1986 Yamaha FZ600

Built to take on the Honda CBR600F and the Kawasaki Ninja 600, Yamaha’s FZ600 was, as Cycle World put it in a 1986 review, more of an “evolution, not revolution.” But even though it wasn’t built from scratch, Yamaha had enough excellent components laying around – most importantly, the engine from the FJ600.

Said engine produced 68 horespower and 38 lb-ft of torque, enough to bang out the quarter mile in 12.67 seconds at 104.71 mph. That figure came from a Cycle World review in July 1986, in which they call this bike “the finest pure sportbike in the class” and say that despite a slight deficit on power, “on the strength of its marvelous chassis, the FZ600 is just about unbeatable. To borrow from Winston Churchill again, in the mid-displacement sportbike battle, this just may be Yamaha’s “finest hour.”” When it was all said and done, Yamaha had a pocket rocket that was reliable, cheap to run…and weighed 33 pounds less than the Ninja.

Plus, how could you not fall in love with that red/white/blue livery and the dual headlights?

Manufactured in March of 1986, this example is VIN: JYA2AY00XGA000852. The seller acquired it from the racer Steve Rapp through Iconic Motorbikes in 2021.

The odometer shows 2,474 miles.

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, hydraulic fluid flush, fork service, petcock rebuild, carb clean/sync (pilot jets replaced), adjust the rear brake switch, and re-key the fuel cap. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:

Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok. New Seals
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000 [076]
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000 [066]
Tire % Remaining Front: 40%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 50%
Tire Press. Front: 34 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 34 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.1V
Running Condition: Runs on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken, old tires
Test Ride Distance: N/A

Tires Installed:
-Front: 100/90-16 (54H)
-Rear: 120/80-18 (62H)

REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Tires

Modifications:
Battery tender lead.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on the original Yokohoma 202 tires with date codes of 066 and 076.

The sale includes one key.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean Ohio title. Have any FZ600 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!