If you're in the market for a sportsbike and
your limit is $5000, you should look closely at a
Yamaha YZF750R.
Fans of five-valve Yamahas will love this machine.
The YZF750R first appeared in Australia in 1993
and replaced the FZR750 and FZR1000 a year later.
Built to comply with FIM WSBK reg's of the
750cc days, the YZF gave owners the opportunity
to feel the same as Colin Edwards and Co.
Although the Fireblade stomped the YZF as a
balls-out sportsbike, the Yamaha and Kawasaki
ZXR were the only pure racebike replicas on the
road back then. The Suzuki GSX-R750 had turned
into a heavy and uncompetitive machine and the
Honda was not eligible.
In almost all magazine comparison tests, the
YZF750 beat the Kawasaki. And although it
had its own share of problems (aside from the
pukey colours), the YZF, with its short stroke and
highest revving (for the day) engine, was the true
underdog king of the 750cc class and remained
so until the GSX-R750 was revamped in 1996.
THIS SAMPLE
Peter Pap wanted a lot for his $5000 limit. His
bike had to hold its value, be an uncommon or
even future collectable and stand out from the
crowd. With commuting every day across Sydney
City, weekend sportsriding and the odd track day
expected of the bike, a Yamaha YZF750R was the
best choice.
"I loved the FZR750 when it came out as well as
the FZR1000. But when I first saw the YZF back in
1993, with that huge Deltabox frame, I just fell in
love with it. The YZF looked like a World Superbike
with lights. There was nothing else as aggressive
and to this day I think it is one of the best looking
machines ever built."
Peter found this example by chance when visiting
a bike shop in Sydney.
"I noticed the bike collecting dust. It had been
traded in and was unregistered, but I noticed the
originality and low kilometers so I knew it was good.
I made an offer of $2800.00 and to my surprise it
was accepted! I'd done the maths and knew I could
rejuvenate the bike and register it for another few
grand and it worked out perfectly."
The YZF was washed and then towed up to Rapid
HQ where Jeff and Pappy got to work.
A set of ex-Project FZ6 Cup Dunlops went on and
so did an original OEM screen and rear decals (which
were missing). The bike had mini indicators and highrise
'bars but came with the originals, so they were
re-fitted to keep the immaculate bike stock.
Jeff fully serviced the bike, doing the valveclearances,
a new cam-chain tensioner, spark
plugs, oil and filter and he cleaned out the carb's
Fully serviced
and balanced them. Next he cleaned the K&N airfilter
already fitted to the bike and replaced the steeringhead
bearings, fork seals and the battery.
All bearings, pivot points and cables were lubed
and adjusted and the brake and clutch fluid was
replaced along with the rear brake pads.
The rear shock is in excellent condition and the
suspension is now on standard settings.
Pap's YZF just had the chain and sprockets
replaced so the chain needed to be cleaned, lubed
and adjusted, and a new set of grips went on too.
Once washed and detailed, Peter had himself
a mint condition YZF750 for under $5000 with
12-months rego to boot!
"I've been riding the bike for a month and I love it,"
says Pete, "It is smooth, comfy, has an awesome topend
and runs like a dream. Just a top bike".
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The YZF750 was produced from 1993 to 1998 and came to Australia as
the R. There was also an SP version that was very rare in Australia. The
bike is generally extremely reliable and has had massive success
on the racetrack. Some problems are well known these days, such
as excessive oil consumption (most YZFs need a topping up
every 1000-kilometres),
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| second gear selection problems,
overheating on the 1994/1995 models due to the small radiator
and the valve clearances on some examples need doing every
5000-kilometres.
The stock YZF750 jetting was way too lean to pass emissions,
however, most examples now have either been re-jetted or are
richer thanks to slightly worn needles and jets!
There were also some front brake issues and Yamaha re-called the
bike to rectify the problem. The rotors used to warp with excessive
use and the brake pads were replaced with more rotor-friendly material. |
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OWNER PROFILE
NAME: Peter Pap
BUDGET: Up to $5000
AGE: 45
BIKE BACKGROUND: I worked
for Two Wheels, Streetbike and
I'm the co-founder of Rapid Bikes.
My previous favourite bike was an
RGV250, which I loved.
CURRENT BIKES: Just the YZF at
the moment but I have plans for a
retro SR500 cafe racer.
SPECIFICATIONS
1994 Yamaha YZF750 Colours:
White/Purple, Green/Red Claimed
Power: 93kW[125hp]@12000rpm
Claimed Torque: 80Nm[59ftlbs]@
9500rpm Weight: 195kg
Fuel Capacity: 19L Engine:
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 20-valve,
in-line-four, four-stroke, 11.5:1,
digital ignition, four-into-one
exhaust, six-speed gearbox,
wet multi-plate clutch Chassis:
Cast aluminium Deltabox, alloy
swingarm Wheelbase: 1420mm
Suspension: Dual 41mm inverted
forks. Monoshock, fully adjustable.
Front brakes: Dual 320mm rotors,
dual six-piston calipers Tyres:
120/70 - 17, 180/55 - 17
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