Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1986 Yamaha FZ750R 0U45, In The May Issue

Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1986 Yamaha FZ750R 0U45, In The May Issue

© 2020, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Categories:

Featured In the May 2020 Issue of Roadracing World:

     The mid-1980s were exciting times for the motorcycle industry. Honda and Yamaha were in a sales war, each trying to out-do the other, resulting in great technical advances finding their way to the dealer showrooms.

     “Transition” was the best description of the AMA road racing scene as it morphed from Formula One (a.k.a. F1, or GP-type) machines to street-based Superbikes. Good arguments could be made for both classes: An F1 Honda RS500 cost $26,000 and was complete and competitive; a street 750 cost about $4,600 and could need about $12,000 worth of factory kit parts, plus assembly, and may only last a couple of races. But the supply of F1 GP-style 500s was drying up and factories wanted to showcase their streetbikes on the racetrack, so 750 Superbikes prevailed! 

     In 1985, Yamaha stepped into both the sales war and the new era of road racing with the radical FZ750 …

—Historic Racebike Illustrations: 1986 Yamaha FZ750R 0U45, by Mick Ofield

1985 didn’t go Yamaha’s way, so the Iwata firm took aim at the 1986 Daytona 200. The factory built an incredibly special 0U45 FZ750R for the race, put an equally special Eddie Lawson on board, took pole and walked away to the win. It’s all in the May issue of Roadracing World! Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.

PREVIEW the May 2020 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world

Latest Posts

California Roadrace Association: Prince Wins At Buttonwillow

Prince Takes Dominant Win In California Roadrace Association Gold...

More About The Laguna Seca Noise Lawsuit Settlement

Details of the settlement in the lawsuit brought by...

Classic Track Day Cancels March 30 Event At Willow Springs

Yesterday's weather forecast seemed promising with a high temp...

Video: Canadian Superbike Champ Ben Young Visits “Gas On Bike Up” Podcast

This in-depth interview was shot with multi time Canadian...

Pirelli Named Series Partner For 2024 FIM Mini Cup USA Series

Pirelli Named Series Partner for 2024 FIM Mini Cup...