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1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis Overview
Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis is a sport motorcycle, displacing 989 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, 35° forward inclined transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.2:1. On the performance side, it delivers 135 hp @ 10000 rpm of peak power and 10.4 kgf-m @ 8500 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 256.6 km/h. On the road, the 1988 FZR 1000 Genesis tips the scales at 225 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 790 mm and spans a 1470 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 22.7 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. The full 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
1988 FZR 1000 Genesis - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: With 135 hp @ 10000 rpm and 10.4 kgf-m @ 8500 rpm of torque on tap, the FZR 1000 Genesis is no slouch for its class.
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Large fuel range: A 20-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Expect to spend more time keeping the carbs in tune, especially after long storage periods or a change in altitude.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
FZR 1000 Genesis's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.
Carburetor maintenance
Carburetors on the FZR 1000 Genesis need periodic attention - pilot jets and float needles are the first parts to gum up after the bike sits, and the first thing to check if idle or throttle response degrades.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2x 317 mm discs 4 piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The FZR 1000 Genesis's suspension runs 41mm Telescopic infinite preload adjustable at the front. The rear uses Monoshock infinite preload adjust. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The FZR 1000 Genesis uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Double cradle aluminium DELTABOX, the FZR 1000 Genesis's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
225 kg puts the FZR 1000 Genesis toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
FZR 1000 Genesis - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy FZR 1000 Genesis should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects a FZR 1000 Genesis's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Carburetor upkeep
Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored FZR 1000 Genesis - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.
1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis have?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis uses a Four stroke, 35° forward inclined transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder engine with 989 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis has a factory-quoted top speed of 256.6 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis weigh?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis weighs 225 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis make?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis produces 135 hp @ 10000 rpm of power and 10.4 kgf-m @ 8500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.
Is the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis suitable for shorter riders?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis has a seat height of 790 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis have?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis uses 2x 317 mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 264 mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis use?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis runs 120/70 VR17 front and 160/60 VR18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis have?
The 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis Spec Evolution
The Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis was produced across 2 model years (1987-1988). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1987 |
1988 |
| Suspension - Front |
41mm Telescopic infinite preload adjustable |
41mm Telescopic infinite preload adjustable. |
| Bore x Stroke |
75 x 56 mmMake Model |
75 x 56 mm |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 35° forward inclined transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder
Power
135 hp / 100.8 kW @ 10000 rpm
Torque
10.4 kgf-m / 102 Nm @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
256.6 km/h / 159.4 mph
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 4.5 gal
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Full 1988 Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis Specifications
Year
1988
Make Model
Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis
Seat Height
790 mm / 31.1 in
Wheelbase
1470 mm / 57.8 in
Ground Clearance
150 mm / 5.8 in
Height
1220 mm / 48.0 in
Length
2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width
730 mm / 28.7 in
Dry Weight
204 kg / 449.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 4.5 gal
Oil Capacity
3.7 Litres
Wet Weight
225 kg / 496 lbs
Displacement
989 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 35° forward inclined transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
75 x 56 mm
Compression Ratio
11.2:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption
15.8 km/lit
Fuel Induction
4x 37mm BDS Mikuni carburetors
Fuel Reserve
4.5 Litres / 1.02 gal
Ignition
Digital Transistor Controlled Ignition (Digital T.C.I.)
Oil Pump Type
Double-rotor trochoid
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet, multiplate disc, hydraulic
Final Drive
Chain, 532 'O'-ring type
Gear Ratios
1st 36/14(2.571) 2nd 32/18(1.778) 3rd 29/21 (1.381) 4th . 27/23(1.174) 5th 28/27(1.037)
Primary Drive Ratios
68/41 (1.659)
Secondary Drive Ratio
46/16 (2.875)
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Double cradle aluminium DELTABOX
Suspension - Front
41mm Telescopic infinite preload adjustable.
Suspension - Rear
Monoshock infinite preload adjust
Rake
24.6°
Steering Head Bearing Type
Taper roller
Trail
98 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front
130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in
Charging System
A.C. Generator Battery 12V i4Ah
Brakes - Front
2x 317 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 264 mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 VR17
Tyres - Rear
160/60 VR18
Wheels - Front
MT 3.50 x 17 (cast aluminium)
Wheels - Rear
MT 4.50 x 18 (cast aluminium)
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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