From the Archives: Yamaha FZR1000

With the FZR1000, Yamaha stepped up into the class of the fastest motorcycles

The fall can be great when you don't deliver on your promises, and especially when you use big words. In this sense, the fall was great when Yamaha , in big words, wrote the following in the brochure that accompanied the launch of their new superbike in 1987: "YAMAHA'S FZR1000: AT THE OUTER LIMITS OF THE MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCE".

Now it was far from a setback for Yamaha , on the contrary, and Suzuki really gave them something to think about. They had set the standard for the modern superbike with the GSX-R750 in 1985, and jacked it up a notch with the GSX-R1100 in 1986. Yamaha had not had a bike in the same segment as Suzuki 's 1100cc so far in the company's history. Now they were going to join the fight for the fastest machine. The weapon was the brand new 1000cc with 5-valve technology, good for speeds well over 250 km/h. With the FZR1000 Yamaha threw themselves into the superbike circus, and the prefix FZR became synonymous with speed and excitement.

If we compare the FZR1000 with the GSX-R1100, the former had about 10 hp more, but with a smaller displacement. This meant that the power per liter of the Yamaha was slightly ahead of the Suzuki, and the same was true of the top speed. This resulted in competition, something we know more than well from the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers' struggle to offer customers the motorcycle that can boast the highest top speed. Today, the 1987 model of the FZR1000 is particularly sought after among collectors of R-bikes, and there is a long way between the nicely used and original examples.

Technical data Yamaha FZR1000, 1987 model:
Engine: 4-cylinder 4-stroke, DOHC, 5-valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 989 cc
Power: 135 hp at 10,000 rpm.
Carburettors: 4 x Mikuni BDS37
Torque: 101 Nm at 8500 rev.
No. of gears: 5
Front tires: 120/7x VR17
Rear tires: 160/60xVR18
Tank: 20 liters
Weight: 204 kg (dry)
Top speed: 255 km/h