New Rider With A Taste for Classics (FZ750 genesis)

So, I finally convinced the ladies in my life that a motorcycle is necessary for true happiness. Haha, they took a little longer than I had hoped. Anyway, I final found a classic in good shape for the price. I only paid a grand for her. Couple issues I’m having with the machine. Bike is titled as a 1987 Yamaha FZ 750, but I never find the model under that year. I do not have a service manual or owners manual to solidify one way or the other. Maybe their are other ways to identify the proper year. Also the throttle is slow to close after release, I think there is a minor bend in the handlebar causing this as I have already replaced the faulty cable. Any other ideas? Any websites someone can recommend for FZ parts or good aftermarket handlebars? Not sure of the OEM measurements or how to take them. (true motorcycle freshmen)

Any help anyone can give on any matter mentioned or not would be awesome. Any ideas to make a FZ super clean, I plan on riding sans fairings. Very minimalist.

 

To The Hilt,

Cody

3 thoughts on “New Rider With A Taste for Classics (FZ750 genesis)”

  1. Scott Kucera says:

    Welcome, Cody! From what I’ve read, if you’re in the US then there was a small chance that you have a real 1987 FZ750. Yamaha listed it for sale in the US but with the “Harley tariff” raising the price quite a bit over the FZ700. I think it had the FZ700’s full fairing, but it kept the more adjustable rear shock that the previous years’ FZ750 models had that the FZ700 lost.

    The slow throttle return may be from a throttle hand grip that is 5mm too long for the twist sleeve. If it is too long, it rubs against the spin-on vibration dampener at the end of the handlebar. You can test that theory by rolling the outer end of the rubber hand grip up so it doesn’t drag, and then twist it and see if it returns quickly. If that confirms it, you need to look for a set of rubber grips that is the correct length for your twist sleeve. They’re available in multiple lengths, so be choosy.

    The handiest web site I’ve found most of my FZ parts on is eBay, usually from salvage yards parting out old FZ’s. If you find any good sites with parts, please post them here.

    Oh, if you’re planning on riding without your fairings, please keep them in good shape for guys like me looking to restore the original fairings. 😉

    Scott

    • Cody says:

      Thanks for the great information Scott. Wow, my bike could have been part of a tariff war, thats cool. I will definitely check the handgrips and the dampener. As for the battle with parts, Ebay why didn’t I think of that.
      The fairings were nearly garbage when I purchased the bike puncture cracks and other scars. I was pretty upset to see that mis-care, believe me if the fairings were in better condition I’d bolt them on and enjoy a classic.
      Thanks for the warm welcome, and enjoy the day

      To The Hilt,
      Cody