models will be out of our price range forever.
Our friends at Unit5Motos in Romford, Essex are at the coalface of selling classic Japanese bikes, so we took some time to natter to them about all things Yamaha R1. The first model is always the one that will mature in value, so we’re focusing on the 1998 4XV model. It arrived in two colours, a deep metallic blue and a traditional red and white option. It’s the red and white one that commands a premium 19 years later. Unit5motos are no strangers to this emerging classic model. Currently they are handling the sale of a 1998 Yamaha YZF1000 R1. Head honcho Tony explained “We are selling this on behalf of a good customer. It has been part of his collection of iconic motorcycles for the past few years and he has now decided to part with some of them.
It has 22,352 miles on the clock. It will come with 12 months MOT for the buyer. The bike has just had a service as well, so ready to ride away. It is a great original example of the 1998 R1 and in the most desirable colour scheme. It is on a 1998 “S” reg and we have the full UK logbook. This has been a UK bike since new in August 1998”.
Any machine that’s been used will carry the odd war wound, this R1 is no exception, we asked Tony about any imperfections on their 4XV.
“The only fault that we can see is a very small crack on the front fairing nose. There are some marks and scratches on other panels from 19 years of use”.
Looking at bikes is only part of owning one, we asked Tony how it rides? “It runs and rides very well. I have taken it for a test ride today and it feels great. These truly are an iconic motorcycle of the modern era and one that has already become a must have for all motorcycle collectors and investors”. The bike is on the market for £5,995, prices for decent used bikes are peaking anywhere around £7,500 at the moment, if you fancy buying this one you’re more than welcome to visit Unit5moto for a look. The other R1 in the photos proves our point perfectly on how prices have leapt up. Tony sold this bike around 5 years ago for £2,000. That’s a pretty shrewd buy when you stand back and look. Don’t miss the boat, if you want to own a classic R1, now is the time to buy!
