1996 Yamaha YZF750R
Miles: 22,000
Clean Georgia Title
Listed Price: $4,500
The Yamaha YZF750R was introduced in 1993 to replace the aging FZR750 and spearhead Yamaha’s racing efforts in 750 class competition. Displacement remained 749cc and the engine retained the five-valve per cylinder technology favored by Yamaha at the time, as well as their classic EXUP valve that helped give the normally peaky four cylinder an impressive midrange to go with a screaming top end, while six piston brakes up front gave famously impressive stopping power. More common examples of the YZF750 were designated R models, but the rarer SP or “sport production” homologation machines featured exotic components, a close-ratio gearbox, better suspension, and a solo seat. As was often the case, the road-going version really was the better bike to actually ride, unless you planned to actually go racing, and the R model was no slouch in terms of handling or straight-line performance.
Selling my 1996 Yamaha YZF750R. This bike runs and rides as it should, as some remember it won the Suzuka 8 Hours, dominated the Isle of Man TT, and remains one of the finest handling street and track bikes of the 1990s.
This bike has been well-cared-for and maintained, liquid-cooled, 5-valve engine it is incredibly crisp, and the transmission shifts smoothly through all 6 gears. The Deltabox aluminum frame is solid, and the suspension delivers that legendary, planted front-end feel. New tires and in good condition overall, ready to ride.
As with all 1990s supebikes, museum-quality examples of the Yamaha YZF750R are nearly impossible to find these days, and prices are rising to match. Unfortunately, this isn’t a pristine example, but it does appear to be an honest survivor with very reasonable miles and is in largely original condition, other than the flush-mount turn signals, solo seat, and missing rear fender/hugger. The seller claims its in mechanically fine fettle. The photos are of low quality, so it’s hard to get a real sense of the cosmetic condition, but the frame looks to be in undamaged so, given the low asking price, this might make sense as a fun, nostalgic rider or as a cosmetic restoration project.
-tad
