Modern Classic: Yamaha FZR1000

Since the mid-eighties, performance motorcycle manufacturers have been engaged in a battle to outclass each other. This is thanks in part to the development of race bikes, which continue to push engineers to develop machines that often feel like they belong on the circuit.

One of the first game changers was the ‘87-‘94 Yamaha FZR1000 – a predecessor to other legendary sports bikes, such as the Honda Fireblade and Yamaha R1. While the Fireblade and the R1 are often more celebrated today, we at Footman James think that the FZR1000 deserves more credit.

After all, it was regarded as the world’s finest production sports motorcycle in the late eighties, scooping numerous awards well into the new decade. In 1989, it was even named as the best bike of the eighties by one publication – no doubt the rapid 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and 167mph top speed helped propel the FZR1000 to glory.

The FZR1000 is notable as the first production motorcycle to use a ‘Deltabox’ chassis, a new type of technology using an aluminium perimeter-type frame which - you guessed it - had roots in racing.

The engine in the ‘87-‘89 FZR1000 was similar to that of the Yamaha FZ750 released two years earlier, but with a larger in-line four-cylinder four-stroke 989cc engine producing 136bhp. The FZR1000 also weighed just 209kg, outclassing many of its competitors. In 1989, the FZR1000 was redesigned, featuring an upgraded 20-valve 1,003cc engine producing an even punchier 148bhp.

The 1989 FZR1000, known as the ‘Exup’, was given a major chassis redesign as well as a new look with twin round headlights. It was this version that gave the FZR1000 its world-beating reputation, recognised for class-leading handling.

Following the Exup, the FZR1000 received constant updates to ensure it kept up with the competition. However, the release of the brilliant and hugely successful Honda Fireblade three years later meant Yamaha had to go back to the drawing board.

The replacement, the 1996-05 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, was a stop-gap model that used an FZR1000-derived five-valve four-cylinder engine which was updated for mid-range torque rather than maximum power. The Yamaha would not see the same level of success until the Yamaha R1, released two years later.

Matt, a Footman James client and FZR1000 owner, gave us his experiences of life with Yamaha’s modern classic:

“My 1988 model could be described as the first of the breed – a pre-Exup example. I’ve found it to be unbelievably reliable, especially considering it has done over 67,000 miles without the engine being rebuilt. I also find it’s really good on fuel, even when ridden hard, although the later models are much quicker – by this point, Yamaha had fixed the mid-range flat spot suffered by the pre-Exups.

“Shock absorbers are a known weak point but there are many options for upgraded items. Upgraded ‘Blue Spot’ calipers from the R1 can also be bolted straight on – spend a little upgrading the brakes and suspension and you’ll have a great all-rounder for not a lot of cash.”

Have you ever owned a Yamaha FZR1000? Calling all enthusiasts – we want to hear about your ownership experiences… Let us know in the comments below.