09/11/2026
1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 0W02
The Yamaha YZF-R7 (OW02), produced in 1999, is an extremely rare homologation racing motorcycle with only 500 units produced worldwide. Designed specifically for the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) and the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race, it features MotoGP-derived chassis geometry and top-of-the-line Öhlins suspension. It is powered by a 749cc liquid-cooled inline-4 engine producing 106 hp and 53.5 Ft-lb of torque. This engine can be further enhanced with a factory race kit that can dramatically increase power to around 135 hp, even reaching 165 hp for full race specification. The R7 used a rigid aluminum Deltabox II frame and was heavily influenced by the Yamaha YZR500 Grand Prix motorcycle. It featured fully adjustable suspension, a slip-on clutch, and quick-release fork mounts designed for quick wheel changes in endurance racing. Due to its high retail price (around $32,000 in 1999) and aggressive, uncompromising riding ergonomics, most of the 500 examples were purchased by race teams rather than casual street riders. Due to the brutal racing environment, many of the original 500 examples were damaged or destroyed, making the surviving R7 OW02s among the most sought-after collectible sportbikes.
1998 Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD
In 1998, Suzuki listened to its customers and restored the GSX-R750 to its rightful place. This 1998 model featured electronic fuel injection (Replaces 39mm carburetor on 1997 models), making its debut on a GSX-R with a large 46 mm throttle body along with a steering damper as standard, a five mm shorter wheelbase, altered internal and external gear ratios, revised chassis, suspension, and brakes, modified internal engine, and a larger airbox. Power increased from the previous model's 128 hp to 135 hp. An absolute gem to ride. Suzuki made a class-leading sportbike even better. This 1998 model is considered a crucial turning point that solidified the dominance of the GSX-R line as a "750" superbike capable of rivaling 1000cc class motorcycles in terms of agility on the racetrack.