2003Yamaha YZF-R1

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The 2003 Yamaha YZF-R1 is a lightweight 998cc inline-four sport bike designed for experienced riders seeking sharp handling and raw performance. Known for its potent 150 horsepower engine, aggressive styling, and nimble 174kg chassis, the R1 excels on both road and track. Its compact dimensions and 0.86 hp/kg ratio make it a benchmark superbike for skilled enthusiasts demanding precision and speed.

Capacity: 998.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 174.0 kg
Seat height: 815 mm
Power: 150.0 HP (110.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2003 Yamaha YZF-R1

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Power	152.0 HP (111.8 kW)	150.0 HP (110.3 kW)
Fuel capacity	—	17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)
Front brakes	Dual disc	not listed
Compression	11.8:1	12.1:1

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail2%

Cornering96%

City riding30%

Daily riding28%

Touring22%

Two-up18%

Track99%

Best for: A track-focused open-class superbike built to devour circuits and fast canyon roads, with launch, slide and traction control for extracting extreme performance.
Built for: A razor-sharp, screaming crossplane litre-bike-intense, precise and utterly focused. All adrenaline, thriving at full throttle and hard lean angles.
Not ideal for: Not for beginners, commuters seeking comfort, two-up touring, or anyone wanting a relaxed all-day ride. No off-road ability whatsoever.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 815mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Yamaha YZF-R1, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 998.0 ccm
Power: 150.0 HP (110.3 kW)
Torque: 105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.8621 HP/kg (dry)
Compression: 12.1:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital TCI
Valves per cylinder: 5
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiple-disc coil spring

Performance

Top speed: 270.0 km/h (167.8 mph)
0-60 mph: 2.80 seconds

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1395 mm
Overall length: 2050 mm
Overall width: 713 mm
Overall height: 1105 mm
Seat height: 815 mm
Dry weight: 174.0 kg
Wet weight: 205.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 138 mm
Oil capacity: 3.70 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium Deltabox
Front suspension: Telescopic fork, diameter 43mm
Rear suspension: Swingarm (Link suspension)
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 133 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.0°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front brakes: Not on record - add it

Other

Color options: Red/White, Blue/White, Silver

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1998	2003	2005	2012	2019	2026
Capacity	998 cc	998 cc	998 cc	998 cc	998 cc	997 cc
Dry weight	177 kg	174 kg	175 kg	177 kg	177 kg	177 kg
Seat height	815 mm	815 mm	833 mm	833 mm	856 mm	855 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	17 L	18.4 L	18.2 L	17 L	17 L