Another “direct from Japan” offering available on ebay this week is a FZR400RR SP model. RSBFS has only seen one of these bikes come through our pages, way back in 2011, and I urge you to read Ian’s excellent coverage on the model in question. The last bike we saw was a UK spec machine, while this one resides in its home country of Japan. What you need to know: When it comes to Yamaha 400cc machines, this was the top spec, ultra rare edition of the FZR set. Everything else is simply from the stone age.
1996 Yamaha FZR400RR SP for sale on eBay
The march of progress is inexorable; yesterday’s breakthrough is tomorrow’s antiquity. That is especially true in the cutting edge world of performance motorcycles. What was spectacular 21 years ago is still enchanting today, but not likely as mind-blowing as it was then. Still, starting with the basic Fizzer 400 – widely regarded as a handling gem even today – and going whole-hog “price is no object” mad in the R&D facility produced what was essentially a Fizzer on crack. Meant for the track, the RR SP model featured some tasty carbon, solo saddle, fully adjustable suspension, bigger binders, modified intake, flat slide carbs, special exhaust and more. Nothing was left on the R&D table when Yamaha called it done.
From the seller:
YAMAHA FZR400RR SPVIN: HK31A-102176
Year: 1996
Mileage: 40,385km (Meter is changed to Aftermarket. Real mileage is unknown)
Condition: Running well. Body work has scratches, cracks and touch up paint.MODIFY
Front fork,Triple clamp and Top bridge TZR250R 3XV of up side down forks
Carbs FCR32
Meter Aftermarket
Front brake caliper Brembo 40mm
Ignition coil UOTANI SP
Front wheel 17*3.00 Rear wheel 17*4.50
Winkers, Tail light LEDShipping : We’ll put it into the wooden crate and ship by surface.
We’ll enclose Japanese original title, and also Sales Certificate and Bill of Sales issued by us in English. Shipping cost: The bid price includes shipping cost to overseas, and it’s charged from our office in Japan to the nearest port to your address. We expect you’d pick it up at the port and arrange the land transport to your address by yourself. The other cost, such as the handling cost, duty fee, tax, etc. which will be charged in your country, they’re not included there.
My research indicated that 1994 was the last of the 400s from Yamaha, yet this is listed as a 1996. Maybe one of our super-sharp readers can help fill that gap for us. Regardless, numbers are very low for the RR SP model, and limited to the few countries in which they were released (hint: the US was not one of them).
The seller is offering to crate the bike and ship it world wide, and will include some importation paperwork. The rest will be up to you, which may be difficult depending upon where you live. Those in the US should consider this carefully, as nothing is more tragic than purchasing a bike that cannot be used legally. However this would make for a very potent track-day weapon, so there is that angle to consider. Check it out here and remember: we may not see another one of these for another six years! Good luck!
MI
” produced what was essentially a Fizzer on crack” .. heh I laughed hard at that
That bike is ROUGH. corrosion everywhere. Cracks in many of the panels that would be challenging to repair. The chain has some kinks even. Overall it does not look well maintained. I really like the way they wrapped the speedo drive cable around the fork like that.
FZR 400s have always been favorites of mine after owning 3. I would love to have this generation which was the pinnacle of the model, but this example leaves alot to be desired.
Is this not a hopped up FZR 400? Looks that way. Can it be verified with Yamaha these were produced?
Totally different from the fzr400 that came here. I have both models. Not an SP but a 400RR.
Yes, those are real thing. I believe that those were the last of the FZR400. SP models were made for F3 class homologation.
I have a 1992 in Massachusetts. It was registered in NY at one point. Anyone else out there know of any 400rr’s in the USA?
there was one in Philly a few years back. I should have bought. full RRSP.
With respect to the 1996 date, some countries do not go by year of manufacture but by year of import or first registration. Thus a 199x bike can end up registered as a 199y. I am in the US Army stationed in Korea and just purchased a pretty bad shape FZR 400 – still runs. Frame serial number 1WG-001926 indicates 1986, body configuration indicates 1988 3EN1 with ram air intakes above lights but registration lists 1999 FZR400RR, year of importation to / registration in Korea. Intent to fix up, play in Korea and bring back to the US.
That is some great information Pete. As you noted, there can be many variables depending upon the country. Thank you for your service, and have fun with your 400!
– Mike