The lil Exup that wasn't....

[Str8 Jacket]

Well seeing as everyones asking I thought id finally get myself into gear and do a little write-up on my newish bike. As most of you are probably aware I bought an 88 FZR400..... Got the bike back from the shop 2-3 weeks ago. Damn thing has so far cost me $500+ and I still need to fix the electrics but at the moment she's running a HEAP load better!
Id been having strong reservations about riding too far out of Wellys on the FZR after the funerals. The death of Uncle B has hit me hard and even now im too scared to attempt the Rimutakas again for awhile. If it wasnt for Bruce I would never have ridden over that hill again after I wrote my first bike off. But Ive kind of decided that Bruce would be angry at me if I didnt ride at all so I figure baby steps at the moment....
Last weekend I rode over Piecock to Paraparaumu and was amazed at how easy this bike was to turn and how smooth it is. With the KR I almost had to throw it around some corners but the FZR just kind of glides. I found myself just pushing the bar a teensy bit and around she went. On the downside it almost turns in to quickly but im getting there and am sure i'll have it lent over in good time!
What I love most about this bike is that although my body is being blown all over the place the bike itself is steady and stable as! AND I dont have to drop down gears to get the power back! Im getting used to the size of the FZR but I still really really miss the KR! What I also love about the 4 stroke is that the power almost seems more "constant" (for want of a better word!) For instance coming up over a hill at one point the bike could easily do over licence losing speeds without dropping down a gear and only be revving at 8-9000 revs so it could easily go a bit faster again!
I never realised how much different 2 strokes were to ride. Im finding that im only just sorting out how to change gears smoothly and the engine braking has almost caught me out a couple of times too, doh!
I like the fact the bike is alot bigger as it actually feels like im riding something, sometimes with the KR I could hardly notice that there was a bike there at all! The FZR commands more respect and boy does it get it. I am so scared of what I think this bike can do Im gonna save the "stupid shit" for Manfield just to see what she can really do. For now I can actually say im happy with my bike.
Went out for another little blat today. Went bover to Eastbourne and around and called into TSS top get a tail light bulb. One of the guys comes out and im telling all about my bike and was telling him that it was an Exup model, he took one look at it and said "No its not, someones been taking you for a ride".... I said "Yes it is the guy who sold this to me said so and he knows alot about bikes". He looked at me and said "Darl believe me its not". Then he went and got a couple of others guy's to cofirm what he said. They probably thought Stupid Woman! Man I just pissed myself laughing. I should have bloody known!

Ah well that's life!

[riffer]

Odd. As far as I know, the only FZR400 that wasn't EXUP was the original 1986, or 1WG model.

Here's the specs:

Model Year Code Initial Engine # Finishing Engine #
FZR400 1986 1WG 1WG-000101 1WG-035000
FZR400 RSP EXUP 1987 2TK 1WG-035101 1WG-043000
FZR400 EXUP 1988 3EN1 1WG-043101 1WG-080000
FZR400R EXUP 1989 3EN2 1WG-080101 Unknown
FZR400RR EXUP 1989 3TJ1 1TJ-111101 1TJ-141000
FZR400RRSP EXUP 1990 3TJ2 1TJ-141101 1TJ-152000
FZR400RRSP EXUP 1992 3TJ6 1TJ-152101 1TJ-154000
FZR400RRSP EXUP 1994 3TJ7 1TJ-154101

[Str8 Jacket]

Its not an exup model. They checked it out....

[riffer]

Do you mean it's a different model from listed here, or that it has had the EXUP valve removed? What's your engine number?

[James Deuce]

Which means it's an '86.

[riffer]

my thoughts exactly, oh observant one.

[Str8 Jacket]

Which means it's an '86.


Most likely... Funny cause it was sold to me as an 89 model.....
It says on the rego sticker 88 but we're beginning to think that it is an 86.

No worries though cause its going brilliantly now anyway! I definately dont require anymore speed than I already have!

[kiwifruit]

thats disappointing :(

[riffer]

Hey Helen - have a look at this page (http://www.geocities.com/koping/fzr400hist.html) and tell me - which year does yours most look like? Look at the seat - on the 88 it goes up the tank - on the 86 it doesn't. Also, the 88 has the forced air intake tubes (hence FAI) - the 86 doesn't

Remember, the rego may say its a 1988, but that could have been when it was first registered. According to my rego I ride a 1996 RF900R, but its actually a late 94/early 95 model.

[Str8 Jacket]

thats disappointing :(

This bike was clouded in dissapointment... But after the recent events Ive decided that there's no pointg stressing. At least im alive and well (enough) AND I still have a bike that goes!

Like I say, lifes to short. Lesson learnt!

[crashe]

Riffer - Wow a different type of seat for every year......

Now this should be the telling feature as to what year the bike is....





When I saw the bike I thought 'Fark she is gonna have a sore arse riding that all the way to Wellington.....'

[James Deuce]

She doesn't weigh anything crashe.

Falls off her chair when someone opens a window on the other side of the room.

Difficult to get pressure points when there's no pressure.

[Str8 Jacket]

When I saw the bike I thought 'Fark she is gonna have a sore arse riding that all the way to Wellington.....'

Ah yes, the only feature of this bike that I absolutely dislike! My arse was aching by the time I got to Taupo and by the time that I made it to Wgtn I could hardly walk. Do you reckon I could get off a ticket by saying I was speeding so that I could reach my destination without a sore botty?....

[Str8 Jacket]

She doesn't weigh anything crashe.

Falls off her chair when someone opens a window on the other side of the room.

Difficult to get pressure points when there's no pressure.


Ah but I reckon a boney arse would get sore before a "cushioned" one would...

[James Deuce]

Mine must be freaking bony then. I've GOT to do something about the seat on the Z. I'm only lasting about 40 minutes now.

[crashe]

She doesn't weigh anything crashe.

Falls off her chair when someone opens a window on the other side of the room.

Difficult to get pressure points when there's no pressure.




Hahahahaha......

But the seat wasnt that thick.............

I guess cos my seat is so comfy..... that I figure anyone riding a long distance on a very thin seat would end up with a very sore arse....... :whistle:


So if she blows over that lightly, hell the hell does she stand up to the Wellington wind.......

Sorry, Str8 Jacket for talking about you as thou you aint here.... especially when we know that you are..... :rofl:

[Str8 Jacket]

No one stands to well in Wgtn wind!!

As for my seat im seriously considering covering it in Sheepskin or something for when I ride up to Kerikeri. we could get matching ones if you like Jim? :p

[Paul in NZ]

No one stands to well in Wgtn wind!!

As for my seat im seriously considering covering it in Sheepskin or something for when I ride up to Kerikeri. we could get matching ones if you like Jim? :p

Go to the sallies and get a used one for like $8 and you should get 2 covers out of it. Try to get a short thick one (like me) that they use for changing babies on. makes a difference.

[Paul in NZ]

Mine must be freaking bony then. I've GOT to do something about the seat on the Z. I'm only lasting about 40 minutes now.


OFFS - is there anything on that bloody bike you havn't freakin' changed or is this the last thing still made by Kawasaki?

[merv]

Nice one Hels, hope you enjoyed your ride today. We went over the 'takas as planned but without you and it was just a bit windy coming back and I've just got home. It was funny riding to Martinborough this morning with the bike going the same speed as the wind - kinda eerie smooth.

You picked your bike up from Frosty - I'm hoping he had nothing to do with the sale because he wouldn't have given you so much misinformation would he.

[Str8 Jacket]

Nice one Hels, hope you enjoyed your ride today. We went over the 'takas as planned but without you and it was just a bit windy coming back and I've just got home. It was funny riding to Martinborough this morning with the bike going the same speed as the wind - kinda eerie smooth.

You picked your bike up from Frosty - I'm hoping he had nothing to do with the sale because he wouldn't have given you so much misinformation would he.

Nice one, kind of know what you mean about the wind as well.... :)

As for the sale of the bike Im over that now as the bikes running well, just wish my bank balance was too so that I could have been with Glenn down South for NYE. I just feel like an idiot as the shop where all the work was done on it had said to me that it wasnt an Exup and I said they were wrong and now another shop tells me the same today. Felt like a right dick! Hopefully I wont be known as "that idiot" when I walk into the shop(s) from now on! lol

[Str8 Jacket]

Go to the sallies and get a used one for like $8 and you should get 2 covers out of it. Try to get a short thick one (like me) that they use for changing babies on. makes a difference.

Cheers Paul! Im pretty sure that Glenn wont want to park his bike next to mine, or ride it again but that could be a GOOD thing! :yes:

[davereid]

Ive got the exup model - not sure if it helps or not ! It needs "unsticking" from time to time, as it gets dirty and stops moving. I've disconnected it and manually put the valve in both open and closed positions and experimented with the performance. Its got a better spread of power with the exups valve, but it still seems to need zillions of rpm to really go for it. I think I'm spoiled by the HD which just has oodles of torque at 1500 rpm.

Once you wring its neck, the FZR really hums, it exhilarating to ride and you are dead right - they handle soooo well.

[Str8 Jacket]

Ive got the exup model - not sure if it helps or not ! It needs "unsticking" from time to time, as it gets dirty and stops moving. I've disconnected it and manually put the valve in both open and closed positions and experimented with the performance. Its got a better spread of power with the exups valve, but it still seems to need zillions of rpm to really go for it. I think I'm spoiled by the HD which just has oodles of torque at 1500 rpm.

Once you wring its neck, the FZR really hums, it exhilarating to ride and you are dead right - they handle soooo well.

Apparently mine doesnt have and loks like it never did have the exup valve in it. Mine only revs out to 13 or 14! But you're right they are a great lil bike and im really starting to enjoy it! Is it normal to get a higher-pitched type of whining like noise when its revving higher?

[Colapop]

No one stands to well in Wgtn wind!!

I've never had a problem! It doesn't get windy in Welly anyway - I think it's only ever got as bad as a "slight breeze"

Sounds like you're getting the bike to where you'd like it to be. And now that it's going better, it's getting you where you want to be...

[Str8 Jacket]

I've never had a problem! It doesn't get windy in Welly anyway - I think it's only ever got as bad as a "slight breeze"

Sounds like you're getting the bike to where you'd like it to be. And now that it's going better, it's getting you where you want to be...

Yes, but you're a bloody Giant!

And no Col, it would appear that I no longer require you to come over before work and push it up the driveway so that I can crash start it anymore. It has 4 brand new plugs and a new battery. Thankyou very much for doing so though!!!! BTW, I am touching wood right now. I'd hate to jinx it!

[davereid]

Not quite sure what you mean by a whining noise - mine certainly screams !

I also find mines a bit flat through the midrange, then pulls arms out of sockets from 13000 rpm till I close my eyes in fear !

[Colapop]

...BTW, I am touching wood right now...
Are you sure? Coz I can come over to "push your bike" again if you need me to - I know G is away...

[Str8 Jacket]

Not quite sure what you mean by a whining noise - mine certainly screams !

I also find mines a bit flat through the midrange, then pulls arms out of sockets from 13000 rpm till I close my eyes in fear !

If you mean it literally screams then yeah, thats what mine does in around 4th gear mid to high revs upwards...

I find I have a flat spot in 4th gear mid rangish. Its quite noticable but not that bad....

[Str8 Jacket]

Are you sure? Coz I can come over to "push your bike" again if you need me to - I know G is away...

:cry: :cry: :o Dont make me go all emotional like again.....




EDIT, if you want to I suppose you could bring me over half a doz of Macs Copperhop Ales's....

[Colapop]

I have that effect on women... They usually cry when I try and flirt... :sick:

[MacD]

Remember, the rego may say its a 1988, but that could have been when it was first registered. According to my rego I ride a 1996 RF900R, but its actually a late 94/early 95 model.

My RF900 is exactly the same, made in 94, but an S model ('95 model year), and first registered in 1996. I guess they bounced around the world a bit before making it to NZ?

[Str8 Jacket]

I have that effect on women... They usually cry when I try and flirt... :sick:

NO its not that. The kind people at AA say I depend on beer, I suppose they're right. Id hate to dissapoint them, thats all.....

[merv]

Hels four strokes are like that with their cam chains and then the primary drive gears and stuff like that whine as well - unless its a really ghastly noise its quite normal. If you had a VFR like mine or even the 400 versions they sound even more like whining sewing machines because of their gear driven cams.

Hey you are definitely not an idiot because you bought it on the information you were given.

I haven't never owned an Exup but presumed it was aimed at giving the bike more midrange while still having a good topend. If you are happy with the power and if it pulls well through the rev range then no worries. Have fun and enjoy your trip up North. Hopefully I'll see you on a ride sometime once I'm back from Aus.


Col you too I still haven't been on a ride with you either.

[Colapop]

The kind people at AA

You know where my wife works...? She's been a pisshead this holiday break too!

[Str8 Jacket]

Hels four strokes are like that with their cam chains and then the primary drive gears and stuff like that whine as well - unless its a really ghastly noise its quite normal. If you had a VFR like mine or even the 400 versions they sound even more like whining sewing machines because of their gear driven cams.


Man, I still reckon that 2 strokes were easier in some way. They were simple, basic and mine was never thrashed too much so it never needed too much attention or $$. I wish id never sold the KR!

[Ixion]

Don't forget, you've got to CHANGE the oil on this. AND replace the oil filter.AND you can get failed a WoF it it smokes.

[Str8 Jacket]

Don't forget, you've got to CHANGE the oil on this. AND replace the oil filter.AND you can get failed a WoF it it smokes.

lol and to think people bag thje smelly lil things!!

[davereid]

And it needs four really tricky to replace spark plugs, lets not forget the almost impossible to adjust valve clearances, the balancing of 4 carbs....

I love my two strokes too !

30% lighter
No valves to adjust
More power per CC
cheaper to make

I spent xmas with a buddy who is a commercial fisherman. Last year he moved to 4 stroke outboard on his puddlejumper. Kept telling me how quiet it was and how fuel efficient. Now he says he will get a 2 stroke next time. Less maintenance and more reliable. only down side smoky and fuel inefficient.

P.S. if i catch you on a ride take my exup for a ride, I'd like to know how it compares. It is getting a repaint next week - a RED FZR is coming...

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Hiya Hels, glad to hear you're finally enjoying your Fizzer. I have the 1WG model (1988) and it redlines at 14k. I know what you mean about corners. Mine goes round like them like its on rails, just think about where you want to go and presto its done. I love it. But you're right about the seat, its torture after an hour or so. Make sure you balance your carbs, fizzers seem a bit tempremental about it. It's only a 1/2 hour job. Have a great New Year !

[scracha]

[QUOTE=riffer;876550]Hey Helen - have a look at this page (http://www.geocities.com/koping/fzr400hist.html) and tell me - which year does yours most look like? Look at the seat - on the 88 it goes up the tank - on the 86 it doesn't. Also, the 88 has the forced air intake tubes (hence FAI) - the 86 doesn't
/QUOTE]

Had an 85 naked one with magnesium rocker and clutch covers. Nice bike. Tappets too so easy to service (well...as easy as miniscule 16 valvers go).

[FROSTY]

when checking if a bike is or isnt exup--start at the MUFFLER--see if the can has EXUP on it --thats a hint It might be exup.
follow the pipe down to about the middle of the underside of the bike -before it splits off into the headers--there will be a solid box shape --thats the exup unit.
The guys that laughed should have looked a bit closer at the bike
asd for the age of the bike--what was the year of first registration on the papers and the rego sticker? usually that gives a pretty good idea as to the year of the bike

[Paul in NZ]

what was the year of first registration on the papers and the rego sticker? usually that gives a pretty good idea as to the year of the bike

Unless it was a left over bike unsold in the year it was intended Frosty. Seen that a time or two - often an honest mistake at the rego place but usually only a year out. The other thing is if it's a used Jap import and the original importer was less honest about its age..... It happens sometimes. I wouldn't know a 85 from an 89 so what hope would the rego person have??

[Str8 Jacket]

when checking if a bike is or isnt exup--start at the MUFFLER--see if the can has EXUP on it --thats a hint It might be exup.
follow the pipe down to about the middle of the underside of the bike -before it splits off into the headers--there will be a solid box shape --thats the exup unit.
The guys that laughed should have looked a bit closer at the bike
asd for the age of the bike--what was the year of first registration on the papers and the rego sticker? usually that gives a pretty good idea as to the year of the bike

Hmm, im not to sure what to think. I mean in theh ad for the bike it did say that it had an Aftermarket muffler....


"This bike is in immaculate condition with new tyres and a quality after market muffler. It riuns really well and is a great step up from a 250"

Im no mechanic so im going by what I was told. I dont really care either way anymore. The bike is now going really well and I am finally enjoying it.

[Bonez]

Im no mechanic so im going by what I was told. I dont really care either way anymore. The bike is now going really well and I am finally enjoying it.
That is all that really matters. EXUP sounds so much like hiccup anyway don't you think?

[crash harry]

Apparently mine doesnt have and loks like it never did have the exup valve in it. Mine only revs out to 13 or 14! But you're right they are a great lil bike and im really starting to enjoy it! Is it normal to get a higher-pitched type of whining like noise when its revving higher?

Hmmm... used to ride an exup model which had had the vavle disabled when we first got it. It was pretty cool then, but once we got the exup valve working again it was a different bike - loads more torque. If yours doesn't rev out to redline I would suggest that it's been dicked with, give it a birthday and slap a dynojet kit in it. That was the other big change we made to ours, and it made a hell of a difference.

The early 1WGs didn't have the exup on them I think, but ours was an 89 1WG and it definitely did, so I dunno.

[Str8 Jacket]

The early 1WGs didn't have the exup on them I think, but ours was an 89 1WG and it definitely did, so I dunno.

Yeah, thats what I was told. Mines apparently an 86 - 88....

[TonyB]

Hey Helen - have a look at this page (http://www.geocities.com/koping/fzr400hist.html) and tell me - which year does yours most look like?
Hey that brings back some memories! My second bike was the 84 FZ400R- though mine had full fairings, exact same paint scheme though. Wasn't a bad wee bike- much quicker steering than the RZ250 I had before it. I learnt about the importance of adjusting valve clearances with that bike.... the hard way.