Newbie FZR 400 with my first Yamaha!

[speed1969racer]

Hello everyone!

I was looking for a long time searching on craigslist for a RZ350 for under $3k but came across this super clean 37k mile FZR 400 and just had to add it to my garage! I have only owned Kawasaki's but now officially a Yamaha owner!



I am impressed so far with the size of the bike and looking to go through the bike as it was sitting for the last 10+ years in a garage after the previous owner went through the bike and fixed some issues.

I am a big guy at 6'4", but I make every bike look like a toy motorcycle but being a guy who has had heavier sport bikes I am looking forward to going back to a much lighter bike so that when I go canyon cruising in the west or make it out to a race track I will be able to throw this bike around.

Looks like I need to do a couple of things to get it "ROAD READY"

1) The front seals and forks seem really SOFT or seals worn out but then again I am 225 lbs. What have heavier riders or people done to stiffen up the front ( heavier fork oils, spring rates, etc? ) or a easy way to test the forks seals/ rebound rates?



2) I noticed cleaning the rear shock the bump stop( I assume that what it was conical cone tan colored) was deteriorated so I assume it was the original shock that might also need replacing. Any good ways to test the spring rates or if the shock is bad? I don't see any oils leaking but then again it was sitting for a VERY VERY long time.

QUESTIONS:

- I plan to take this bike with my RV and head to the mountains in the west and run it on some curvy roads. Sometimes with my girlfriend, are there any issues taking a rider we would be combined about 375 lbs.

Had no issue with my GPZ 900 having a rider but didn't know what the "limits" were on this bike. Again my need is not to go on a "long" ride with her on the back of it but we do go an explore or take a ride to dinner on the road.



Looking forward to meeting everyone and figure out what I have!

BTW: Selling the all original stock clean 49k mile 1984 GPZ 900 in the picture I am located in Phoenix AZ.

Thanks,
Eric

[AussieFZR]

Hey Eric,

That"s a great find you got there, looks almost new! I have never owned a 400 but I do have an 89 FZR 600 which is very similar to the 400.
Regarding the front forks they are very soft from the factory so a few years ago I put in progressive rate springs, Heavier fork oil and 6 x 50c (aussie money) coins
in each fork. You can use some type of tube spacer if you want.

Since I'm doing a project bike though I have recently fitted a set of 08 R6 USD forks. Will have to wait till the build is finished to see how the ride is.

When It comes to doubling the poor Fizzer may struggle but I have noticed often its how well the pillion rides in tune with the rider that makes it a comfy ride or not.
I would suggest going on a short trip to try it out first.

I'm new to this forum too but welcome anyway . All the best with yr new machine, Steve.

[Evilchicken0]

It depends on your budget really. The cheaper way will be to change the oil and spacers at the front for thicker and then play around with spacer length / air gap. I reckon you'll need new springs - given your weight and a GF on the back - minimum
Really though I think a front end swap would be better, something with adjustable forks for riding, track days, and pillion duties.
You could go for a ThunderCat front end, these 41mm and adjustable, or the R6 RWU front end is 43mm and would be the better one to go for but you're looking at a sliding scale of money, RWU forks will keep it looking stock(ish).
Front end swaps will generally need the steering stem and a spacer pressed into the bottom yoke.

I doubt much can be done for the shock, once you get a new spring and mess about with it you'd do better to cut your losses and replace it. Not certain on these but a red spring R6 shock and replacement dog bones should go in with a bit of gentle modding. The biggest drawback will be the wheel size, it's a narrow 18 inch, which might be a bit odd with a 120 front (standard on the R6 / TCat). Over here you'd be pointed to a Foxeye / T'Cat / Trx rear end (swingarm wheel etc) this will give you a 160 profile tyre which is plenty for this bike. It will actually slow the handling from standard a bit.

Brakes, well if you have the front end swap you'll be using blue spot callipers and probably a later master cylinder so no problem there.

Pillion ... well lets hope the girl loves you now because she won't later. get the seat refurbished with extra padding and try to raise it too. You might have those pillion pegs that fit the standard hangers but are lowered, I saw them on ebay a while back, but probably for a FZR600. She might manage an hour to 90 mins (enough for a football match ) stand back once she gets off though. My wifey tends to swear a bit don't worry she can't use her legs for at least 10 mins, just stay out of range

[crj1968]

Man that's a nice bike. You find that in Reno by chance?

[gsxridiot]

real nice man!
looks unmolested, pretty rare find for sure
nice work
i sold my RZ for a 400
i really love the 2stroke but the handling on the 400 won me over

[SubyRS]

Nice 400! Cleaner than mine before I restored it.

Late topic post I know. As far as two up riding the 400 goes.....it depends on how your wife can handle the FZR's tiny block of a seat.
My 110 lb. wife has a tight hiney and it suits her just fine for ride durations of 50 miles or less at a time. I'm 170lbs. The 400's power seems good for the two of us and we've been over 105 mph together on it. It's not my first choice at all for two up riding but it is all I have at present until the house is done and there is money for a second bike.

I have a fresh rebuilt Fox twin clicker rear shock which handles the two up load very well. Up front I have gold Racetech emulators and springs installed with the recommended oil (don't remember weight off hand).

,..,.

[speed1969racer]

Cr1968, I got the bike local to Phoenix was sitting in the garage for quite a few years. SubyRS, I got the seat redone and the girly went on a rode last night although short ride she said it was fine.

I got the forks rebuilt and put progressive Springs in them and the steering/column bushing was shot as well.

I have been so blown away at this bikes handling and enjoyment, I decided to sell one of my other toys and just purchased today a super clean 1988 FZR400/600 out of Minnesota to give my stock FZR400 a companion in the garage. I think I will have the best of both worlds now!