Yamaha FZR400

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Yamaha FZR 400 Genesis

Make Model	Yamaha FZR 400 Genesis
Year	1986
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity	399 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	54 x 43.6 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Lubrication	Wet sump
Induction	Carburetor
Ignition	Analogue CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ign.)
Spark Plug	NGK, CR8E
Starting	Electric
Max Power	59 hp / 44 kW @ 12000 rpm
Max Power	50 hp @ 11500 rpm )
Max Torque	3.7 kgf-m @ 10000 rpm
Clutch	Wet multiple plates
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Gear Ratio	1st 3.307 2nd 2.222 3rd 1.714 4th 1.434 5th 1.272 6th 1.173
Frame	Aluminium delta box
Front Suspension	Uprighting telescopic
Rear Suspension	Aluminium swing arm
Front Brakes	2x discs 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single disc2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	110/70 R-17
Rear Tyre	140/60 R-18
Seat Height	785mm / 30.9 in
Dry Weight	157 kg / 346 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.75 gal
Consumption Average	21.6 km/lit
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	14.0 m / 42.3 m
Standing ¼ Mile	12.9 sec / 162. km/h
Top Speed	197.5 km/h

The Yamaha FZR400 was always over-shadowed by the class-leading Hondas, both the CBR and V4 NC30 and NC35s, and, on track, was a little behind Kawasaki’s ZXR400 for sheer speed. However, the rev-happy Yamaha FZR400RR attracted the hooligans by the bucket load, drawn to the high-revving engine, sharp handling and high corner speed. And, as it was also always considerably cheaper than the competition, it meant that many ended up on track as race bikes or fun track day machines.

The Yamaha FZR400’s liquid-cooled, four-cylinder, 16v DOHC engine revs to an impressive 14,000rpm, but like most other four cylinder 400s nothing really happens below 5000rpm. In terms of outright performance, the Yamaha’s back wheel 64bhp was slightly down compared to the competition, but on a positive note it did make the FZR usable.

The reason why so many Yamaha FZR400’s ended up on track was due to the excellent handling and ease of use. There’s no ‘getting-to-know-you’ period, you can just jump on and attack any section of road. It’s lightweight, flickable, will carry huge lean angles and you don’t need to be an expert to have fun – the FZR400 really flatters its rider.