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Yamaha FZR 400 Genesis

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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.