Wheeled to the back of a collection after only 962 miles, this lightweight Yamaha four-stroke could easily be returned to riding status. The only really sporting four-stroke 400 imported to the States, of the underwhelming total sales here, many were raced and subject to engine transplants. Showing a serious mid-size buy-it-now, this is a bike any rider could enjoy, and a highly skilled rider could enjoy it immensely.
1989 Yamaha FZR-400 for sale on eBay
In stock trim, the almost pint-size 399 cc’s provide 60 hp, mostly between 8,000-14,000 rpm. Below the power band it’s perfect around town. Above 8,000 the over-engineered DeltaBox frame provides a stable platform with 41mm conventional forks and rear monoshock. Brakes are dual front 298mm disks with 210mm rear. Wheels are different sizes to aid handling, 18-inch rear following a 17-inch front. Classic red-white paint grabs attention for the endurance-styled fairing.
Presented by a serious collector, this FZR doesn’t look to have suffered the usual collateral damage from storage wars – from the eBay auction:
Absolutely MINT 1989 Yamaha FZR400. This may be the finest one in the US.
Premium motorcycle, premium price reflecting its condition and the extra swingarm. All original, no modifications. Never dropped, raced, crashed or otherwise damaged. It’s been sitting in an enclosed storage unit or my garage since I purchased it two years ago.Comes with buffed 1990 FZR400 swingarm for the perfect combination of a virtually new FZR400 with the later Deltabox swingarm.One tiny rock chip in upper left headlight fairing. Front master cylinder sticks from lack of use. I’ve discounted the price by $200 to cover the minor repair. The carbs need cleaning.
Imported only 1988-90, the premium-priced FZR-400 was a tough sell next to the new 600. Continental riders had a choice of Kawasaki and Honda small sports, but beautiful engineering and build quality couldn’t protect the exchange rate and pre-EXUP power specs for long. These long-past corporate missteps now ensure rarity, especially for a stock peach as displayed here. Riding like a larger sportbike, the performance envelope of the FZR-400 is wider and more accessible to more riders. Just a carb cleaning, new rubber, and tune-up stand in the way of this great ride, oh you’ll also have to get past ( over ? ) the display stand…
-donn
One tiny rock chip in upper left headlight fairing. Front master cylinder sticks from lack of use. I’ve discounted the price by $200 to cover the minor repair. The carbs need cleaning.
That was very generous to take that $200 off of the $7k plus asking price.
So this 400 with such low mileage would be more desirable to someone looking for a collector quality Fizzer 4.
as a Former FZR 400 owner here (88/89/90 and a race bike), here are my issues with this bike.
– points off for the rusty chain
– marks on the stock swingarm (hard to see behind the water spots, but theres a mark there you wont be able to “buff out”
– the ’90 swingarm is a nice add, but it would also need to be re-done and good luck getting it to match the OEM finish. it wont.
– brakes are sticking? thats an easy fix. if the bike was that pristine and loved, that would be fixed especially for $7k
– the rock chip in the front decal will be difficult to fix. you would have to make a new decal and match the red’s perfectly. not impossible, but not easy.
– where is the ultra rare Yamaha OEM seat cowl?
– the CA model had EXUP. these were far more rare and the EXUP did add some much needed midrange. Not being an EXUP model, the $7k is even harder to believe.
Yes its nitpicking but for $7k, that is what a seller should expect from potential buyers.
I sold mine this spring for $4,500 with 18000 kilometers. The rear was a little scraped from the garage. 7000 u.s. is a bit steep with a few issues but that’s what Ebay is for . for five bucks I can test the waters. If the bike is so awesome it should sell locally for the price you want but obviously that is not the case.
the real question is what did you pay for it 2 years ago that makes you think it’s 7 Grand today. I think 4 to 5 is a great price considering its issues. issues are very difficult to solve on a 25 year old bike considering Parts availability
I own one and withe a 600 motor in it. If you are going to ask premium dollars you need to sort out the maintenance from sitting for all those years first. New owner should expect a perfect bike ready to ride a d even then that price is high. My guess was $5k before seeing the actual price. That was before the issues mentioned above. FZR never found the calling of the early gsxr or rc models. Fun bike.