As popular and likable as the new Yamaha R7 is, there’s just no beating the bonkers OG Yamaha R7 from 1999.

With only 500 examples ever made, these bikes are very rare bikes to spot, let alone buy one. However, if you are indeed looking for one, Iconic Motorbike Auctions has this pristine example, that is currently up for grabs. However, it has a huge catch under its good-looking skin, which could be a deal-breaker for many.

1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 Auction

In the ‘90s, the R7 was Yamaha's race homologation motorcycle, designed to compete in the Superbike World Championships and the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours. As a result, even the road-going model boasted top-drawer components like race-spec Ohlins suspension at both ends, pre-programmed ECU maps, and titanium engine internals.

While the motorcycle on sale here boasts stuff like the same Öhlins suspension, it does, however, miss out on the engine. Yes, you read that right. The bike being sold here is missing an engine and the buyer will have to either source it or plonk some other engine in there.

For reference, the 1999 Yamaha R7 was powered by a 749cc, inline-four mill that made 106 horsepower and 53 pound-feet.

If you’re capable of sourcing the engine, though, you’d be happy to know that this one truly is a minter.

The motorcycle comes wrapped in custom race fairings with sporty red and white graphics all around and a tinted Zero Gravity windscreen for company. This is topped by carbon fiber front and rear fenders along with gloss black Marchesini forged aluminum wheels.

Speaking of wheels, these are clamped by special Nissin calipers upfront which is paired with Brembo calipers. Meanwhile, you also get very sticky Pirelli Supercorsa SP rubber.

Accompanying the fairings is a racing saddle which doesn’t seem ideal for road riding. However, once aboard it, you’re greeted by the stock semi-digital instrument cluster, switchgear, and triple-clamp.

What’s The Price?

As usual, this Yamaha YZF-R7 is currently on auction at Iconic Motorbike Auctions and has the highest bid of $8,100 when I’m writing this.

If you’re a die-hard fan of the OG Yamaha R7 and want a clean motorcycle, I’d suggest you get cracking and put in your bid. Of course, you will have to figure out how to source an engine though, but I believe Iconic Motorbike Auctions can easily hook you up with it which will of course be at an added cost.

1999 YAMAHA YZF-R7