Update 10.18.2018: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller. -dc
On the road to the OW-01, Yamaha made steady developments to the four cylinder FZR model, and for 1987 plugged the 5-valve Genesis engine into their Deltabox aluminum spars. In time for the 1988 AMA Superbike season, the company made a few changes from the previous year, and brought the required 200 machines to their dealers. This rare Yamaha has been treated to a high level of restoration and is now for sale.
1988 Yamaha FZR750RU for sale in Portland, OR
The five-valve heads on the Genesis engine have great flow and combustion dynamics, and Yamaha’s rocker-less valve actuation provides more linear response throughout the power curve. For the DeltaBox, the company developed their own welding robots to seam the thin-wall stampings into a strong frame. Steering head and frame connectors are vacuum-cast aluminum. Brakes are substantial for a mid-size at 320mm, and Kayaba forks and monoshock are adjustable. As per the fashion, wheels are staggered with a 17-inch front and 18-inch rear.
The owner commissioned a comprehensive rebuild in addition to a great cosmetic refurbishment. Most all rotating parts outside of the engine bay are new or rebuilt. Though the Genesis engine sounds complex, it was executed in a very straightforward way, and outside of a very long extension for your spark plug wrench, there’s no reason to expect extra maintenance. Here are Ethan’s comments on the FZR:
This bike starts without hesitation, idles perfectly, has extremely crisp throttle response, and rides beautifully. It is truly a joy to ride, handles incredibly well, and pulls strong.
- 26,000 miles
- Carbs rebuilt and balanced by Vicious Cycle in Portland, OR
- Factory original bodywork: all plastic was restored and all imperfections are gone, all paint is new in the original Silky White with clear-coat (tank has clear-coat over the decals), and all decals are new and factory correct. All work done by the skilled Paul Gardner of Image Concepts in Bend, OR
- New EBC clutch friction plates and clutch cover gasket
- New EBC rotors
- New clutch pushrod oil seal
- New wheel bearings
- New shock linkage bearings
- New fork seals and oil
- New OEM hardware and grommets for all bodywork
- New water pump, impeller circlip and oil seal, and coolant hose o-rings
- New Metzeler tires
- Media blast and new powder coat on wheels, exhaust midpipe, and subframe
- Factory rebuilt and polished vintage Yoshimura pipe, new baffle and packing
The focus Yamaha put on superbikes led their build quality to new heights and prices joined them there. The championships would have to wait, but the bikes are the stuff of legend. Thankfully there are thoroughly freshened examples like this and we don’t have to only read about it. The asking price is $5,500.
