Try finding another TOTALLY factory standard R1 (almost impossible!) and then add in 1 owner from new with just 10, 500 miles - scarce! This was the 1st year of the now very highly regarded "5vy" model with underseat twin exhausts, fuel injection & the 1st litre bike to have a 1:1 power to weight ration (172 hp & 172 kg). Furthermore, this is one of the very 1st with an uber low engine number of 287 & VIN 491 so in the first 500 units.
The owner saw one at a show & was blown away by the looks so put in an order for this new model with delivery bang on 1st March 2004 & held onto it until now with quite incredibly not changing a thing - and why not, having ridden it home these look, go, stop superbly even 18 years on! Personally, it is also in my favourite colour of the time "Lava Red" which with the black frame still looks modern & fresh.
John has cherished the bike from new & was very sad to let it go with fond memories over 18 years. This is a collector grade bike for sure & will not disappoint. I have 3 keys, some service invoices, all old MOT's & I have just filled in a duplicate service book (he couldn't find the original) with the Tamworth Yamaha details for which I have 2 original service invoices done by them. The engine on start up sounds brand new & it has obviously had an easy life. The bike is in lovely condition throughout & a credit to John & his blatant love & respect for it.
This is as good as it gets for this money though & I will be very sorry to see it go as R1's are my favourite "Rice Burner" & this is a beauty.