The 400cc class of bikes is a special one. In the 1980s and 1990s these sub-middleweights provided a rare mix of compact geometry, light weight and just enough horsepower (if there is such a thing). The resulting motorcycles were outstanding rider machines, race-worthy platforms and lusted after by world markets. The US was privy to but one such example: The Yamaha FZR400. Created in 1986 as the “1WG” series of bikes, the FZR400 ran through numerous changes through 1990. Today the little Fizzers are the most common of the 400cc set in the States, and in many ways the best for those who prefer riding to collecting. Parts, knowledge and upgrades are available more readily for the Yamaha, making it an easy 400cc choice. And the ride is nothing short of fantastic.
1989 Yamaha FZR400R for sale on eBay
Everything on the FZR400R is a big bike on Slim Fast. The motor is a Genesis derivative – right down to the extremely canted cylinders – but only 399cc instead of a 750 or 1100. The chassis – a slick aluminum Delta Box unit – looks like an OW01 was given the shrinky-dink treatment. Ditto the bodywork (with the cool, double headlights), cockpit (yes, redline starts at 14k) and other pieces of kit. The FZR400R is no dog; there are some proper numbers in this beast, including 60 HP and a scant 352 pound dry weight.
From the seller:
Up for auction to the highest bidder with NO RESERVE is a 1989 Yamaha FZR400R with only 14,524 kilometers (9,025 miles).This FZR has a crack in the windscreen, it had a crack in the lower left fairing and cracks in the mirror mounts that have been repaired, left side of the tank has been touched up and repaired, rear passenger seat is cracking and needs to be re upholstered, There is a small piece broken off of the tab on the underside of the fairing but still useable. The bike has scratches and scrapes throughout. Right side plastic liner piece is missing. Touch up paint here and there to hide the nicks and scratches. The bike has good curb appeal but the kid that probably owned it was on a budget so everything was repaired on the cheap by himself.
The good news is the bike is solid and only has 9,025 miles and under the plastic it looks clean. It runs like the day it was new. The lower fork tubes, radiator, exhaust headers, frame and swing arm are all clean and no damage. This bike would make an excellent candidate for restoration. A professional body guy could make this bike look perfect. Bike will come with new battery, fluids and filters. This FZR has a slip on muffler by O.V.E.R. but bike comes with stock OEM muffler also. All fairings are OEM Yamaha original.
Bike comes with Utah state title and is titled as a street motorcycle for road use. Happy bidding.
The seller has done a good job outlining the pros and cons of this particular example. The bike looks great in the photos, but there are some blems on this young 28 year old. It is likely that prior ownership has brought with it some errant issues that will need to be remedied if you want to show. If you just want to go, it looks like it could be more cosmetic than actual damage; ride the wheels off and have fun. Send us a postcard when you finally wipe the smile off your face.
This bike is being offered by the Utah collector with a number of tasty bikes – this one complete with title and tags. The auction format is No Reserve, which is a nice way of saying that the highest bidder wins (even if it is a low bid). At the time of writing, this bid is sitting in very affordable territory at $2,000 USD. I would not expect this to hang out in sub $5k circles by the end of it all, but it will be interesting to see where it ends. Check it out here before it’s gone. Good Luck!!
MI
anyone ever heard of the pipe – jmca on the can. the RGV had the same logo JMCA. I really like how clean and well kept the bikes in his collection are. Well done sir.