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.” 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.
But Yamaha did not stop there – in 1989 they debuted an up-spec model called the FZR400RR, and in 1990 they followed it up with the FZR400RR SP. Though both remarkable machines, the latter was the one to have. A claimed 66hp output in combination with a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission could rocket the bike to 122mph. The RR also boasted unique cosmetic upgrades like ringed projector beam headlights, teardrop turn signals, and a framed taillight lens.
This rehosted review on Motorcycle Specs sums up the FZR400RR SP by saying: “It’s very hard to write about the FZR400’s qualities. Braking, acceleration, flexibility, build quality, stability – just think of a cliche and double it. For steering and suspension, think of a cliche and triple it.” Shockingly, the review adds, “even an OW-01 isn’t as well made as the 400 SP” — and that was Yamaha’s halo bike of the day.
This example is VIN: 3TJ141974. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan.
The odometer shows 26,533 kilometers (16,486 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean and sync the carbs and flush the brake fluid. We also serviced the drive chain. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: OK
Tire % Front/ Rear: OK
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 36/36
Brake % Front/ Rear : 90/90
Front hydraulic fluid: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: N/A
Oil: LEVEL OK/COLOR OK
Coolant: LEVEL OK/ COLOR OK
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: FAIL
Fork: SLIGHT WEEP (L)
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.3
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.0
Notes:
– HORN DOESN’T WORK
– RESERVE DOESN’T WORK
– NEEDS TIRES
– HAS REVERSE SHIFT PATTERN
Modifications:
Akrapovič slip-on exhaust.
GP shift pattern.
Aftermarket sprocket, chain guard.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Alpha 14 tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
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 Washington title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any FZR400RR-SP stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
