Topic: Yamahas.......Then and now

[emlupi]

Here are a couple of pictures of me with my new Yamahas . The first picture is from 1987 with my FZR 1000, a great bike that was the bomb in the late '80's and early 90's. The Deltabox frame and forward tilted engine architecture were the progenitors of the Yamaha sport bikes of today. Which brings me to the second picture of me and my 2018 Yamaha MT-09. It's amazing how far motorcycle technology has come over the years. The MT has amazing power, traction control, ABS, rider modes, great handling, and is light and well balanced. It's a lot of fun to ride. The upright riding position is welcome because I'm a little too old to bend myself into a racing crouch. Just wanted to share these images from yesterday and today,

[RAFster122s]

Nice bikes...
What kind of sticker price on both...for amusement sake on how time and money have grown with inflation....?

[emlupi]

The MT has a list price of $8999, which is a very good price for all the features that it has. If I remember correctly, the FZR was in the $5000 range in 1987. It was over 30 years ago, so I might be off a little on that.

Another thing is the weight of the bikes. The FZR had a curb weight of 515 lbs vs. 425 for the MT. The MT carries it's weight very well and it feels very light and quick from the saddle.

[RAFster122s]

emlupi,

Is there an FZR of similar displacement today that Yamaha makes? Do they still make the R1? I haven't kept up with their lineup.

I have a FZ06/R6 front end (std forks not USD) that are going on my CB550 restomod when I finish up the motor work in evolution 2. Evolution 1 will have dual front drilled discs with stock single piston calipers. I can then appreciate the difference between the two braking systems. Were it not for eccentric shafts on the rocker arms into the 550 cover it would be on the streets.
 
Sport Bikes sales were down, not sure what the best selling style bikes are out there today. Scrambler and Brat styling are still warm I would imagine given they continue to introduce scramblers in the past year and the quasi adventure bikes are still popular among many. (most adventure bikes never see off pavement use and are best fitted with street tires as a result...)
Touring/adventure bikes is the segment that interests me more these days but, I do like the looks of some of the modern naked bikes with UJM seating positions.

Saw one guy's build here of a 750 and he made reference to not being able to get crouched in the typical Cafe racer position now that he's older and yet the "model (male)" posing for the side view I thought was pretty scrunched up in the legs with as high as his "rear sets" were. The upper leg was coming down at a relaxed angle nearly that of the rear triangle but, the model had the ball of his feet on the pegs and when he slid his foot forward to his instep it would relax the angle somewhat but it would still kill my knees and I think it would be like squatting with little leverage to get off the seat to take railroad tracks or a big bump.
I'm not a fan of cruisers and the closest I will come to anything closely like one would be an early GoldWing or a later one that isn't pimped out with chrome and plastic. The new Goldwing I think is attractive, so many of the years of wings do no appeal to me but I would like a fairing equipped bike for miles and miles of travel if going across country, makes a 400-600 mile day possible without feeling beaten, provided the seat and position is comfortable.

But, I digress.
I like your MT and it looks like a good buy.
Was looking at a Vstrom but considering a 650 Vstrom, but given I am a big guy 6'4" and not a lightweight, I should consider the 1000 instead.
Not sure what the modern new or modern near new bike I will purchase to complement the 70s UJMs as you do need at least one newer steed in the stable.

And yes, ABS and traction control I think are generally very good things on modern motorcycles and when you look at the price of the two bikes it really hasn't cost a fortune more for the technology and build quality on the Yamaha has always been good is the opinion I have of them.
They make a very nice piano as well (Yamaha corp, not Yamaha MCs of course   )

David

[emlupi]

The FZR gave way to the R1 many years ago. The R1 is still Yamaha’s flagship sports bike and is very successful in AMA and World superbike and supersport racing. The “R” series is made in 1000, 600, and 300 cc displacement categories.

I agree with you about the riding position on today’ Supersport bikes, too radical for me at this age. I wouldn’t last very long riding one. The worst part for me would be the extreme neck position looking forward. Although I’m sure that they are amazing to ride.

The MT is designed to give sports performance in a street package with lots of useable power down low and a comfortable riding position. Slightly aggressive but definitely not painfully so. It fits in the “naked “ sports category which is very popular these days with each manufacturer having their own version.

I have included a couple of pictures of the latest R1 and R6 from the New York motorcycle show:

[ekpent]

  I've seen some used Yamaha 900's for sale in different configurations with some very low miles for sale.  I think the attractive price and excellent reviews caused some people to buy one and after riding for a bit may not have been into motorcycles as much as they thought they would be. As more enter the used bike market scene I think I will be keeping a keen eye out for one. Looks like a lot of fun in a nice lightweight tidy package.

[emlupi]

I think some people got the impression that the MT was a good bike to begin riding with, which it definitely is not. It has serious low end power and the ride-by-wire throttle can be touchy if you are ham fisted, even in the softest rider mode. If you panic and grab a handful the bike can get away from you.

[RAFster122s]

Didn't they bring the Rebel back, 300 cc version. If you like cruisers they are not bad beginners but everyone thinks, in America at least, a 300 is too small. Better to learn on a small light bike before stepping up once you know you are going to be a motorcyclist. Besides, beginners often have a wreck in the first year...better to have that on a $5K new or $4k used starter bike rather than a new $9-12k bike in my opinion.

But, those that abandon their MCing with a new bike they sell to get rid of the payments can be a boon for seasoned riders.

David

[Bankerdanny]

In 2008, a couple years after I got back into motorcycles, I bought an '89 FJ1200. It was a really fun bike and much faster than anything I had ever owned. My first SOHC, the '77 550K, was the bike that replaced it.

[emlupi]

The FJ1200 was a great bike. More of a sport touring type than a super sport. It certainly did not lack for power. It had good handling for a big (over 500 lbs) bike. The model  still carries on today as the FJR1300, a very highly esteemed sport touring motorcycle.

[ken65]

love my yammies. a few i have .



and the ones ive sold in the last couple of years





lots of people dont like those xj650 specials or maxims depending on where your from. I loved it.

[emlupi]

Great collection of Yamahas, Ken.

Pretty much runs the gamut. I really like the RZ350’s you’ve got there (not one, but two!). That’s a bike that I’ve got to get a ride on one of these days. Saw one at a car and bike show this past summer but never got a chance to speak to the owner. My cousin has a RD400 which is not running presently but when it is I will definitely take it for a blast. So many bikes, so little time....

[ken65]

thanks emlupi, those little 2t's are a hoot to ride alright.

[Stev-o]

Here's my little "Giant Killer"!    It's a fun bike to ride but currently out of service due to it needing a clutch.

[emlupi]

Very nice Steve-o.

My cousin took his RD to a “mechanic” to have it tuned. The guy made some adjustments to the carbs and shortly after that his engine seized. The guy is trying to deny any responsibility for the problem. Whatever he “fixed” must have leaned out the carbs and caused the engine to seize. Bummer.

[brewsky]

Been looking at the triple Yamahas lately for my "one last new one"....
My last 2 Yamahas....I REALLY regret having to sell my FZ1...

[02z06dave]

Here's my little "Giant Killer"!    It's a fun bike to ride but currently out of service due to it needing a clutch.

Ive got an rd350, too. Fun bike

[Stev-o]

Here's my little "Giant Killer"!    It's a fun bike to ride but currently out of service due to it needing a clutch.

Ive got an rd350, too. Fun bike

Looks like a nice survivor Dave.  '74 right?

[Robbo]

My ‘73 RD250



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stev-o]

My ‘73 RD250

Sweet!  Does your dog ride with you?!

[Robbo]

My ‘73 RD250

Sweet!  Does your dog ride with you?!

If only I had a sidecar Stev-o


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[emlupi]

Nice bikes, Robbo. Lovin’ the RD.

[02z06dave]

Here's my little "Giant Killer"!    It's a fun bike to ride but currently out of service due to it needing a clutch.

Ive got an rd350, too. Fun bike

Looks like a nice survivor Dave.  '74 right?

Yep, 74. The engine has been totally rebuilt. The rest could use some freshening up as well

[ken65]

A mate gave me this a month ago. 73  350 engine in a 74 frame.
Lots missing so will make a TD/TZ race replica out of it.

[ken65]

other side i did today, slowly but surely.