Ultra Fz

ULTRA FZ

When project bikes get personal

"I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A perfectionist. Having something that everybody else has just doesn't interest me."

So says Jerry Lamb, owner of the tricked-out, 1986 Yamaha FZ750 you see here, a bike that does indeed appear to be flawless.

An auto detailer by trade, 28-year-old Lamb, from Huntington Beach, California, readily admits that his 18-month quest for two-wheeled perfection has had its down-sides.

“This motorcycle has taken up all my time,” he says. “Everything else has gone by the wayside, and I’ve lost a few friends. I definitely wouldn’t suggest that somebody tackle this kind of project unless they have a lot of time and a big bank account.”

Lamb’s own bank account has been lightened to the tune of about $ 10,000 by his customized FZ, including $ 1500 for the spectacular paint job, laid on by Scott Daugherty of Superbikes, the man responsible for the paint worn by Cycle Worlds Project Katana 750.

An example of Lamb's dedication is the fairing. His '86 model came with a half-fairing, but as soon as he saw the 1987 FZ’s fuller, engine-covering bodywork, Lamb had to have it. So he ordered the new fairing, only to find that Yamaha had altered the ’87 frame’s bolt-on front downtubes to accommodate the additional plastic. Lamb trekked back to the parts department with more cash in hand.

More money went into the wheels and brakes. Deeming the stock rims too narrow for proper sporting use, Lamb installed blue-anodized Mitchell wheels from Performance Machine, and then fitted that company's race quality brake calipers and 13inch front rotors.

A Calfab aluminum swingarm replaced the stock component, but not before it was highly polished, as were the shock linkage arms, the rear-brake carrier, the rearset foot controls and the centers of the front-brake rotors.

Progressive fork springs from Lockhart shored up the front suspension, while a Fox Twin Clicker shock firmed things up at the rear.

Engine modifications were carried out by Kurt Jordan of Jordan Engineering, and consisted mainly of fitting a Powersports 4-into-l exhaust pipe and rejetting the carburetors. As you might expect, Lamb wanted to do more, but his rapidly diminishing bank account wouldn’t let him.

“Another $3000, and I really could have done a job,” Lamb laments, though his search for flawlessness has him talking of commissioning a full-on Superbike-spec engine from Jordan in the near future. “Either I’ll put the full motor in it or I’ll sell it,” says Lamb, “and get on with the rest of my life.”

SUPPLIERS

Custom paint and pinstriping Superbikes 205 S. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 714/650-5214 Price: $1400

Exhaust system Kerker 7900 Deering Ave. Canoga Park, CA 91034 818/999-3060 Price: $399~95

Steel-braided brake lines Russell Performance Products RO. Box 6253 Carson, CA 90749 213/602-1202 Price: $88.12

Chain U.S. Tsubaki Inc. 18031 Cortney Ct. City of Industry, CA 91744 818/913-1344 Price: $105.31

Tires Metzeter P~O. Box C-34131 Seattle, WA 98124 206/348-4000 Price: $233.30

Windscreen Targa Accessories tnc. 23601 Ridge Route Dr. Building A Laguna Hills, CA 92653 800/521-7945 (in Calif., 714/472-1022) Price: $48.95