Restomod Racer: Yamaha “YZF R1-7 OW-02”

R7-inspired Restomod Race Bike from DV8 Motorcycles…  

The late 1980s and early 1990s were heady times for superbike fans. In order to meet the production rules of series like World Superbike and AMA Superbike, manufacturers offered homologation specials like the Ducati 888 SP4S, Honda RC30 and RC45, and Yamaha OW-01 — exotic factory-built race bikes that differed significantly from standard production models.

One of the rarest of the rare was the Yamaha YZF-R7 OW-02, built in 1999 to meet World Superbike homologation rules — it would be the company’s most exotic and race-ready production model ever. Only 500 were ever produced, and only 50 of those imported to the United States. 

The 20-valve 749cc inline-four engine boasted a one-piece cylinder / crankcase, forged pistons with nickel-plated crowns and titanium connecting rods, race-spec cams, titanium valves, and two injectors per cylinder. The chassis was based on Wayne Rainey’s YZR500 GP chassis and featured Öhlins suspension at both ends. 

Sadly, as the last of the Japanese homologation specials, the R7 marked the end of an era.

“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. When the bike was first put to use on track in the World Superbike series in 1999, Noriyuki Haga…got his first win in Race 1 at Albacete in Spain, four events into the season, and then went on to record four more wins in 2000. That was it for the R7 and Yamaha in WBSK; the machines went to 1,000cc engines in 2002, and Yamaha didn’t return for another year.” –Cycle World

Enter our new buddy Ryan Cramer of DV8 Motorcycles, a former full-time stunt rider and Sportbike Track Time instructor who’s been racing WERA, AHRMA, and other superbike series for 16 years. Ryan also hosts Ferndale Bike Night, which had 198 bikes at the last 80s/90s night, and he still races vintage superbikes, which is why he built this R7-inspired YZF-R1 restomod racer.

“The whole purpose of the build was 1.) Nostalgia, the R7 OW-02 came out when I was in high school and consider it the Japanese “916”, and 2.) Show how good these bikes were back then but limited by tire/suspension/brake technology.”

Obviously, a real R7 would be out of the question — far too rare and expensive to race, even if you could find the parts for it (you can’t). And Ryan loves the idea of taking older sportbikes and making them faster, more modern, and more nostalgic. So he got one of the best production models of the era — an ’01 R1 — and transformed the aging superbike into the “YZF R1-7 OW-02” you see here. 

Ryan gives us the full details on the build below, but highlights include upgraded suspension and brakes, custom-fabricated braided carbon wheels, tweaked geometry, carbon fiber R7 OW-02 tank and bodywork, race-cut transmission, slipper clutch, full titanium exhaust, and much more.

The “R1-7” currently weighs 329 lbs and makes 148 rear wheel horsepower, and Ryan has an end goal of 325 lbs with 165-170 rwhp — weapon! And this is no show pony — it’s built to race, and Ryan has already had it on track at Mid-Ohio.

“I’m targeting the AMA Superbike grid from the 2000 race. Right now I’m on the grid in like 25th or so, but I’m trying to get closer to the top 15-20 from that era. Power wise I’ll be very similar, technology wise…I have the advantage. But I am also middle aged and nothing close to their talent… But it’s still a fun target to chase after. I consider it a fair fight lol.”

We can’t wait to see how the R1-7 does on the track. Be sure to follow DV8 Motorcycles to watch the story unfold. And if you’re interested in a restomod superbike in this style, Ryan is building them!

Below is our full interview with Ryan about the build, including the build spec, future plans for the R1-7, and more indoor photos from MOTO in Ferndale, Michigan — a social moto club in an old warehouse/manufacturing plant in Metro Detroit. Good luck and Godspeed out there, Ryan!

Yamaha R1-7: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I work for a Tier 1 Automotive supplier working on European OEM programs. I’ve been riding since I was 8 years old. Dad was a motorcycle drag racer, started riding street at 12, was a full time pro stunt rider back in the early 2000s and even had a world record for longest stoppie at the time. I have been racing WERA, AHRMA, etc. for 16 years now; I was an instructor for Sportbike Track Time for about 6 years before life kind of took over. But I still race vintage superbikes, which is why I built this thing.

I also host a bike night here in Metro Detroit that focuses on Vintage, European, and Café style motorcycles. I haven’t ridden on the street in two decades, but it’s my way to get out of the house and have friends come out with their cool bikes. We host at Urbanrest Brewing in Ferndale, Michigan and our biggest night this year was 80s/90s night where he had 198 bikes out for that one. Two-stroke night was also a popular night. We have a few nights left you can check out on the Ferndale Bike Night Instagram page. We are doing a big give away at the end of the season.

• What’s the year, make, and model of the donor?

The donor bike is a 2001 Yamaha YZF R1.

• What class was the bike built to race in?

I race this in Vintage Superbike for Gen 3 AHRMA, V8 Heavyweight in WERA and still some A Superbike races.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

The whole purpose of the build was 1.) Nostalgia, the R7 OW-02 came out when I was in high school and consider it the Japanese “916”, and 2.) Show how good these bikes were back then but limited by tire/suspension/ and brake technology.

• What custom work was done?

Engine: Mostly stock but has a race-cut transmission, slipper clutch, full Akro titanium exhaust with jet kit/race filter/airbox modification and runs on VP T4+ race fuel (good for about 148rwhp): Long term will be installing the pressurized ram airbox and Keihin FCR 41MM carburetors. Flywheel/Stator/Rectifier pulled for a total loss system.

Fairings and fuel tank are carbon fiber R7 OW-02 from Sebimoto retro-fitted to the R1.

Wheels are custom-fabricated from an Aprilia RSV4- Thyssenkrupp wheels.

Suspension: KTech DDS Pro rear shock with shorter ride height to fit the R1, front forks are off a 2008 R1 with Andreani full cartridge kit, Öhlins Steering damper, HEL billet race calipers, Brembo HPK full floating 320mm rotors, steel braided lines.

Chassis: Bonamici rearsets, Driven Racing clip-ons, geometry settings using Trackside Labs (1.5 inch longer wheelbase, forks dropped 9mm, shock raised 5mm).

Brake master: Brembo GP Billet front master.

• Any idea of weight, horsepower, performance numbers?

Weight without fuel is 329lbs with end goal of around 325lbs with 165rwhp.

Lap times at Mid Ohio from the 2000/2001 AMA Superbike series puts me on the grid in top 20 with a goal of 1.32s

• Can you tell us what the riding experience is like?

This chassis is insanely good for the age. I’m a little down on power but I have no problem passing newer bikes on a track day and right now I’m trying to dial in the suspension. The Öhlins shock from 30 years ago couldn’t hang with the pace at Mid Ohio and was bouncing all over the place as I dropped closer to the mid to low 1.36s, and I know there are 3 or 4 seconds to gain once I get this bike dialed in. Which I’m targeting the AMA Superbike grid from the 2000 race.

Right now I’m on the grid in like 25th or so, but I’m trying to get closer to the top 15-20 from that era. Power wise I’ll be very similar, technology wise…I have the advantage. But I am also middle aged and nothing close to their talent… But it’s still a fun target to chase after. I consider it a fair fight lol.

After AMA Vintage Fest, I pulled the flywheel and I swapped to a KTech DDS Pro from my RSV4 Superbike as it’s a legit Superbike rear shock and should be much better for this bike. I am already as fast as I was on the 220rwhp RSV4 because I don’t have to screw with the electronics anymore. It’s all mechanical grip. I’ll be at Nelson Ledges at the end of this month prepping for AHRMA and WERA in September… But this thing…is SO much fun. The wheels were the biggest difference. I dropped 16lbs off the stock wheel assemblies alone and it’s insane how quick and nimble this bike is. I love it!

I may be down on power with the newer bikes, but the corner entry and exit speed is still…exceptional by today’s standards. This bike was 10 years ahead of its time, to be honest… Until this build, I have never owned a Yamaha R1 of any kind, but I wanted the R1-7 because I loved the real one and nobody in their right mind would try and race an R7 OW-02 today… There are no parts for it lol… But these early gen R1s… They sold tens of thousands of them and they are dirt cheap.

I’ve always had weird/rare bikes, and I think I finally found the right one where I can go very fast, still be very unique, but also have something very reliable and parts readily available. I am so glad I built this bike. I’ve already started parting out the RSV4 World SBK and turning 45 soon, I think this Yamaha is all I need for a while.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

I think the overall package once it came together as I had a vision. And some of my buddies were a bit skeptical, they had never heard of an R1-7, let alone a restomod with newer components on it. But when it was done for this year, they loved it…as do I.

I still have some big changes to make over the winter. We are going to modify the subframe to be detachable and bring it more inline with the R7 OW-02 tail section by moving up the mounting point. I also have a lead on a real R7 OW-02 swingarm, which we can retrofit to the chassis. We will need all new linkage, etc, but a local shop can handle that.

Then it’s the 41mm FCR Keihin carbs and ram airbox to fit. This should get the bike to around 165 to 170rwhp and 325lbs with all fluids minus fuel… An absolute sleeper and I’m so looking forward to fuckin with people on newer bikes at track days and club races lol.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

Ducati Detroit for doing the transmission and carb sync and Wild Manufacturing for the wheel fitment. Joe Kraft at Witchkraft Racing for getting the forks done right. LOTS of help from the R1-7 community over in the UK. Met several guys helping me locate original and rare parts like the fuel tank, exhaust, etc.

And Dave Grey, my friend, local track legend, and R1 fan…. He has been a joy to bullshit with over this build since January when I started; and he has known me for 20 years or more… has seen all the weird shit I’ve brought to the track and he came over one day at Mid-Ohio and said: “This is the right bike for you.” And he agrees I’ll have more fun with this than anything I’ve had before.

Follow the Builder

Ryan Cramer
Huntington Woods, Michigan
Instagram: DV8 Motorcycles | Ferndale Bike Night
Indoor Photo Location: MOTO (Ferndale, Michigan)