Unregistered, 1999 Yamaha 749cc YZF-R7 OW-02

• Unregistered exotica
• From the one and only homologation batch
• One of six supplied to the Virgin Yamaha race team
• Stunning condition

This motorcycle is a rare thing: an unregistered Yamaha OW-02 from the one and only homologation batch manufactured in 1999, with only 2 miles showing on the odometer (presumably push miles). To avoid confusion with Yamaha's new R7 model we'll refer to it as an OW-02. This was one of the most beautiful and iconic motorcycles of its time. Who can forget Noriyuki Haga's eye-catching and totally committed riding on the factory machines which thrilled crowds around the globe in the WSB series of 1999 & 2000. Haga would undoubtedly have done even better if the prevailing rules hadn't favoured the twin cylinder competition, which were then allowed up to 1000cc while the fours were restricted to 750cc.

We are indebted to Cycle World (www.cycleworld.com) for permission to quote from their recent profile of the OW-02: "During the late '80s and early '90s, motorcycle manufacturers racing in World Superbike, AMA Superbike, British Superbike, and other production-based series homologated special bikes to meet the "production rules." In other words, if specific trick parts, high-tech materials, or unique chassis geometries on their racebikes differed from standard production models, they would have to put a few racebikes into production. The result was the era of the Honda RC30 and RC45, Yamaha OW01, Ducati 888 SP4S, Suzuki GSX-R750 LE, and then later on the original R7, officially known as the YZF-R7 OW02, a mouth-watering time for fans of race machinery. In theory, you could walk down to the dealer and ride off on any of them. All of the bikes were rare, but it could be argued that the R7 was uniquely so, with only 500 bikes produced between 1999 and 2000, and only 50 of those imported to the US in 1999......As the last of the Japanese homologation specials, the R7 closed a chapter in Superbike racing before the rules changed to 1,000cc production-based bikes in most racing series around the world."

We are told by the vendor that the OW-02 offered here was one of six supplied to the Virgin Yamaha race team in 2001. Four of the six bikes were raced, one of them was retained by the team, and this one was sold to a team member who kept it in a dehumidified and heated garage. It was sold by him to the vendor in November 2019, and since that time it has occupied pride of place inside his house.

No battery is fitted. It is accompanied by a dating letter from Yamaha and an original owner's service manual. One ignition key is supplied along with its accompanying numbered tag. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. It is sold strictly as viewed. A rare opportunity!