Well what can I say that hasn't already been said about the R1
The R1 redefined the word "Sportsbike" in 1998.
Faster than TEN badgers with their arses, dicks and tails on fire 
I have an original Red/White '98 R1, have owned it for about 18 months. It had done a genuine 2700 miles when I purchased it and was totally standard. Since then I have fitted a double bubble and a steering damper, both very necessary! Additional later mods were a Yoshi slip on and Goodridge SS brake hoses.
I love the bike and I don't think anyone could be disappointed by its performance. It pulls well from low revs and if treated with respect is extremely well mannered and forgiving, but if you abuse it
- it will abuse you. Keep the revs below 8000rpm and its a pussycat, but as soon as it hits 8000 hang on as all hell breaks loose
. A handful of throttle in at least the first three gears results in the front wheel leaving the ground.
My scariest moment was a mild tankslapper (with the damper fitted!). Flat out in second I was unaware that my front wheel was obviously not really in contact with the ground and when it touched down during a change to third, my front wheel could not have been parallel with the rear. This happened at 100+mph and taught me a serious lesson and forcibly renewed my respect for the awesome power available.
As far as comfort is concerned, it ain't very comfortable for long journeys but I don't suppose any sportsbike is. Initially my hands would go numb after 20 miles but I have learnt to use my back and knees for support rather than my hands and wrists.
IMHO it handles beautifully, but then it should do - what use would the power be if it didn't. My confidence now extends as far as fast riding in the wet but I hate cleaning the bike afterwards, it just gets so dirty! So I avoid it whenever possible. On a positive note if you ride an R1 in the wet the only part of you that gets a soaking is the top of your calves, the fairing and screen deflect most of it.
I honestly don't know how many miles it does to the gallon but it seems to do OK. All I know is that it costs between £10 and £11 when you fill her up.
I was slightly surprised by the noisy engine, having previously believed all Jap 4 strokes sounded as smooth and quiet as the proverbial sewing machine. The gearchange from 1st to 2nd is also a bit clunky but thats normal like the noisy engine. I have been told that its time to start worrying when the engine stops "Ticking".
A seemingly common problem with higher mileage or abused bikes is a knackered second gear requiring serious stripdown work to rectify. The best way to reduce the likelihood of this is occurring is to avoid the temptation to do 70mph in first gear followed by a clutchless change to second (Wheelies and fast take offs).
Another common ailment is the charging circuit. Flat batteries are usually the result of burnt out alternators or rectifiers (or both) but obviously don't overlook the possibility of a plain knackered battery first.
I did wonder if all this power meant that engines didn't last long but from frequenting some R1 Forums it seems that they can be good for 100.000 miles and more if looked after - I personally change the oil (Synthetic) and filter every 3000 miles despite the Yamaha service interval of 6000 miles.
I currently use Dunlop 208's. I want to use Pirellli Corsas but my two tyres never seem to get changed at the same time. It was looking good for the next time then I found a nail in my rear tyre which put paid to the Piirelli idea.
I wouldn't swap my R1 for any other bike, not even a newer R1. The only exception possibly being the 2006 R1 in yellow and white.
To me any R1, whatever the year, is a fantastic bike but the '98 was the "Original One" and is already a modern day Classic.
