Metuchen, NJ – 5,769mi – $5,200 Reserve not met
We all know that the Yamaha FZR750R (OW-01) is highly collectible and low production homologated special that doesn’t come up for sale often. Because of this, that bike is pure unobtanium for 99% of people. The precursor to the OW01, the FZR750R Genesis, is however more attainable and not quite as rare. Granted, you don’t see these popping up for sale with as much frequency as the rest of the FZR line, but they do present an opportunity to ride something rare, cool, and a fraction of the price of the OW01.
The FZR750R Genesis featured a 106hp engine and Yamaha’s DeltaBox frame which was advanced for street use at the time. The FZR750R was homologated for AMA racing and only 200 examples were made, which actually means less available than the OW01. The last digits of the VIN on this one shows “266”, so I am not exactly sure what implications that has as to production numbers. The bike for sale here is very clean with less than 6k on the clock. The only modification is the Yoshimura pipe and the original is included with the sale.
From the seller:
This auction is for a 1987 Yamaha FZR 750 RT. This motorcycle has some historical significance as it was the precursor to the phenomenal FZR750RR (OW01). To homologate the FZR 750 RT for AMA racing, Yamaha had to import 200 street-spec 750’s This is one of those 200 made for the US market. This machine has less than 6K miles on it and it is in immaculate condition. There are no notable scratches, scuffs, dents, dings, etc… It is as perfect as it can be; and I don’t hesitate to say it is truly in museum quality condition. Many of these motorcycles ended up on the racetrack, but this one has never been raced, crashed or abused in anyway. This machine has spent the vast majority of its life being stored in a showroom. After I purchased this machine, I rode it about once every two months on a 20 mile loop to go through the gears. There were absolutely no mechanical issues and it operated perfectly. I had no problems with the engine, transmission, clutch, brakes, exhaust, electrical system, etc… The bike has always been stored in a climate controlled environment and I’ve never ridden it in inclement weather. Given the number of motorcycles I had, I took the motorcycle to the local dealer and prepped it for long term storage about 2 ½ years ago. It’s been sitting in my den since. With the exception of the exhaust, the machine is 100% stock. I do however have the original exhaust and it is included in this auction; as are various other miscellaneous parts and documents. I believe I possibly have several oil filters, sparkplugs, handlebar grips, owner’s manual, etc.. I’d have to go into my storage area to get a complete list. While I consider this machine as very special, I’ve enjoyed owning it and believe it’s time to let someone else include it in their collection.
Asking prices for these bikes were around $5k a couple of years ago, but given that the market for clean vintage sport bikes is always on the rise combined with the fact that these really don’t show up often and in this condition, I would say that $6k-$7k isn’t unreasonable. I would be all over this bike if it was closer and I had the cash on hand. I got a feeling this is going to be one of those future collectibles that will become increasingly harder to come by. If you feel the same way, then jump over to the auction here and have a look.
-JS
I had one of these for a couple of years. Matter of fact, I tried to sell it and it took me a year to find a buyer. Mine was #169, had 25K miles on it and was 100% stock. I ended up taking $3500 for it. It was a bike that I always wanted and when I got it I just didn’t like it. Just something about it. My 94 CBR900 was 3 times the bike that this is. My FZR400 is a way better bike!
As I recall, the VIN that shows if this is a real RT isn’t at the end of the number….I thought it was somewhere in the middle of the VIN. Might want to double check that this is a real RT.
Great bike! Awesome condition. Perfect bike for rare sportbikes for sale. Why anyone feels the need to compare their 25,000 mile roach to a one with about 1/5 the mileage is beyond me. I think I’ve seen ONE of these bikes in person, where I still see CBR900’s, but most of them have “stunter” cages on them with bashed in gas tanks. If I had to pick between a CBR900, FZR400 & this bike, the FZR750R wins hands down. Unless I feel the need to get a sledgehammer and start bashing tanks. In that case I’d pick the CBR.
Well, I owned this bike, so I am just stating my opinion. It was top heavy and just didn’t go. Might have been why they were a failure compaired to the alternatives available in the day (look it up, it is well documented). To each his own. And for the record, my bike was hardly a “roach”. On a scale of 100 it was close to a 90.
[IMG]http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk18/rd400racer/008.jpg[/IMG]
Ahh, the bike I learnt on. Bought one off a farmer for $500, rode it home, put 1000km on it and sold it a year later for $750. How I wish I still had it, not that is was anything spectacular, just nostalgia factor. Wasn’t is quite as good a shape as this one, but was road legal and ran like a top. Good times, good times.
So I am the owner of this machine and I am really happy it made it to this site because I am a big fan.
It’s been an interesting auction. I’ve received between 45 – 50 emails on it and have received offers as low as $3500 and high as $10k. I’m trying to filter through the low ballers and scammers to see what’s real, so it will be interesting to see where this lands. I don’t have a lot of experience selling (because I buy more than I sell; something my wife doesn’t really like but still supports 🙂 ). I know I am a little biased, but the bikes looks like it would have just rolled out of the factory. Virtually no imperfections and mechanically perfect. I haven’t ridden it hard, but to be honest I like the riding geometry. This bike has the yosh pipes and the carbs were re-jetted for it and I can say it moved great. At a minimum this machine is rare, in fantastic shape, and does have some historical significance. Everyone does have their own preferences, but I really enjoyed this machine.
Sold for $8,500. Good luck to the seller and new owner! -JS
Great to read a comment from a seller / fellow site follower. Congrats on the sale, to you and buyer. Very nice and clean machine it appears. I haven’t seen one in years.
I’m the proud new owner of Juanids FZR750R.. I think we both enjoyed the transaction, and found a new sport bike enthusiast to chat with in the process.. this bike will be placed in my collection next to an owo1 and hopefully soon an owo2, if I can find a clean one… hint hint.. 🙂
@ApeHangar, I have to give mad props to RSBFS. After the FZR appeared on the site, the number of views and watchers skyrocketed. I really love the site and I try to click through the ads to keep their click rate high so that advertisers keep up support.
@K3, I am glad this machine is going in to a collection like yours and I appreciate you for keeping this a smooth transaction. . Its been great chatting with you, I’ve been vicariously living the dream through our conversations i.e. parking this machine between and 0W01 and OW02, along with some of your other rides.
I’ve also talked to a couple other site followers who were directed to the auction; some really nice guys.
Always nice to hear from buyers and sellers of bikes we feature! Thanks for all the support! -JS
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