YAMAHA FZR1000 (1991 - 1994) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
| Power: | 145 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.1 in / 765 mm) |
| Weight: | High (520 lbs / 236 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe FZR has a stack of personality that is often lacking in modern sportsbikes. Get a good one and have it set up by a professional and you will be surprised just how flexible and fun this old litre bike is. It’s rewarding to ride, handles well enough to be enjoyed in the bends and, most importantly, delivers a taste of 1991.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineWith fairly lazy (by modern standards) geometry and a long wheelbase, the FZR tends to roll into bends rather than drop on its side like a modern sportsbike. It needs a hefty old pull on the bars to get it to comply and the brakes are certainly starting to show their age, producing limited power and not much feel.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityCompared to Yamaha’s latest litre bike, the YZF-R1, the FZR makes a slightly paltry 145bhp. But the four 38mm Mikuni carbs deliver glitch-free fuelling while the inline four motor is both flexible and friendly with a good stack of midrange. On the road, it has more than enough power to amuse but the gearbox is a bit clunky.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe FZR’s motor is far from stressed, so isn’t that likely to be unreliable. However you are talking a bike that is now entering its 27th year on the road, so items such as the electrics, bearings, suspension and exhaust system may well be requiring updating or refreshing.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentBack in the day an FZR would cost you £6794, which is roughly £14,334 nowadays when you take into account inflation. On MCN Bikes for Sale you can buy a used FZR for in the region of £4000, which isn’t bad value for a cool litre bike with a bit of history behind it.
Equipment
The FZR was built in the 1990s, well before ABS, traction control or even the widespread use of digital clocks. Instead you get a lovely big analogue rev counter and separate speedo as well as a temperature gauge. There is a fuel switch to turn the petrol’s flow on and off and an EXUP valve…
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1002cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 20v, inline four |
| Frame type | Deltabox |
| Fuel capacity | 19 litres |
| Seat height | 765mm |
| Bike weight | 236kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm, inverted forks adjustable for preload |
| Rear suspension | Single rear shock, adjustable preload and rebound |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 267mm single disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 130/60 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 170/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £120 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 145 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 79 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 145 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
1987: The FZR1000 Genesis is launched
1989: The FZR1000 EXUP replaces the Genesis and is a 90% new bike with an EXUP valve and Deltabox frame
1991: The FZR1000RU arrives with inverted forks and a projector headlight
1994: The FZR1000 gains a ‘foxeye’ headlight and 6-piston front calipers
1996: The Thunderace replaces the FZR in Yamaha’s model range
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA FZR1000 (1991 - 1994)
1 owner has reviewed their YAMAHA FZR1000 (1991 - 1994) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA FZR1000 (1991 - 1994)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Version: FZR1000RU
Year: 1991
Annual servicing cost: £120
Comfy fast and handles, a bit thirsty but a great bike which will stay with most bikes on the road.
Had the standard suspension that was 4 out of 5 ok but fork rebound and damping were a bit off, after a few months decided to treat the bike to maxton fork work and an ohlins shock (makes a big difference), these are still on the bike after the 24 years having had occasional servicing. The bike itself is remarkably adept at anything have done trackdays, commuting, toured UK and Europe solo and two up and once the luggage is off plays in the sweeping bends of the alps like a puppy. Comfy for as long as a tank of fuel lasts without complaint from rider or pillion.
Pulls from tickover to flat out without a hitch (over 60 in first) and road overtakes can be done in in any gear, a stonking engine. Still feels modern even by today's standards (last time it was on a dyno for a carb tweek was still making 127bhp at the rear wheel) . If anything it too civilised as it just provides pull everywhere even after 30 years so all you have to concentrate on is your line through the bend.
Would be five but the exup valve needs regular attention and greasing to keep it tip top. Other than regular servicing and attention to the chassis parts its fault free in 65000 miles still fairly corrosion resistant.
Valve clearances can cost more but only necessary after 24000 miles other than that its just oil and filter and occasional fluid changes
Has a throttle and brakes what more do you need. However special mention has to go to the exup valve producing midrange and the electric fuel switch which when you feel the stutter is easy to switch over even with thick winter gloves and far better than the newer fuel light (which you can easily miss and think how long has that been on).
Buying experience: Bought privately from a mate back in '98 for £4K
