Hey there! I had read before on an earlier post that you've had three of these. Do you keep replacing them or just adding to your collection? They are great bikes-I've argued before on this forum that the 02-03's are perhaps the best "pure street" R1's ever--still a blast and highly capable on the track but great street literbikes. Yes I have one (original owner of 03-blue) so perhaps a little biased I know, but they're still fast as fook, look awesome, are comfortable, have some usable storage under the seat, are reliable and well built, get great gas mileage (for a literbike), run cooler, and the clever fuel injection system is buttery smooth and confidence inspiring. They talk of the new gen R1's "low down" power-the engine's sound is misleading-but anyone who's owned one of the original long stroke R1's (up through 03) knows what "low down" grunt these bikes have ( I had a 99 too-regretted selling her). I'm not knocking the newer gen R1's--I have a 2016 to compare to almost every day, and they do have a strong upper midrange hit and would certainly out perform an early R1 on the track, but you give up a lot to get it in my opinion.

My 03 is all stock and always has been. It's always garaged and has never been in the rain or been laid down and is super clean and maintained properly. I've done the whole pipe/jet kit, pipe/power commander routine many times before but decided to keep this one unmolested. It's a true survivor bike kept as is and I plan on keeping it that way.

 

 

Sweet bike!

Yeah I sold the 1st ('02) one due to a crowded garage. Always have had multiple bikes.
The 2nd ('02) one got killed be a deer.
The 3rd ('03) one was the victim of not getting ridden and a yet crowded garage. Still regret selling that one.
So I've been watching the list for another for the last year. Finally found her. Won't be letting this one go!!!

 

05 is the absolute best classic sport bike, like the 02/03 too

 

Yeah, it's hard to argue your post. I personally think the 04-05-06 and even the 07-08 R1's are the best looking and sexiest R1's. I've also argued that the 06 in particular (because of the few key refinements Yamaha made that year) is probably the best overall-all around R1 for street and track capability. I almost bought an 05-blue, and sometimes regret not doing so, but ultimately kept my 03. The new R1's are the best track beasts for sure but for anyone looking for a relatively inexpensive but great entry into the literbike class these earlier R1's are hard to beat-if you can find a clean well maintained example grab it, you won't be sorry

 

I have no doubt that other year R1s are awesome. It's just the comfort level of the '02/'03s, at my age, trumps all. 😁

 

By the way. I just noticed my title got edited...
Did I step on some toes copying the other threads title?? 🤔

 

Got an 03 off an older guy with only 12,000 miles on it. Best bike I have ever ridden. I also have owned an 03 cbr600rr since 2006 and started on dirt bikes when I was 11. It looks like the newer litre bikes all have more power up top, but I have seen 03 R1's on youtube with full exhausts pull 187 mph with stock gearing so... um... who cares? 03 R1 is more than enough, and lighter than the newer bikes. Probably a future classic motorcycle that will receive cult status eventually. I know im never selling mine, and might pick up a second one.

 

 

Hi and welcome...great bike-love the silver black combo too! Maintain it and it will give you years of joy.
The speedometers in the you tube videos may be a little optimistic however; These bikes when new (and stock) and tested by the magazines only reached about 170-174 mph, give or take (actual-radar verified) so doubtful a few minor mods made that much of a difference but yeah, they're fast enough, and mostly where you need them to be on the street! Enjoy

 

I just picked up my fourth one. [emoji854]
My first one that isn't blue...
View attachment 1014231
I won't make the same mistake and sell it this time.

2003 Raven/with red flames.

I still have my SE but am having lots of trouble trying to find all new body work due to being cut off by left hand turner last year.
I have not ridden this year b/c I’m still recovering from my injuries.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Miss my 02 for sure. First time I saw the lines I thought space ship. No other bike like it on the street. Had to have one

 

Looks like Ebay for the heel plates, none of the places I checked had them and said they wouldn't be getting them.
Left - 5JJ-27445-00-00
Right - 5JJ-27446-00-00
Part of the challenge in owning a 17-18 year old bike.

 

As far as I know they are stock. The old guy I got it from said he left everything stock, I still have the stock exhaust too. OEM Yamaha would be your best bet, OEM Yamaha parts. Probably gonna have to search.

 

Okay, so I haven't been around much. @Torchsport , I now see you got this bike almost a year ago (after I posted on other thread). Would still like to meet when you're in the area (if you're still riding in AR from time to time). I know you know the '02-'03 and would like your input after looking over my bike. I'd buy the beer or lunch.

 

For sure. I was actually in Harrison with my R1 for 5 days back in April

 

Well I just went on a long ride and finally got to really test out the Hindle full exhaust on my bike for the 03. Man what a difference. I have a fuel controller pumping more fuel into the bike at all rpm ranges and I opened up the airbox along with the velocity stacks, the bike just pulls effortlessly at any gear and throttle position. Its like a whole new bike. Maybe one day ill dyno it but honestly I dont really care, its pulling with no flat spots whatsoever.

 

I just started riding my 02 R1 after a few years with it just sitting in the garage. I'm the 2nd owner and bought it with just over 800 miles on it and I only have about 3,100 on it. Having kids definitely cut into riding time. Funny thing is, it took my youngest (who is now 21) getting an R6 to get me back out on mine. It is basically stock but with a Yosh RS3 carbon slip on. There definitely seems like there isn't as much after market stuff for 02-03 as there used to be.

 

Welcome. That is some crazy low miles. The '02/'03 design never gets old though imo. Timeless.

 

Yeah I really wish they would sell 1000 cc's with no electronics, and a simple clean sheet design like the 02-03 R1 is. Don't get me wrong, I like electronics, computers and phones and all that, but on a bike how many years will they last? When all those electronics start to fail who ends up paying the bill and how much will they cost to replace? My guess is it wont be cheap, and if there are any problems, your bike becomes a nice lawn ornament. Which means your not riding. Then again alot of riders ( especially famous youtubers ) seem to be buying or leasing bikes for only a few years then off to get the next shiny new toy, they dont know what its like to actually OWN and MAINTAIN a bike.

 

 

Ride that thing or sell it.

 

Nice. @DarkHorse will be along shortly to bag on you for not having ‘enough’ miles on it.
Is that one of those naked bikes in the background ?

 

No that is my oldest sons yz450f that had an issue with valves and the cam chain adjuster and the other bike is my youngest sons’ ‘07 R6 that he bought a few months ago.

 

I'd like to drive out to Massachusetts and rescue that poor neglected bike... 😉

 

I only have a couple months driving left this year as I just found out my beer league hockey career is over and riding will be too for a bit as
I have total knee replacement surgery scheduled for August 25th

 

I only have a couple months driving left this year...

Maybe you'll crack 4,000 miles...

Good luck with surgery.

 

Oh my! Even more neglect.
Seriously, good luck with the surgery. You will be up and around by Springtime

 

Absolutely! I’ve had my 03’ for around 5 years. It’s always needing something, but that’s the story of riding any older bike. My current issue is figuring out if a 98-99 starter will fit in it. Current one crapped out, but I ordered the wrong one by mistake. I can’t seem to find new 5pw starter motors anywhere.

 

Bro, not sure on the starter, but that boat is SICK!

 

Shut it down before you drop one. Check the guides and seats.

 

I JUST ordered another used head, and new head gasket. I’m curious how they work so I figure I’ll rebuild the current one while I use the other. I use it as a daily rider; I can’t stand driving my car during the summer.

 

Hey all, I’m at a point where I need to stop and think about what I’m trying to accomplish mechanically on my 03’. It’s been running smooth at times but then really loud and back firing. It’s at 60,000 miles so it’s past due for some work. I’d like to refresh the head but I’m not sure how deep I need to go. Intake and all is off. I’d like to see the bottom of the valves, but is that worth pulling the head off??? Any guidance?

 

Hey all, I’m at a point where I need to stop and think about what I’m trying to accomplish mechanically on my 03’. It’s been running smooth at times but then really loud and back firing. It’s at 60,000 miles so it’s past due for some work. I’d like to refresh the head but I’m not sure how deep I need to go. Intake and all is off. I’d like to see the bottom of the valves, but is that worth pulling the head off??? Any guidance? View attachment 1019967 View attachment 1019968

I'd just run the valves bro. If she wouldn't start, then I'd pull the head.

Just check the valves and do a tb sync first. If it still ain't right then pull the head.

How did the plugs read? What do the runners look like?

Edit: for the clearance I run .006" on the intake and .010"-.011" on the exhaust. Hasn't treated me wrong yet.

 

Also, I’d like to swing the motor down using the lower rear engine mounting ‘through-rod’ as a pivot. But the top rear mounting point seems to not want to separate from the motor. Is there more to that connection point than I can see???