1988 Yamaha FZR400

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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.

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.

Manufactured February 1988, this example is VIN: JYA3FHC04JA000211. The seller acquired the bike new. He is the original owner.

The odometer shows 16,913 miles.

Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Was completely serviced and ridden in early 2000’s until purchase of duc 848 in 2009 (last ridden or serviced).”

In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery and clean the carbs. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:

Gas Tank Internal Condition: LIGHT RUST
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 2907/2407
Tire % Front/ Rear: 80/80
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 10/12
Brake % Front/ Rear : 80/90
Front hydraulic fluid: FAIL
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: N/A
Oil: LOW/DIRTY
Coolant: LEVEL LOW/ SUSPECT QUALITY
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: REAR ONLY
Plate Light: OK
Kill:
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.68
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.45
Notes:
• TANK RUSTY NEEDS CLEANING
• COOLANT NEEDS FLUSHING
• NEEDS TIRES (AGED OUT)
• FRONT BRAKE SWITCH NOT WORKING
• NEEDS PLUGS CHANGED

Modifications:
JDM front blinkers.

Braided stainless steel brake lines.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT014 tires that have aged out.

The sale includes one key, a service manual, a set of NOS cowl decals, and a rear stand.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in April 2009. Please note: As this FZR400 is no longer in the system, Iconic Motorbikes is unable to calculate registration fees owed.

Have any FZR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!