The Most Expensive Fzr

The Most Expensive FZR

ROUNDUP

DAVID EDWARDS

YOU CAN READ ABOUT Yamaha’s 1989 sportbikes elsewhere in this issue, but here’s one you can’t buy at the local dealership.

The FZR750R—to be sold in Europe, Australia and Canada—is fully street-legal, but no one really expects its mirrors and turnsignals to stay on for too long. Because, while its frame is identical to the new FZR1000 sportbike’s, the 750R’s solo-only seat, Ohlins rear shock and stainless-steel exhaust pipe speak loudly of racetrack intentions. And, if Yamaha’s claim of a 390-pound dry weight is correct, the R will be the lightest 750 yet from Japan.

Of course, if you really must have one, and are thinking of flying to Canada and bringing one back as hand luggage, be warned that the FZR750R is in very limited production, and, if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it.

We asked. The answer was $20,000.