Yamaha FZR600r

[JimJam]

Has anyone got any opinions on the 1998 Yamaha FZR 600r? Can get one for £1000 with 40k miles on. Any info about the bike seems to be from the very early noughties, when the bike would of been less than a decade old.

The bike's just going to be used for fairly short journeys when the suns shining but also the odd 250mile trip maybe once every couple months with some luggage. Is it worth saving up another 500-800 quid to get a tidy thundercat/cbr600f?

I've owned a 1998 thundercat. Whats the riding position, reliability etc. like compared to that?

It's like this but the black/orange sort of colour:


https://www.bennetts.co.uk/-/media/bikesocial/2018-january-images-2/gbu-fzrs/yamaha-fzr-600-gbu-good-s-l1600.ashx?h=444&w=740&la=en&hash=660AF7407593704DD60C0F39CB570A0C77D6EA65

(Yeah I'm okay with the 90's vibe on these colours schemes )

Thanks!

[weasley]

If you’ve owned a Thundercat you’ve mostly covered it, since the Thundercat was essentially an FZR with a new dress and better brakes.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[JimJam]

Thanks, might go for it since I weirdly prefer the older boxier styling. Looks different. Deffo seems to be a discount on these compared to thundercats etc.. Maybe because they look so dated.

[boundy]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=330558

I sold this in the summer for £1875

How are prices now?

Not worth stretching the budget for something a bit newer with better miles?

[JimJam]

Yeah after mulling it over I am thinking of stretching the budget. CBR’s like that are fetching a little bit more at the moment, unless you get lucky. Some crazy dealers are selling them for over 2500... used prices are a bit silly at the moment tbh

[Irezumi]

I'd be looking for newer bikes than that. A slightly downgeared ZX6R J1 is a great all round bike which can be had cheap-ish.

If this only needs doing what is said in the ad and you're ok with some spanners and can get a van/trailer it looks a good deal. I'd wager it would need some other things such as fluid change, plugs, etc.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/honda/cbr600f/7734335/

[SW Motech Shop UK]

I had an ex Cadwell race school bike back in the late 90's and it was a decent track bike. Sticky tyres was all it needed. Fast enough for most. Good bike for the money.
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https://www.motorcycle-road-and-race.co.uk and https://www.sw-motech-shop.co.uk/ and https://www.motorcycle-luggage.co.uk/

[jeffyjeff]

I've practically built my motorcycling career on buying old garage queens and restoring them to roadworthy condition (at least for the last 20 years or so). I would not hesitate for a second to purchase a 1998 era bike, but there are a few things you should keep in mind if you plan to do that.

1. 40,000 miles is nothing for a bike like the FZR 600R. Don't let the miles put you off; unless it has been abused, that bike has a lot left in it.
2. Older bikes like the '98 FZR are never turnkey. Plan on giving it the attention it deserves or pass on it. At minimum, I would change all fluids (don't forget brake and clutch fluid), grease the swingarm bushings and steering head bearing.
3. Examine the bike before you buy, noting consumable parts that are showing wear. You might be able to negotiate a lower price depending on what is needed.
4. Anticipate a thousand pounds for brake pads, chain/sprockets, tires, fluids, and miscellaneous parts. If you spend less, good on you.
5. EDIT: Suspension upgrades can cause the cost of reconditioning an older bike to skyrocket. Might be a deal killer.

Even if you decide to pass on the FZR for a newer bike, it is unlikely that you will escape the need for at least some maintenance or upgrade. This be true especially if you purchase in a private sale.
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC