Posts by tag: Genesis

Bimota August 29, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Nice Price: 1997 Bimota YB11 for Sale

It seems like most of the Bimotas that come up for sale these days aren't really for sale. I mean, if people wanted to actually sell them, the asking prices would probably be a bit lower... Bottom line: the Bimota YB11 is a cool bike and still pretty fast, even compared to modern bikes. But prices for 90s Bimotas in particular are at a low point right now. Honestly, I'd be very surprised if this continued indefinitely but, for the time being, these represent some pretty great bang for your collecting buck. Even if you end up not being able to source fork seals for the beefy, right-way-up Paioli forks on your Bimota YB11, you can always park this thing in your livingroom and no one will wonder why... Even if they think you're crazy for replacing your flat-screen with an Italian motorcycle.

The YB11 is pretty classic Bimota: the engine is from Yamaha's YZF1000R and basically unchanged, aside from being slotted into Bimota's own aluminum frame that hugs the Genesis engine closely. Perhaps too closely: more on that later. The lightweight bodywork is swoopy and dramatic, the riding position pretty odd, and the bike actually was available with pillion accommodations, although this one is missing the rear pegs.

They're elegant, exotic and, at least in terms of finding engine parts, pretty simple to keep running. Tales abound of strange little quirks that can keep them from being enjoyable: the weird, twin six-volt batteries in the nose of the SB6, the frames that block access to carburetors and prevent adjustment while they're on the bike or the engine is in the frame, iffy fuel pumps, and so on. But for a person who wants something truly different, these Bimotas are pretty hard to beat.

From the original eBay listing: 1997 Bimota YB11 for Sale

Emilia Motors is happy to offer this 1997 Bimota YB11, these Bimotas really show the attention to detail that the Italian motorcycle builders put into the design and suspension of the bikes they build. The Bimota is truly a handcrafted work of art and are a must for any real motorcycle collection, plus the beauty and design are second to none. This bike has new tires, battery and starts and runs top notch. Manuals, rear stand and Bimota cover are included. Please feel free to call with any questions thanks Anthony 954-540-8495

So what is the seller asking for this one? $9,000 or $10,000? Nope. Just $6,799 buys you a slick, low-mileage Italian exotic a mechanically competent enthusiast could keep running for peanuts. Just don't drop it: a whole new engine won't be hard to find or expensive to rebuild, but that bodywork will be pricey if you drop it. Which is why I'm hoping this one doesn't have damage on the right side, since the photographer couldn't be arsed to turn the bike around for some additional pics...

-tad

Yamaha August 28, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1994 Yamaha FZR600R for Sale

Update 10.3.2018: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Introduced in 1989 today's Featured Listing Yamaha FZR600R slotted neatly into an entire range of four-cylinder sportbikes, bracketed by the FZR400 and the FZR750, with the FZR1000 at the top of the range. But you might be surprised to learn that the smaller FZR400 is actually a bit more sophisticated than the FZR600, and had an aluminum frame instead of the steel "Deltabox" frame used on the 600. So what's going on here?

1994 Yamaha FZR600R for Sale on Craigslist

Well the 600 class was originally more of a big deal here in the US than it was elsewhere: in Japan, the 400cc class filled the "supersport" niche, and all the major players had smaller versions of their popular sportbikes, hence the 600's relatively late arrival on the scene, compared to the 400 that was introduced in 1986. There was a GSX-R, a VFR, and a ZXR to give the FZR400 a run for its money. And they obviously all had 750cc sportbikes as well to scratch that "superbike" itch. But the US market was always very lucrative, and 600s were popular in the UK as well.

The FZR600 otherwise featured Yamaha's typical tech, including their EXUP exhaust valve and steeply canted Genesis engine block designed to lower the center of gravity. Unlike the 750 and 1000cc Yamahas, the 600 used a four-valve head, and the later R version seen here had a claimed 98hp. Constant evolution meant that, by 1994, the bike had four-piston brakes, revised frame geometry, and the swingarm was wider, although it retained the 18" rear wheel. Sure, the revised frame was still made from steel, instead of the lighter, more trick aluminum units Deltabox units. But the Honda CBR600, the FZR's direct competitor, used a steel frame as well, and that bike was considered an incredibly competent all-rounder!

This example is also featured over on Craigslist: 1994 Yamaha FZR600R for Sale

Are you ready for this nostalgic collectors dream?

This 1994 FZR600R is one of the classic bikes from the beginning of Sportbikes. The 1994 FZR600R was more radical, lighter and faster than previous years with new looks. The second generation of middleclass SuperSport was clearly targeted towards the feeling of track and competition. Many parts were derived from the YZF 750R, being the base for Yamaha superbike racing. The classic Yamaha dual headlights captures the nostalgic feeling of early 90's Sport Bikes.

With new chassis and completely new engine for 1994, a shorter stroke and increased power (96hp /11500rpm) the FZR 600 R qualified again for least compromise SuperSport in its class.

I purchased this FZR from the wife of a motorcycle collector in New Jersey who had sadly passed away leaving this bike and many others in storage for many years. I went through the bike from top to bottom and performed the following to get this collectors dream back on the road. New chain, battery, master cylinders, Bridgestone BT090 tires, fork seals and had the carburetors rebuilt and tuned by legendary Brad Matteis holder of 50+ national racing records with #2 National Championships in the IDBA.

This bike has only 4,386 original miles and was a garage queen for most of her life. If you have ever ridden an early 90's FZR you know how much fun these are to ride especially through the twisties on a sun day. This is the closest thing you will find to showroom condition. There are very few minor nicks or scratches from it being put into storage but the bike will come with a set of right side OEM full decals should you ever need them. All of the plastics are original to the bike which has never been laid down or even dropped in a parking lot. You can see in the pictures all original warning decals on the swing-arm, windscreen etc. are all still there from new and in great condition.

You must see this bike in person to appreciate this bike for what she is. Please feel free to call, text or email with any questions or comments. I do not need any help selling the bike, I am in no rush to sell her so please do not waste my time or yours with low ball offers.

Thank you...

Certainly, if you're looking for an affordable classic sportbike, you could probably find an FZR600 for less than the $4,250 the seller is asking. But most you'll find have been... well-used, to put it mildly: they've been pretty cheap for a long time and are likely to have been thoroughly trashed by now, so finding one as low-mileage and immaculate as this one could prove to be pretty difficult. The later R model seen here did feature some revisions to the aging platform that helped to keep it competitive, including a lighter, redesigned frame and revised tuning to the engine, so it's not your run-of-the-mill FZR, a bike that was already considered one of the best 600s of the era.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1994 Yamaha FZR600R for Sale

Yamaha July 29, 2018 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 1988 Yamaha FZR750RU

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.

Yamaha July 24, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1987 Yamaha FZR750RT for Sale

Update 8.20.2018: The seller has notified us that this bike is SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The precursor to Yamaha’s extremely desirable OW01, this very clean FZR750R is actually even rarer, but a bit less exotic as well, both in terms of components and construction. Instead of rare materials and hand-welded parts, the RT was a bit more of a parts-bin special, but just 200 of the “T” were built in 1987 and another 200 in 1988 for the “U” model to satisfy homologation requirements for AMA Superbike racing.

The FZR750R formula should be familiar to Yamaha fans: an extremely light and stiff aluminum Deltabox frame that debuted in 1987 on the FZR1000 and was light-years ahead of cradle-style frames as seen on the GSX-R750, Yamaha’s signature five-valve “Genesis” head atop a 749cc block, and a six-speed gearbox in place of the bigger 1000’s five-speed. Front wheel was 17” and matched with a typical 18” rear often found on sportbikes of the period, and both were wrapped in radial rubber.

Suspension adjustable for preload and rebound at both ends was novel for the time, especially on a street-legal bike. Although Yamaha really didn’t intend for any of these to actually see the street, and actively discouraged dealers from selling them to anyone who was planning to use them on the road. Unfortunately, the 484lb [dry] package ended up significantly heavier than their road-racing rival over at Suzuki, and drag-strip performance was hampered by the ratios in the gearbox. But that was really beside the point, and the bike had some of the best brakes and handling available.

From the original eBay listing: 1987 Yamaha FZR750RT for Sale

Up for NO RESERVE AUCTION is a very nice original 1987 Yamaha FZR750RT.

The precursor to the OW01, the FZR750R Genesis is a rare collectable. Homologated for AMA racing with only 200 examples made for the US market. This machine came out of a dealership in Oconomowoc Wisconsin and thankfully never seen the track.

I purchased this bike from its second owner in WI about 12 years ago. I have enjoyed owning this bike and took great care of it but its time to pass it on to a collector. I recently moved from WI to Denver Colorado where the bike is currently located. I've only had the bike here in Denver a few weeks, it started right up but I haven't driven it because I anticipate it would need adjustments for the higher elevation. Have not registered the bike here in Denver either so it is currently titled and registered with collectors plates from WI. Title is clean and clear of any leans. Cycle has 26,403mi.

Bike recently had a $1500 overhaul including fuel pump rebuilding, fork seals, brake pads, carb cleaning, clutch, adjustments etc (see photo of receipt). Runs strong and as it should. Has 26... k miles. Has vintage Yoshi exhaust, vintage Storz steering stabilizer, is properly jetted for the exhaust, original race sprocket was changed out for a more street friendly ride. ALL ORIGINAL PARTS INCLUDED and many extras including vintage riding apparel, period Corbin seat, parts, all manuals, period feature magazines, bike stand, cover and more

Motorcycle is for sale locally so I reserve the right to cancel the auction early if sold. I work during the day so evenings are my best time to answer any questions.

I would really like to see the bike end up in someone's collection that will really appreciate it. I will be happy to help the new owner with loading the machine and any other arrangements to make it a smooth transaction.

The FZR750RT is a historically significant machine that was incredibly trick when it was new, and I expect we're seeing a low point for values right now. As the seller mentions, this is no garage queen but condition is way more important than mileage if you actually plan to use a car or motorcycle, and this example has been serviced and is ready to go. It's not a museum piece, it's a living, breathing bit of sportbike history.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1987 Yamaha FZR750RT for Sale

Yamaha July 6, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Genesis Device: 1988 Yamaha FZR1000 for Sale

Over in the comments sections of another post, we've been debating the relative merits and values of some of the priciest motorcycles, but it's still possible to find something cool, collectible, and very competent if you're on a limited budget. It's not one of Yamaha's fastest sportbikes, but this first-generation FZR1000 might be their most historically significant. At the moment, it's also one of the most unappreciated machines of the modern era: if the GSX-R was the first sportbike of the modern age, it can be argued that the FZR1000 actually codified the formula.

The original version of the FZR1000 built from 1987 through 1988 seen here was powered by a 989cc version of Yamaha's inline four. It did not feature their signature EXhaust Ultimate Power or "EXUP" valve in the exhaust system, but did use their "Genesis" heads with three intake and two exhaust valves. Five-valve technology proved more useful in theory than in practice, in spite of the fact that Yamaha stuck with it for a pretty long time. But, perhaps more importantly, the Genesis engine's characteristic steeply forward-canted cylinder head allowed the airbox to be located under the fuel tank instead of between the rider's knees.

However, the bike's defining feature was the aluminum beam "Deltabox" frame, the first time one had been used in a big bike like this. The contemporary GSX-R used an aluminum frame, but the square-tube construction was more of a cradle-type that looked backward towards past designs, while Yamaha's beefy Deltabox was a much more forward-thinking concept. The frame spars were positively massive for the time, but the thin-walls meant the structure was as light as it was strong, and while five-valve heads proved to be a bit of a fad, thick beam frames have stood the test of time.

Looking at the spec sheet, all you'd need to do is add a sixth gear to the box and you could be looking at something from just a few years ago: the aluminum beam frame, liquid cooling, under-tank airbox, and 17" wheels all sound very modern. It's obviously from a different generation and is both heavier and less powerful by far than current literbikes. But it was very much the complete package when new, and the five-speed gearbox speaks to the bike's seemingly bottomless well of torque and flexible midrange, qualities shared with the GSX-R1100, a bike that also lacked a sixth cog.

Ideally, if you're looking at an FZR1000 you'd probably want something just a little bit newer, as the thorough redesign for 1989 featured a slight bump in displacement and the addition of the EXUP valve, but this is the original, and looks very sophisticated in blue and white speedblock graphics.

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Yamaha FZR1000 for Sale

Up for auction is my 1988 FZR1000. It is titled in my name and is currently registered in the state of California til October 2018. It is a nice survivor. It has various scratches and some cracks here and there but overall in very clean condition. It has good tires, a new fuel pump, fuel filter, various fuel lines, carb cleaning and synchronization done Dec of last year, rebuilt fuel valves, battery new last year, new windshield, front brake master cylinder rebuilt and a couple other things I can't remember now. It comes with a tank bag, some spare parts and a service manual. It handles, runs, starts, brakes fine....although maybe it could use another carb cleaning as it has been sitting. Still you could ride it right now.....it has good power.

Some things it would need is a new headlight. Choke doesn't work but it still starts easy when cold. Return throttle cable not hooked on. Fuel pump is controlled by a switch in the back so you may want to hook up correctly.....and I'm sure a few other things I can't remember right now.

If anyone is interested but not local...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ask questions and request photos of any area of the bike you would like. I REALLY PREFER SOMEONE LOCAL WHO COULD COME BY AND KICK THE TIRES AND INSPECT IN PERSON but if not please ask all the questions you want before bidding. Although this bike is clean and a survivor it has not been in a box the last 30 years ridden only 50 miles so keep that in mind. It currently has 20950 miles. I may make a couple trips up the mountain before it's gone so there may be a few more miles on it.

Here is a video of it running.

I am selling because with my back condition I cannot use it like I thought I could.

If you have any questions please ask. If you think I left something out please ask. If you need better pictures please ask. I want to be as honest and accurate as possible so please ask anything. If the winning buyer comes to pick it up and dosent want to go through with the deal for any reason no worries.....I will cancel the transaction....no problem. The previous owner named this bike Noah. I want to see this go to a good home.

The Yoshimura tri-oval exhaust obviously isn't stock, and isn't even trying to look period-correct, but I actually like it: stock exhausts of the era are often pretty heavy and very ugly. Overall, the bike has some usual chips and wear you'd expect on a bike this old, but it seems honest. And the seller includes a nice video of the bike starting and running, with some closeups. Slingshot Gixxers and other late 1980s sportbikes have been rising in value, but the Yamahas seem to have been lagging behind a bit, and while the later EXUP models will probably be a bit more desirable, this early machine is historically significant. And also pretty cool. There are several days left on the auction and no takers yet at the $2,150 opening bid. It may not be original, but this could be a hell of a do-it-all machine with style if you're on a budget and looking for something out of the ordinary.

-tad

Genesis Device: 1988 Yamaha FZR1000 for Sale

Bimota June 12, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Naked Italian Supermodel: 1998 Bimota YB11 for Sale

Look, I'll get this out the way up front: the Bimota YB11 does not "look way cooler with the bodywork off." Since the missing bits appear to be included, I'm going to assume, for the purposes of this post, that a lack of taste is the actual reason the bodywork isn't currently in place. Don't get me wrong, I love Bimotas shorn of bodywork: the minimalist frame, the simplified construction, the elegance. But with that headlight and tail sections in place and the rest missing? It just looks unfinished. It might run cooler though... Anyway, differing aesthetic opinions aside, the YB11 is certainly an affordable way to get into quirky Italian exotica: we're obviously comparing apples and oranges here, but you can generally pick up 90s Bimotas for the price of a new Ducati Scrambler.

Stripped of much of its bodywork, this YB11 looks like it might have more in common with an Aprilia Tuono or a KTM Super Duke than a modern liter-class superbike. The 145 horsepower claimed by Bimota for their mildly-tuned version of Yamaha's five-valve Genesis inline four means the YB11 is closer to “supernaked” than “superbike” in terms of power, as well. Certainly, the 1002cc displacement means it isn’t eligible for superbike racing classes.

But just as bikes in the supernaked class are less powerful, but sometimes more fun than full-blown superbikes, top-end horsepower might impress when you’re comparing stat sheets over a beer, or railing at 10/10ths on a race track, but it doesn’t necessarily translate that well to the real world. Take a look at the YB11’s 80 lb-ft of torque and 400lb dry weight: the Genesis engine has a famously fierce midrange and the bike is claimed to start pulling savagely from below 4,000rpm. Modern superbikes do make much more top-end horsepower, but also weigh a bit more and produce very similar amounts of torque, so you can imagine that a YB11 will still make for a very exciting ride.

Obviously, this old-school superbike comes from a much simpler time, something that’s easy to see once the bodywork is removed. One look under the skin of a YB11 alongside something like Ducati’s new V4 Panigale and you can see just how complicated modern superbikes have become, since modules and wires and hoses pack every available nook and cranny. It's a good thing the new Panigale has a heavily truncated frame, since I'm not sure where you'd fit a regular one. So no, an old beast like this Bimota isn’t as good as something truly modern. But you also shouldn't worry too much about more modern bikes running away from you out on the road.

From the original eBay listing: 1998 Bimota YB11 for Sale

A beautiful work of art that looks like it was designed by Michelangelo, this bike is super-light (Superleggera) + excellent handling with 51mm front fork tubes (largest ever put on a production cycle!) + Brembo brakes front +rear, carbon fiber everywhere/ high perf. ARROW exhaust system/ 145H.P. with 12:1 lightweight forged pistons in a 1002cc Thunderace Yamaha engine with lightened quick-rev. crankshaft. Bodywork is off presently cause it looks way cooler with it off, but I do have all the parts that go with the bike.

I'm not clear from the seller's description whether the "12:1 lightweight forged pistons... with lightened quick-rev. crankshaft" are components from some sort of engine rebuild or if he's suggesting they were included in the original YB11. I'm pretty sure that Bimota made no internal changes to the stock powerplant and if the engine was rebuilt or otherwise modified, I'd love some more detail regarding what was included and why it was done. Bidding is active with a few days left on the auction, but only up to a bit more than $4,000 at this point. Aside from the missing bodywork [it is included in the sale as you can see below], this bike does look like it's in very nice shape, but Bimotas of this vintage are still a tough sell, so someone still might get a good bargain.

-tad