Faults:

As with all bikes of this age, paint deterioration and plastics damage is normal, and parts seize (nuts etc).

The 1000 I got a few months back had been left sitting in a garden for nearly a year; cost £350, plus £20 for him to drop off.

Did all the usual checks; re bled the brakes, renewed the clutch, slave gaskets and the pads front and rear, and all the master cylinder gaskets as normal, due to the length of time standing. Checked everything, new Pirellis front and back.

The electrics have caused a few problems, but I've sorted them now, so everything works as it should. A good clean up and degrease, and it's looking good, but the body will need sorting.

Parts are easy enough to get, but some are very expensive.

It's got 33k on the clock, but I don't think it's been looked after well in the last few years.

Bit lumpy on start up, but OK when warm... carbs.

I think the exhaust is a stainless aftermarket, which is a good thing; the originals do tend to rot at the joints. If you've got the EXUP version with the power valve, then you're buggered; you could buy a small car for the price Yamaha charge for replacement body work. Certain other metal parts needed de-rusting and powder coating, but other than that, all OK.

But that's why I got it; I'm a sucker for these old bikes I think, and it must be my age, that they're far easier and more comfortable to ride than those more modern bikes, where you seem to sit right on top. I'm 5 10 and it's so nice to ride.

As with any older machine, care and regular checks and servicing will keep it going on and on and on.

General Comments:

Easy to turn and goes where you point it.

The standard front brakes are OK, but this ones got 6 pots from a later model on, so stops very quick.

Good riding position...

Better than these more modern bikes where you seem to sit right on top.. if that makes sense... And all your weight is on your wrists.

A lot of these that are about now seem to have been converted to a more upright riding position with straighter bars, but I don't find the normal position a problem.

Faults:

Nothing major, just needed a valve adjustment and a few new pieces of bodywork.

General Comments:

This is a very sweet ride. I'm 49 years old and have owned many bikes in my lifetime. The 1000 is one of the finest bikes I've owned.

Its brakes are outstanding for a heavy motorcycle. The brakes have excellent feel.

The power is good, and this motorcycle has plenty of top end speed.

I ride this machine all the time. I take long trips every year on this bike. It has never broken down on me, and I trust this bike with my life. It goes, it stops. This is a far better long distance bike than my R-1.

Faults:

Minor cosmetic wear, & the valve cover gasket started to leak. The clutch slave cylinder gaskets had a small leak as well.

General Comments:

A blast from the past, this bike is 15 years old & will hang with just about any stock 1000 out there.

Highly dependable & effortless to ride.

A few modifications & this bike is an absolute scorcher.

Buy it, ride it, love it. The FZR is an awesome bike.

Faults:

I'm a newbie to all this new computer gear, but my bike is very rapid with a 16 tooth front sprocket, which gave it the giddy up neddy it needed to keep with modern stuff.

It`s well put together for an old un; a bit like me; I'm 59 & still keep up with the young uns.

Recomended to anyone looking for a fast cheap superbike. Snake Byte UK brakes need a sort out though; R1 blue spot`s do the job with HH pad`s.