Yamaha 750 OW01 tops Shannons winter auction

While the classic and vintage bikes consigned for Shannons Winter Timed Online Auction sold well, a more modern creation outsold the lot in the form of a 1989 Yamaha FZR750R-R.

An homologation special created to challenge the Honda RC30 and Bimota YB4 in World Superbike competition, the FZR750R-R ‘OW01’ was based on the FZ750 platform, but added a bunch of race-spec parts, including titanium conrods, EXUP valves, flat slide 38mm Mikuni carbs and a raised compression ratio for the engine.

Other improvements included a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, Ohlins rear suspension, racing calipers on larger discs and higher quality aluminium for the Deltabox frame and swingarm. Aluminium and magnesium was used on selected other components, too.

The end result was a bike that weighed 187kg dry and produced an estimated 88kW and 69.6Nm (121hp and 51ft/lb), covered the quarter mile in 10.7 seconds and could reach a top speed close to 260km/h in road-legal trim. An optional race kit improved those numbers further.

With around 500 built to satisfy homologation requirements across 1989-1990, the FZR750R-R OW01 was always a rare unit. And with many bought by privateers to go racing, the attrition of competition has reduced numbers even further in the years since.

Increasing demand has turned the FZR750R-R into a true collector’s item in recent years, with good examples in the US selling for over US$25,000. The example consigned with Shannons was an Australian-delivered unit, in good overall condition and with low mileage, but as it was showing signs of age, wear and rust, a pre-auction estimate of only $15,000 - $20,000 was attached.

That estimate proved very conservative, as the FZR750R-R sold for $42,500 – more than $20,000 over its high estimate.

The result for the FZR750R-R was reflected in other motorcycle consignments, all of which either met or exceeded their pre-auction estimates. The next best sellers were a 1935 Panther Model 100 Redwing that sold $37,535 ($23,000 high estimate), 1974 Norton Commando 850 ‘John Player’ limited edition that sold for $35,500 ($28,000 high estimate) and a 1968 Norton Commando fastback that made $33,500 ($18,000 high estimate). Only one of the thirteen bikes consigned, a 1969 Ducati 250 Mk3, failed to meet its reserve and was passed in.

For further details, go to: shannons.com.au