Here’s a slice of the 90s in one paint job, found on the Yamaha FZR1000 – predecessor to the now-ubiquitous Yamaha R1. The Fizzer was an instant classic when it was introduced in 1987. Just two years later, Cycle World named it the “Bike of the Decade”, thanks in part to a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of nearly 170 mph! This was the top speed champion of the motorcycle world until the Hayabusa was introduced.
Yamaha fans will know of “EXUP”, which was introduced with the ’89 model of the FZR1K. An acronym for Exhaust Ultimate Power Valve, this system was an electronically-controlled valve in the exhaust which allowed for high lift cams and a seamless powerband from low revs all the way to the 11.5k redline. This ’94 model was the beneficiary of a few generations of tweaks, particularly USD forks, upgraded brakes, and the ‘fox-eye’ headlights. By 1994, the Yamaha FZR1000 was pushing 145 horsepower, but by then the bike was based on nearly 10 year old technology, and it was simply outclassed by bikes like the 1st gen Honda Fireblade. Yamaha’s big displacement sport bikes were nearly made obsolete until the legendary R1 was introduced in 1998.
This Fizzer has 23,337 miles and is said to be completely stock except for a tinted Zero Gravity windscreen and a Vance & Hines slip-on exhaust. The seller will also throw in a clear Zero Gravity sport touring windscreen. It’s offered by the third owner, who notes that the original owner traded it into a dealer in 1999, who kept it as a display bike for 20 years until December 2019 when they decided to sell it. The owner says that “I was going to start a “rad 90’s” bike collection but my living situation changed and I need to let it go.” Now it’s your turn to grab it and find your closest RADwood!
Find this FZR for sale in Chicago, Illinois for $2,400 here on Craigslist.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Ichiban Moto!