At a time when Japanese manufacturers were getting increasingly aggressive and race-oriented with their 400s to compete in their domestic Formula 3 championship, Yamaha introduced the FZR400 in 1986 as a bike to be enjoyed “on twisty public roads where the customers would actually be riding and enjoying them.” The US got it in 1988, and many riders preferred it over the bigger brother FZR600. This is on the rougher side, but I’m so impressed that it’s covered over 130k miles that I wanted to share it nonetheless.
For more on the FZR400, check out this excellent profile on Yamaha’s site where they talk about the challenges of it being the first motorcycle to use “full-fledged radial tires” and how they fought the urge to implement quick steering like their competition to create something that consumers would enjoy more on the street.
This example (VIN: JYA3FHC03KA002257) is a completely-stock California bike with EXUP and the solo seat. The seller acquired it in 1991 with the intent of racing it but then his commuter was stolen so this FZR had to take on that duty. The seller stopped riding it regularly about a year ago due to COVID and he’s letting it go to raise money for a mission trip to Sierra Leone. The sale includes the tool kit, two keys, and the owner’s manual.
Find this well-enjoyed FZR for sale in Vista, California with bidding up to $3,300 here on eBay.