Market Position:
The FZX700 Fazer was Yamaha's attempt to carve out a niche in the sport-touring segment of the mid-1980s motorcycle market, offering a blend of performance and comfort. It was positioned as a more stylish and performance-oriented alternative to traditional UJMs (Universal Japanese Motorcycles) in its class.
Target Audience:
Riders looking for a reliable, versatile motorcycle for commuting, touring, and spirited riding, with an emphasis on ease of maintenance due to shaft drive.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against bikes like the Honda CB750F, Kawasaki GPz750, and Suzuki GS750/GSX750 models, offering a unique inline-four engine and distinctive styling. Its shaft drive was a key differentiator for maintenance-averse riders.
Key Features:
Liquid-cooled inline-four engine, shaft drive, distinctive Fazer styling with integrated fairing, comfortable riding position for sport-touring.
Coverage Areas:
Complete mechanical and electrical systems
Page Count:
Estimated 400-500 pages (typical for this era's factory manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Features:
Clickable index for easy navigation, printable pages
Systems Covered:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, electrical system, charging system, starting system, transmission, clutch, drivetrain, suspension, steering, braking system, wheels and tires, frame, bodywork, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, specifications.
Chassis Components:
Frame, forks, rear shock, swingarm, steering bearings, wheels, brakes, fuel tank, seat, body panels.
Procedures Included:
Regular maintenance checks and adjustments, engine disassembly and reassembly, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, fuel pump diagnosis, cooling system flushing and repair, oil change and filter replacement, ignition system troubleshooting and component replacement, electrical system wiring diagrams and fault finding, transmission inspection and repair, clutch service, final drive inspection, suspension fork service and rear shock absorber replacement, brake caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, frame inspection, body panel removal and installation.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostics for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance tasks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete, color-coded electrical wiring diagrams
File Format:
Searchable PDF with clickable index
Compatibility:
Compatible with most PDF readers on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
Print Quality:
High resolution scans for clear diagrams and text
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, inline-four
Displacement:
698 cc (cc)
Bore X Stroke:
67.0 mm x 48.8 mm (mm x mm)
Fuel Induction:
Four 30 mm Mikuni carburetors (VM30)
Ignition System:
Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling Method:
Liquid cooling
Engine Layout:
Inline-four cylinder, transverse orientation
Horsepower Claimed:
Approx. 85 PS @ 9,500 rpm (variable by market and specific tuning)
Torque Claimed:
Approx. 6.5 kg-m @ 7,500 rpm (variable by market and specific tuning)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
16.0 liters (4.2 US gal)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles of this era did not have standardized crash ratings like automobiles)
Active Features:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake, responsive suspension.
Passive Features:
Steel frame, rider protection integrated into fairing design.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Check:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km); clean or replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km).
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Inspect and lubricate every 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
Clutch Fluid Check:
Inspect brake fluid level and condition every 6,000 miles (10,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (SAE 10W-40) or equivalent motorcycle-specific API SG or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.4 liters with filter change
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 liters
Known Issues:
Carburetor synchronization and cleaning due to age, potential for aging electrical connectors and wiring, shaft drive spline wear if not properly maintained, stator failure leading to charging issues. Fuel pump diaphragm degradation is also a common issue.
Common Repair:
Rebuilding carburetors, replacing fuel pump diaphragm, checking and cleaning electrical grounds, inspecting and potentially replacing charging system components (stator, regulator/rectifier).
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Some models may experience wear on the automatic cam chain tensioner, leading to rattling noise.
Brand Heritage:
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for innovation and performance in the motorcycle industry, dating back to the 1950s. They are known for their musical instrument heritage as well, which influenced their early engineering approaches.
Model Evolution:
The FZX700 Fazer was part of Yamaha's strategy to introduce diverse models. It shared its engine with the XJ700 Maxim and XJ700 Seca, but featured a unique chassis and styling package, including a distinctive half-fairing that gave it a more modern, integrated look for the time.
Production Years:
1986-1987 (North American market focus)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
