Back at the end of the 1980’s Yamaha was achieving success across its entire lineup of sportbikes with the FZR400, FZR750 (also known as the OW01) and at the top, the FZR1000. The FZR1000 was ruling the litre class not due its having the most powerful engine or the best handling but by having the best overall balance. How good was the FZR1000? Let me put it this way; the FZR1000 was crowned “bike of the decade” by Cycle World and has been referenced as the most complete sportbike of its generation.
While the FZR did not have the most powerful engine of the late 1980’s litre bikes, it did have one significant advantage over its rivals; the EXUP system. EXUP (Exhaust Ultimate Power value) was a system that adjusted the header opening based on RPM via an ECU-controlled valve. EXUP helped to resolve one of the problems with late 1980’s litre bikes; narrow powerbands. The system significantly widened/smoothed out the powerband which made the big Fizzer throttle response immediate no matter what the speed. NOTE: Similar setups were eventually launched by the competitors including Suzuki and Honda.
An excellent explanation of the EXUP system can be found via this link.
Note: This pic is not from either of the bikes in this auction
For this listing, the seller has two FZR 1000’s available via an estate sale, with both having had the same previous owner.
Here is the first one, a 1989 in the OEM white/red/blue that looks to be in excellent condition.
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1989 Yamaha FZR 1000 (street version) on ebay
Condition for this one looks to be super clean but not completely OEM. Aftermarket items I have noticed include different mirrors, flush mounted front turn signals, a supertrapp exhaust and the rear wheels have been upgraded to Performance Machine units. Overall the bike looks to be immaculate and given the previous owners reputation for bike care, the bike seems to be in outstanding condition.
Here is what the seller has to say:
From the estate of aerospace engineer & club road racer David Molitor, known for the meticulous care of his street and racing bikes. This is Molitor’s street FZR1000.
Showing less than 14,000 well-kept miles, it has just been treated to a ‘make-run’ consisting of a carb clean, new sparkplugs & fresh battery. Compression on all cylinders was 210-215 psi and the engine recorded 127.8 hp at the rear wheel on Jordan’s dyno-meter.
It has to be one of the cleanest, best-sorted FZR1000s around. Among the bike’s features are a 4-into-1 SuperTrapp exhaust system and a Yamaha OW factory race kit ignition module
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Here is the second one, a 1990 that is setup for the track.
1990 FZR 1000 setup for the track
Condition for this one isn’t as nice as the street version, with some rust apparent on the steel brake rotors and the rear chain. As with all race bikes, condition is a bit a gamble and the pictures have the odometer obscured which is a concern. Also based on the pictures tires will need to be replaced.
On the plus side, according to the seller the bike has covered less than an estimated 5000 miles and has a host of upgrades. Overall the bike seems to be in good condition for a 26 year old race bike.
Here is what the seller has to say:
Has just been treated to a ‘make-run’ at Jordan Engineering, consisting of a carb clean, new sparkplugs & fresh battery. Compression on all cylinders was 210-215 psi and the engine recorded an impressive 151 hp at the rear wheel on Jordan’s dynamometer (see pic attached to auction). Among the bike’s many features:
- Carillo connecting rods
- Upgraded 6-speed transmission
- Keihin FCR41mm carburetors with individual K&N filters
- Yoshimura exhaust system
- Yoshimura throttle
- Tecnomagnesio rims
- Performance Machine four-piston front brake calipers
- Performance Machine cast-iron rotors (spare stainless rotors included in sale)
- Ohlins shock with remote reservoir
- Attack Racing rearsets
- Carbon-fiber front fender
Now we come to the big question (s): What are these two big Fizzer’s worth? Well first of all, the street version will likely cost more than the track version simply by the fact that it hasn’t been raced and there will be less worries about the engine condition. Previous posts on RSBFS of the 1989 FZR1000 seem to show prices climbing in the last few years, with pristine and complete 1st year EXUP versions generating prices of about $6,000 USD. Since this one isn’t completely OEM, I would expect the price to be a bit lower, perhaps around $4,500-$5,000 USD?
As for the race bike, thats a bit tougher to guess a price on. The claimed low mileage and care of ownership evidenced by bike #1 are pluses but rust, tire condition and generally being a bike for trashing on the track go against it. I think this one will go a bit less than bike #1, maybe $3,500-$4,000 USD.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
On the racebike, YIKES those Dunlop slicks are in bad shape. Look at the cracking around the sidewalls. I hope they didn’t run it on the dyno with those tires. Scary.
You would think they would have cleaned/ lubed the chain as well.
Otherwise a great looking bike. I always thought the ’89-’90 FZR 1000 was the best looking of the years, probably because it looked strikingly similar to the OW01.
Does anybody know what the finish is on the fork sliders of the race version? It certainly does not look OEM.
OK boys and girls. I went and looked at the white FZR 1000 yesterday and is is actually better than I hoped and much better than the pictures. As it happens, I know the seller and suffice to say, his reputation, knowledge and credibility in the motorcycle industry are second to none. I had every intention of buying it and the only reason it’s not sitting in my garage, is that I found something I wanted even more (which is sitting in my garage). If you are looking for one of these, this is the the real deal. Good luck !
Side wall cracks from the California weather are common. Don’t be afraid! I bet anyone who buys the track bike will install fresh tires. That’s what people that actually ride on the track do. A squirt of chain lube will take care of the o-ring 530 chain too I’m thinking. On this bike as well, I’ve heard there’s over $4K in the motor alone.
White FZR1000 sold for $6,455!
Congratulations to buyer and seller!
dc