Naked Ambition – 2001 Yamaha FZ-1

The Yamaha R1’s likeable cousin, the FZ-1 was known as the Fazer offshore.  With its smaller carbs stretching the torque curve, more compliant suspension, and accomodating riding position, the FZ-1 was a bit of a sleeper with 143 hp.  Some of that friendliness has been dyno-tuned out of this example from Michigan, with airbox delete,…

Collector Alert: 1998 Yamaha R1 with 4395 miles

1998 Yamaha R1 on ebay Ahh the Yamaha YZF R1…not just the bike that moved the motorcycle world beyond the legendary Honda CBR900RR/ Fireblade but also the template for pretty much every superbike that followed.   When it was introduced the YZF-R1 changed the expecation of what a street superbike could by packaging a power to weight…

Thawed: 1984 Yamaha RZ500

In many parts of the country, it would appear that a wet winter has relented to an early summer. Warmer temperatures seem to prevail, which leads to more riding, sooner in the year. This particular RZ500 – the model a shoe-in for top 10 bikes searched by RSBFS readers – was a Canadian import now…

On the bubble? 1988 Yamaha FZR400

In the feast-or-famine world of eBay, we seem to be experiencing a bit of a glut from the Fizzer 400 quarter. We don’t always see a ready supply of these bikes, but in the first part of 2017 we have witnessed a steady stream. That is the good news. A RSBFS fan favorite, there is…

Japanese Spec: 1986 Yamaha TZR250

After a brief interlude, welcome back to the meat and potatoes of RSBFS programming; a tasty two stroke import. This particular TZR250 is actually a pre-import – in that it is currently still located in Japan. The seller outlines the documentation and services they will provide with the sale below. Given that we have seen…

Clean Machine: 1988 Yamaha FZR400

Aluminum perimeter chassis. Aluminum swingarm. Inline four-cylinder power plant. Four valves per cylinder. 14,000 RPM redline. Racing-inspired bodywork with dual headlights. Solo saddle cover to look like a monoposto. Triple disk brakes. Competent, adjustable suspension on both ends. The list of included technology reads like our favorite recipe. The only difference is in the calories:…