This Craigslist Ad for an RZ500 is short on details, so I’ll just post the whole thing:
Street legal 4 cyl. 2 stroke street bike!Lots of time and money invested!Have all original parts as well.This bike runs and rides perfectly!GREAT street bike!Lots of fun to own and ride!Call if you have any questions
But these aren’t exactly easy to come by. If you’re in the market, $9500 might be a touch on the high end. But the pictures do look awfully good…
dc
I know it’s not exactly in the neighborhood, but these just don’t come up for sale anywhere that often. And this one looks perfect, though it bloody well should be at $22k!
quote from seller’s website, classic-motorbikes.com:
This rare Yamaha 750 FZR OW 01, is a real collectors item. With only 4002 km and in exceptional original condition. First registered in France on the 15/06/1989 where it’s still registered and has had just two owners.
This French model bike also has the complete “Full Power” kit (145 hp) fitted. The as new racing exhaust is available with the bike as are the original tool kit and owner’s manual. Available in France.
I saw one of these for sale in person years ago in Portland at Bob Lamphere’s place. At the time I recall thinking the asking of nearly $12k was outrageous. Not so much now…
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dc
These two came up on Portland Craigslist. This first one has pretty low miles but the bodywork doesn’t look stock – and it’s been over since the pics were taken. But for $2k it’s worth a look for sure:
1990 Yamaha FZR400 in Hillsboro, Oregon
1990 Yamaha FZR 400 Classic Sport bike.
400 cc, inline 4 cylinder
Has ~12,000 miles on itStreet legal, great mileage (~50mpg)
Was dropped once by previous owner at 10mph, some damage to cowlings.
Aftermarket rear shock, stainless steel brake lines.
Has a small intake leak, haven’t had time to fix it but found it.
Pictures from before the damage.
And while this one has more miles, it’s originality and choice upgrades make it very appealing to my eyes:
1989 Yamaha FZR400 For Sale in NE Portland:
1989 Yamaha FZR 400 Classic Sport bike.
400 cc, inline 4 cylinder-13,000 RPM red line.
5 speed gearbox
30,732 miles as of 6/13/2008Modern collectible. All original plastic. Very desirable.
Considered the mother of all modern sport bikes.
Street legal, great mileage (~50mpg)Yoshimura full exhaust system
Steel brake lines
Rear seat cowl (have original rear seat, included)Parts installed in last 500 miles:
New Penske rear shock ($945) (set for 150 lb rider)
GP suspension reworked forks ($400);
New front brake master cylinder ($80);
New EBC front Pro Lite brake rotors and HH pads ($250);
New Vortex front and rear sprockets ($175);
New DID 520 chain ($50);
New Bridgestone BT-014 Tires F&R ($250);
New parts total over $2100 (without installation)SEE PHOTOS AT:
Thinning the herd. Needs nothing. Always garaged. Clear clean Oregon title in hand. Extra upper fairing and miscellaneous mechanical parts included. Not interested in parting out.
$4200.00
I’ve got DT’s knowing that these affordable and fun bikes are right in my backyard!
dc
Yep, another cool looking gray market bike in the bay area!
1990 – Yamaha FZR400 – $2000 (California, 23k miles)
quote from Craigslist listing:
Selling an 1990 FZR 400 in good condition. The motor has 23k, but was rebuilt at 22k. It runs nicely and would be a great track bike. The bike has all its lights, blinkers, horn, everything that you would need to ride it on the street. The seating height makes the bike a perfect ride for a new rider or someone that is height challanged. It is a nice ride on the street, but it will also make a perfect track bike.
The ad doesn’t state if the bike is titled, but does say it has everything you’d need to be legal on the street. I’m also not sure if that paint is original, though the graphics do look factory. Of course for only $2k, it really would make a great track day bike if it’s not legal. And if it is titled, what a bargain with a rebuilt motor!
dc
Nice looking bike with some tasteful upgrades and custom work. And even includes a few videos:
Here’s the link to the posting on eBay (Florida)
Up for auction is a 1990 Yamaha FZR 400R with clear Florida title and 28,500 miles. Bike has New Fork Seals and Fork Oil. Front and rear wheel bearings were replaced a few hundred miles ago. New front Brakes and Dot 5 Brake Fluid, Rear also has Dot 5 brake fluid, Pads were 75% so they were not replaced. Engine oil and filter were just changed. Vintage Yoshimura Exhaust early 90’s model. Stage 3 Jet kit. Quad K&N Air Filters. Aluminum Frame with Delta Box Swingarm. Alot of the bike has been polished but could use some more detail work on the polish not perfect. Tires are about 40%. Has passenger seat cover. Left lower is cracked as seen in pictures I don’t know how it got like that. Was like that when I got the bike. Previous over said it fell over against the wall in the garage, that is all I know. Bike is Black Metallic and Yellow. Has intergrated mirors with turn signals.Aftermarket Rear Turn Signals Chain and Sprokets are ok but probably wouldn’t hurt to replace in a few thousand miles. Runs and rides good. Comes with Large HJC Helmet in like new condition.
4 days remain on the auction and it looks like a no reserve. Currently just under $2k.
dc
Here are a couple of eBay postings of some rare Yamaha RZ500 2 stroke sportbikes:
1985 Yamaha RZ500 For Sale on eBay Motors (San Fran):
You are bidding on RZ500 yamaha 1985 kenny roberts classical bike very rare for its age.This bike is complete stock and very clean, The engine start one click.the exaust pipe is original, carburetor has been clean and I put new carburetor kit complete, no leaks on the carburetor. The engine is clean and no leaks at all, The wiring is original never been touch,head lights and tail lights are working,all turn signals are working.This bike is ready for summer.
And here’s the other one:
1985 Yamaha RZ500 For Sale on eBay Motors (Ontario, Canada):
The bike is all factory original with 38,000kms and although i’m not a mechanic-I think it does require a good going over as it was in storage for over 12 years. It does in fact run and usually starts on the very first kick with the choke on. It does however have a few imperfections due to its age but has never been crashed while being driven as far as I can see. Appears as though it was dropped while being pushed around or maybe it fell off the stand.
These RZ’s have that crazy 2 stroke, 4 cylinder “square” configuration with two cranks! Read more about the RZ500 at How Stuff Works.
Ever ridden an RZ500? Leave us a comment below and tell us about it!
dc
These three bikes are most certainly survivors amongst the majority that were either raced or ridden hard and put up wet. While not gray market bikes per say, they were very rare to begin with in the U.S. And their features made them much more desirable than the FZR600 due primarily to their aluminum (vs. steel in the 600) frame, slightly less powerful but highly entertaining 400cc motor, and less watered down suspension.
With less hassles than the other gray market 400’s of it’s era, they are certainly worth mentioning here. Many would even consider these entry level bikes, though I would keep one in the back even if I was #46 Valentino Rossi.
Here’s three Yamaha FZR400 examples for sale right now and are 100% legal to own in the U.S. :
1988 YAMAHA FZR400 Stunning Example! – $3500 (danville / san ramon) on Craigslist
Have a 88 FZR400 in near mint condition. 18,337 original miles. Upgraded swing arm, front brakes, rear shock, Black powder coated wheels. Due for new tires. Incredible cosmetic condition.
1990 YAMAHA FZR 400 SAC, EX-UP on Bay Area Riders Forum
36,592 miles. Excellent condition, owned since 1994. Never used as a race bike. All original with exceptions of Kevlar brake lines and Flanders front turn signals. DMV clear reg. paid till june 09.
August, 2007: Transmission main shaft bearings replaced. All tolerances checked, valves adjusted, carbs cleaned and sync’d. Ex up adjusted and lubed. New battery, rectifier and spark plugs installed. Original owner’s manual and tool kit.
Original turn signals, brake lines,
$3450.
Vintage collector 1990 FZR400 (5550 actual miles) – $3500 (Costa Mesa) on Craigslist
Here we have a fine example of the rare FZR400 (Do a google search on this bike and read the write-ups). This one unlike many others has never been raced or abused and has low miles. It was high rev and one of the best handling bikes ever produced and is already considered a collectors bike(don’t believe me, read the write-ups). They were only imported for three years(1990 was the most desirable year), and were more expensive than the FZR600’s It comes with the original owners manual and tool kit and a factory manual. It has a D&D performance header and exhaust system (i still have the factory exhaust) Note:the bike will have to be tuned properly for this exhaust ( If anyone has the name of a good tuner in O.C. please contact me) I have the title and bike is currently registered. If you know what this bike is about you will want to see this one.
Update 5.29.08: 1988 FZR400 For Sale on Craigslist $2400 (ingleside / SFSU / CCSF):
88 model, 205XX
Up-grade incledes: Racetech springs, gold-valve emulators and a Fox rear. Steel braided lines with YZF brakes. A full Muzzy exhaust.
The bike has been well taken care of and blast to ride.
Thanks markj2k4 on VWVortex for the last one.
As a previous owner of an FZR600 I am always aroused when I see any FZR in the kind of condition these bikes are in, let alone the rare FZR400. If you want to skip the gray market hassles, these bikes should fit the bill very well indeed!
dc
Update: This posting is pretty outdated. Check out some of these current listings on eBay for bikes and parts right now!
[AffomaticEbay]Yamaha FZR[/AffomaticEbay]
