Two Decades of Ownership: 1988 Yamaha FZR1000

The Yamaha FZR1000 from the late 80s and early 90s has garnered mixed opinions compared to the Suzuki GSX-R1100. Despite its competence, the FZR1000 was seen as less cool choice among powerful superbikes. This paradox is intriguing, given that the FZR1000 boasted more advanced features, notably its innovative aluminum Deltabox frame, a pioneering design for liter-plus bikes.

In contrast, the GSX-R1100 featured a relatively basic double-cradle frame, showcasing a less evolved approach. Despite both bikes offering substantial power through five-speed gearboxes, the FZR1000 managed to match the GSX-R’s speed with less displacement. The FZR’s 989cc Genesis five-valve engine, introduced in the original 1987-1988 version, embraced innovative design elements like the under-tank airbox and a steeply-canted configuration.

Ultimately, the FZR1000 suffered from its own refinement and success. While possessing smooth power and sophistication, it lacked the wild nature that often draws enthusiasts to big sportbikes.

Although the FZR1000 may not attain the same allure as the GSX-R1100, its rising value in a nostalgic market and scarcity of well-preserved examples make it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish, versatile retro ride.

This example shows very well and the seller is refreshingly thorough and honest in the history of the bike. While it may need a little sorting as noted it looks like it’s ready to enjoy the rest of the season and make even better over the winter in the garage.

From the seller:

I have owned this bike for 20 years, and I am the 2nd owner.  I am now 68 years old and can no longer ride a sportbike after double knee replacement surgery.  Time for someone else to enjoy it.  The bike sat for nearly 3 years after the fresh engine and transmission so a complete maintenance routine was performed…. see below.

This bike is a bit of a “sleeper”…. while retaining its stock paint and outward appearance, it has several modifications.  

* Wiseco 1029cc piston kit* 6-speed transmission with “back-cut” 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears.* Vance & Hines pipe* Dyno-Jet Stage 3 jet kit* Ported and Polished head* Polished intake runners* Stock airbox with K&N Filter* Fresh Rebuild of:     Carbs     Clutch Slave Cylinder     Clutch Master Cylinder      Front Brake Calipers     Rear Brake Caliper     Front Brake Master Cylinder* New Tires, (Angel GT’s)  * New plugs
* Original owners manual and purchase order

Here is the story on the engine rebuild.  When I picked the bike up from the original owner he was not home immediately.  I could hear someone doing a hole-shot, or attempting to do a burnout a street over.  Guess who?  Yeah, the owner was giving it one last reaming.  I was pissed!  He said yeah, I wanted to ride it one last time, I saidRIDE? Sounded to me like you were reaming the butt off of it!!  I made the mistake of not test riding it at that point.  His reply was that the bike wasn’t hurt and it ran fine.  So I completed the sale.  When I rode it home it seemed to run fine so I didn’t worry about it.  

After a couple of weeks it began to pop out of 2nd gear.  Not uncommon for Yamaha’s in my experience.  So, I called my mechanic to see if he would take a look.  He found a piece of a clutch disc in the clutch basket.  The good news was it had a Barnett clutch basket in it!   He put all new clutch plates in it and it shifted fine, but it still popped out of gear at times.

At that time I met a fella that told me that a 6-speed transmission (factory was 5 speeds)was a drop-in unit.  I was like, no way!!  He said find a nice, low mileage FZ750 and grab the tranny.  Its a drop in, bearings and all!  So I found one on Ebay, a nice low mileage unit and bought it.  I had the first four gears machined with a back-cut to solve any popping out of gear problems once and for all.  It works flawlessly!!!  At the same time I priced a Wiseco big-bore piston kit.  I thought why not, while we’re doing the tranny and my mechanic agreed.  He was excited now!!  So, a fresh big-bore kit and a 6-speed tranny… with the 6-speed it stays in the RPM range and runs like it was made for it!  And it NEVER popped out of gear again.  I think we replaced both sprockets at that time as well.  I changed the teeth on one of them but I can’t remember the details right now.

This bike comes with a book that I put together that includes all work done.  And it does contain a parts manual. Receipts for NOS parts that I purchased over the years, etc.  A wealth of info.  Original Shop Manual Included.

As a final note, I got the bike out last week for a final test ride and it has a slight sputter or flat spot at about 5000-5200 RPM, should require just a bit of minor fine-tuning.  

I do not offer shipping on this bike.  I prefer the new owner pick it up and pay cash at time of pick up.  I will hold the bike for a maximum of 7-10 days until the new owner can arrange his/her shipping.  I have a clean OHIO title in hand.  

**   I also have numerous NOS parts for this bike that I have collected over the years.  These will be available for purchase to the new owner.Not included with the bike!!      Including new:
      NOS Right and Left Sidecovers      NOS Front Fairing (rare, hard to find)      NOS All Decals for Front Fairing      NOS Decals for both Side Covers      NOS Large Black “YAMAHA’ Decals for Lowers      NOS Rear Finish Panel      NOS Rear Tail Light       NOS Seat Cover         Numerous NOS parts and hardware      Numerous hard to find USED parts       Original 5-speed Transmission      Original Pistons