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.
Previously owned by an amateur racer and shop owner, this particular example has been lightly modified, turning the stock machine into a track-ready specimen that retains its road-legal status.
Manufactured in September of 1988, this example is VIN: JYA3BFE07KA009239
The dash has been flipped 180°, the tachometer and temperature gauge have been rotated, and the speedometer, odometer, and warning light cluster have been removed. Because there is no longer an odometer on this bike, its true milage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department also installed a new Yuasa battery, performed an oil change, installed a new oil filter, performed a coolant flush and fresh refill, cleaned the turn signal mechanism, serviced the chain and flipped the master link orientation, stripped, cleaned, re-jetted, and tuned the carbs, repaired the choke cable bracket, installed new spark plugs, cleaned the fuel pump, bled the front and rear brakes, and drained and cleaned tank before filling with it 93 Octane ethanol-free race gas.
Service Report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Race Foam Inside
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, 150 mV
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: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: None installed
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 60%
Forks: Ok
Shocks: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 46/15
Tire Date Code Rear: 46/15
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.55V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.2V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: +2 Miles, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
Front: 110/70-17
Rear: 160/60-18
Notes:
– Horn does not work
– Shifter a little loose
– No rear brake switch
– LH mirror stay broken
– Mismatched grips
– Rear passenger peg deleted
Repairs Performed:
– New Yuasa battery
– Engine oil + filter
– Coolant
– Hydro 2
– Turn signals mechanism cleaned
– Chain serviced, master link orientation flipped
– Carbs stripped, cleaned, stripped and tuned
– Carb pilots re-jetted
– Choke cable bracket repaired
– New spark plugs
– Fuel pump cleaned
– Bike fueled with 93 Octane Ethanol free race gas
Repairs Recommended:
– New tires
Modifications:
Not Shown:
– Engine bored out to 410cc’s
– Lower fairing and belly pan delete
– Stainless steel braided brake lines
– Smoked windscreen
– Bar-end weights
Single piece monoposto tail cowl
D+D exhaust
Traksport stator cover
Based on the stickers on the lowers, the fork appear to have upgraded internals from PK Suspension in Framingham, Massachusetts
Fender eliminator kit and aftermarket rear turn signals
Inside of the race foam-filled tank:
The bike is riding on Bridgestone Battlax tires both with the date code of 4615.
The sale includes 1 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 Colorado title. The customer also notes that this FZR400 was previously owned by amateur racer and motorcycle shop owner.
Have any FZR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
