got a new bike

picked up a new (to me) bike today.
i don't know much about it yet but it's a 1988 yamaha fz. still need to do vin decoding etc to know exactly what i have. i was told a 750 but you know how it is, and i don't trust this info yet. nevertheless, it is a cool looking bike, runs and i already took it for a quick spin. Has valid inspection. Carb cleaning should make a huge difference.
she used to be yellow but one of the POs decided to go black on her. Fairings are in good condition, no obvious cracks or even scratches.

 

Been trying to confirm the engine size but no luck. Looking at the vin, it doesn't seem to give me that info, or I haven't found the correct decoder yet. And comparing pics and specs, like wheel sizes, doesn't help much either. Only thing I know for sure is the year.
I might be lucky and have the size stamped on the engine. Will check tomorrow.

 

Front of the engine, between cylinders 2 and 3, should have the displacement cast into the base of the cylinders.
Based on the bodywork it's an FZR750, not an FZ750, and not either 600.

 

You can look through this PDF chart to decode what year and model it is:

http://davesbikes.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/yamaha_model_codes.pdf

Looks like it's an fzr750 or 1000.

What K-moe said, the displacement is stamped in the center of the front of the engine at the lower edge of the cylinder jugs. Here's a picture:

 

Hm, thats what i thought at first too but based on specs I found on Internet, the 600 had 17 inch wheels. On my frame is a sticker that talks about 17 front and 18 rear tire specs.

 

Thanks.

I think I just found my answer by doing a Google search on my vin:
http://motorcycleslog.com/asp/Item.asp?soldid=288327&make=Yamaha&theday=9/17/2015

Which goes hand in hand with the info and title I have. The guy I bought it from only had it for 2 weeks and needed to sell a lot of his toys.

 

So did the 750. A 17" front was the hot new thing in sportsbikes at the time.
That it has a 1000cc motor in it is a bonus, but you'll have to buy two service manuals now

Don't let the difference between the price he paid and the price you paid bother you. I still think you made out well.

 

So yes, it's a 1000cc engine

 

Just took tank off and looked everything over real quick. Bike looks good, no leaks, no weird wiring hanging out etc. That's good.
Airbox came right off because it was not secured to the carbs. so this could be one of the reasons why it ran a bit rough. An in line fuel filter was installed as well and looked clean. Another good thing.

 

Oh yeah, I'm happy with the purchase. And true about the two manuals. I guess I just need to confirm somehow what year the engine is, just to be safe.

 

The serial number on the engine should be in the same place as on an XJ. Also look for the EXUP valve in the exhaust collector. A lot of aftermarket exhausts didn't use it, and without the valve you'll have a lumpy idle and reduced power below midrange compared to stock (but you might not care ).

 

Looks pretty good anda few extra cc's to boot, sweet

 

Yeah, a bit dirty but not much. Looks like someone took care of it, or at least didn't ride in wet. But the coolant reservoir was empty and dry.


And this is really as dirty as the bike got...

 

I'm going to take everything in subframe out for cleaning and put it back together. After that I'll do the same with the front.
The only thing I noticed on the bike so far was the idle (gonna run seafoam and sync it) and the soft front end. It dives easily. Not sure if this is supposed to be like that or if shocks need fluid. Other than that, no issues. Gonna change oil, fill up the coolant (still need to figure out if water or actual coolant) and order a new air filter and a set of tires. I guess new brake pads as well, just in case. All electrical stuff works.
Going to register bike this week and as soon as everything is clean and back together, I'm taking it to inspection.
Shouldn't be too bad.
Oh, just remembered: the cooler is patched up. Need to check if there is a leak (which could explain the empty coolant reservoir)

 

Checked the model ID chart I linked and the 2LJ engine code says it's from an '87 fzr1000 California spec model.

So it has the Genesis 5 valve (shim under bucket) heads and I would confirm the valves are in spec before getting too far into it because of the unknown mileage.

Also, it's got the Kerker header so no EXUP on it now.
That bike will fly once you get it sorted out.

Tony

 

Coolant....unless you like overheating in summer and cracked cylinder liners in winter.

Remove the radiator cap, or pull the lower hose off of the water pump if the cap is stuck. Hopefully there is coolant in the system. If it's dry then you might have a problem beyond an empty overflow tank.

The front end should not be soft.

 

D'uh. This actually makes total sense [insert brain here]

 

Thanks XHondaHack. Great info and highly appreciated

 

Bought on a Friday 13th. What could possibly go wrong

 

Turns out the boots coming from air box don't fit on the carbs. Inner diameter is off by maybe 2mm. I might be able to shave off a tiny bit to make them fit.

Also had some fuel in airbox and a bit wet around two carbs.
I took them out to have them redone.

Man, I love working on this bike. Everything is easily accessible. Carbs in and out is a breeze